Did you know that you are one of more than 50.000 community members? And guess what? Our community keeps growing every day! The weltwärts Community is a hub for all those who have done a volunteer service - North-South or South-North, regardless of their sending organization or placement.
For the past 25 years, former international volunteers have come together at grenzenlos to drive change. Alumni engagement has played a key role in ensuring that weltwärts volunteers are well supported and thoroughly prepared before and after their service. The introduction of the South-North component was also actively co-designed by grenzenlos. Today, the association advocates for quality and critical volunteer services, transformative education, and the promotion of alumni engagement.
Now it's time to put our plans into action. Grenzenlos e.V. is tasked with driving forward the development of the community by providing information, organizing events and networking. “From all of us for all of us” is the motto here - if we are active together, we can achieve more. Because #TogetherIsMore.
Experience the power of a community where you can share your experiences, thoughts and challenges with others.
Find new opportunities to delve deeper into topics, gain qualifications and continue learning together.
Here you can use the collective treasure trove of experiences and contribute your own - for a community that inspires and motivates.
Take part in exciting projects and events or contribute your own ideas - whether on site or digitally, everyone will find their place here.
We strive for a just world where a good life is possible for everyone. As a community, we see ourselves as part of a network that works towards social justice, sustainability and transcultural understanding. The weltwärts community is a place where alumni can share their experiences and insights and together contribute to positive social change.
Different perspectives are not only welcomed, but are of vital significance to us. Openness, empathy and respect for different life realities and cultural backgrounds are our basis. Everyone is invited to contribute their own individual experiences and perspectives.
We foster a supportive and respectful environment. Listening to each other, sharing experiences and understanding the realities of others' lives fosters a community that strengthens us all.
Our actions are aligned towards the goal of creating sustainable structures and enabling fair opportunities. We sensitize our members to social challenges such as discrimination and work together for a fairer world.
Being part of this community means feeling empowered and connected - for the common journey and the issues that continue to accompany us. Involvement in the weltwärts community can be diverse and flexible. Whether as a listener, co-creator or leader - everyone can find a role here that suits their own capacities and can change again and again. Because we support each other. This way, the community remains a place that motivates and at the same time offers space for new ideas and initiatives.
Former South-North volunteers often don’t get the same chances for support, training, or networking as former North-South volunteers. We want to change that! That’s why grenzenlos is building a Community Fund – to give former South-North volunteers outside of Germany easy, no-stress access to funding for projects, training, and local community events. Every little bit helps. Join in and become part of a global community based on solidarity.
Are you a former South–North volunteer living outside Germany and looking to stay engaged after your volunteer service? Whether it’s launching your own project, taking part in a training, or hosting a community event in your region – the Community Fund tries to back you up.
With as little as €1 per month, you can join grenzenlos as a community member and support the initiatives, training, and networking of former South–North volunteers worldwide.
Become a member! ⟩The Worldwide-Network (WWN) is the digital platform that connects current and former volunteers from every corner of the world – spanning continents from Indonesia to Germany, Brazil, and across Africa. Do you find yourself asking questions like, "What comes after my voluntary service?" or "How can I make the most of my experiences?" These are common concerns for many. In our community, we have a wealth of experiences to share and learn from.
The various spaces in the WWN enable you to start projects, share resources, or simply engage in discussions on global topics with others. You’ll find regional spaces (e.g. Africa or Berlin), thematic spaces (e.g. on sustainability), and a job/internship board. These spaces are your areas to reflect on experiences and develop new ideas together.
If your journey after weltwärts has already taken you further, you can share your insights and knowledge with others in the WWN. In the "Paths after Voluntary Service" space, we support each other by sharing information and experiences on study programs, time abroad, career entry, or volunteering. Together, we inspire and encourage one another.
What’s next after your voluntary service? What options are there and what experiences have other alumni gained? Read more about paths after voluntary service here - and get inspired!
We are the grenzenlos e.V. team behind the weltwärts community.
We connect the community across Germany.
We are building a global community.
Bongani Justice Makhubela, former South-North volunteer, about the weltwärts community
The Community Shirt is more than just clothing – it’s a statement of solidarity. Order yours through the Support Trägt shop and show that you’re part of a global community. Every purchase contributes directly to the Community Fund.
grenzenlos e.V. partners with buch7, the social and sustainable bookshop. When you order via our link, part of the purchase price flows straight into the Community Fund.
Get wiser & support us⟩Verena Müller-Fried
Coordination, networking & communication
Amelie Makanzo
Events & Community-Building
Max Vyskubov
Development of fund & financing structure
Sonja Sassenberg
Communication, fund & structure development
Tomke Seidenzahl
Finance & Controlling
Helene Israel
Social Media
Pia (Region Ost)
pia.osten@grenzenlos.org
Jessy (Region Nord)
jessica.meier@bunteslernen.de
Magnus (NRW)
magnus.nrw@grenzenlos.org
Laura (Berlin)
laura.berlin@grenzenlos.org
Graciela (Peru, Kolumbien, Ecuador)
Graciela.peru@grenzenlos.org
Nataly (Bolivien, Argentinien, Chile, Brasilien)
Nataly.bolivia@grenzenlos.org
Enrique (Mexiko & Mittelamerika)
Enrique.mexico@grenzenlos.org
Obakeng (Südliches Afrika)
Obakeng.southafrica@grenzenlos.org
Charity (Ostafrika)
Charity.tanzania@grenzenlos.org
Niharika (Indien)
Niharika.india@grenzenlos.org
Do you have a specific question, want to get involved or just want to say hello? We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Want to stay up to date? Our newsletter informs you about current events, news and stories from the community.
Your path starts here. Find out now which commitment suits you best!
Brian Jeremiah is developing e-bikes in Uganda that make access to education, work, and healthcare possible for many. Through innovation, political engagement, and a clear vision, he is driving sustainable change forward.
Almost ten years ago, Elio joined weltwärts and went to western Ukraine. What began as a one-year volunteer service turned into long-term commitment: today Elio and a team organize creative summer camps for children in Berehove through the project KUMALA – with circus, art, theatre and music. In times of the ongoing Russian war of aggression, the camp has become more than a holiday activity: it is a living expression of solidarity.
In Arusha, Tanzania, former weltwärts volunteers and partner organizations from Kenya and Tanzania gathered in late January for a three-day Community Weekend. The goal? To share life after volunteering, reflect on shared challenges, and build a regional alumni network.
For six years, Woé zon loo has been making a real impact in Togo. Founded by Emily Wilbrand after her weltwärts volunteer year, the organization has raised around €250,000 and won multiple awards. But how did it all start—and how did she make it happen?
What began with a year in Germany as part of the weltwärts program developed into a vision for Graciela that continues to connect people across national borders to this day.
As a volunteer, Ngoc Anh traveled to Vietnam – the “Motherland” of her family. What began as a year of volunteer service became the starting point of a deeper journey into heritage, identity, and her artistic path.