Drive change
Do you want to take action and drive change? The weltwärts community and its networks offer you countless ways to get involved in social and ecological transformation and connect you with like-minded people to join forces with. We can achieve more together! Whether in projects, initiatives or political advocacy, you can bring your ideas to life and make an impact with others.
Grenzenlos e.V. – commitment that enriches
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. The association’s work is decentralised, so you can participate no matter where you live – in Germany or elsewhere. Weekly digital meetings provide space for exchange and coordination. Project work is flexibly coordinated within teams. Several in-person events take place in a year, like the upcoming community weekend! Grenzenlos is the association behind the weltwärts community! As an alumni organisation, we have taken on the task of initiating and supporting the development of this community.
The community’s ideas and initiatives were created at grenzenlos by alumni for alumni - and we are at the heart of it! If you would like to contribute to making our growth and collaboration a positive experience for all of us, get in touch with Grenzenlos!" In our political education work, we focus on critical and diverse perspectives on development-related topics and societal change. If you would like to co-create offers in this field and contribute your ideas, whether related to volunteer service or not: you’re very welcome to join anytime! Many former volunteers have implemented inspiring projects with grenzenlos. These include the review platform www.meinfreiwilligendienst.de, the Masala magazine, the initiative “weltwärts in Colour” and the Wandelfibel (Transformation Guide).
Undjetzt?! Conference – dream, act and create together
The undjetzt?! Conference is a week where we all come together to search for a good life for all. It was initiated by former volunteers to reflect on the experiences and big questions that a volunteer service brings with it. Today, it offers a space for everyone interested to exchange ideas and think together about how we can contribute to a fairer world through social-ecological transformation. Together we dream, envision, learn, experiment, discuss, and create. Undjetzt?! is a participatory camp - you are warmly invited to join and help shape the next undjetzt?! in summer 2026.
PFIF – Political Volunteer Representation
PFIF is also a part of grenzenlos! If you want to represent the interests of alumni in the development of weltwärts or bring in your perspective, then you should definitely take a closer look at PFIF.
Since returning, I have been very committed to human rights and I practice responsible consumption or at least I try to.
Arturo Gomez, former South-North volunteer
Start Your Own Project
The community is ready to support you! Many weltwärts volunteers have launched impressive projects, founded associations, and built networks after their return. Whether alone or in a team – here you will find the support you need to bring your dreams and aspirations to life.
Develop projects with an organization
Do you have a project idea and want to realize it together with an organization? Whether it’s about improving volunteer services or a personal cause - many organizations and alumni associations are open to new impulses. Contact an organization directly. Maybe you will soon be developing the idea together.
Connect with former volunteers and start a project together
Do you have an exciting project idea and are looking for collaborators? Or would you like to join an inspiring project? In the Worldwide Network (WWN), you will meet former volunteers with similar interests. Exchange ideas, develop visions, and implement your ideas together. Whether as an initiator or supporter. In the WWN, you will find the right community to take action.
Advising for your engagement
Are you still uncertain how and where you want to get involved after your voluntary service? Do you have a great idea for engagement and want to know where to get financial support? We will inform you about suitable funding opportunities. The “Mitmachzentrale” (Advisory and Networking Office for Development Activities) from Engagement Global is ready and happy to support and advise you.
NGOs and Initiatives
If you are passionate about freedom of movement, human rights, anti-racism, or social and climate justice, there are countless ways to get active – and the right connections to get started.
Engagement Platforms
Whether local or digital – find the engagement that fits you! The volunteer agency in your city, platforms like vostel, or apps like letsact offer a wide range of options. An overview of digital engagement platforms is available from DSEE.
To the platform⟩Critical Perspectives
You can also take a stand for social justice and human rights! Various Organizations such as Seebrücke or Amnesty International offer you the chance to advocate for a humanitarian and solidarity-based world.
Development Policy Organizations
Development policy engagement begins locally: The One World state networks (Eine Welt-Landesnetzwerke) provide central contact points to get involved. Additionally, VENRO offers an overview of German development policy organizations where you can contribute.
overview⟩Community Care
Not all engagement is organized or takes place in an association. Supporting your family, friends, and community also counts.
Social Media Ambassador
Use your voice to raise awareness for important topics! Share posts, create your own content, and make your network aware of injustices. Your online engagement can make a big impact.
Climate Movements
Stand up for the protection of our planet! Movements like Fridays for Future, Greenpeace, BUND, or Last Generation (Letzte Generation) welcome your support – whether at demonstrations, actions, or in projects.
Politics
Get politically involved! Many parties offer open meetings for new members. Alternatively, you can join think tanks like polis180 to exchange ideas on foreign and European policy.
Local Initiatives
Find out what’s happening in the city where you live and contribute your ideas. Together, you can implement projects or initiate political change.
University Groups
As a student, joining university groups focused on global and social justice is a powerful way to take action. Together, you can plan initiatives and be a catalyst for real change — your voice matters.
Global Learning
Use training opportunities in Global Learning to become a facilitator. As a facilitator, you can pass on knowledge and help others better understand the complexity of our interconnected world.
Find out more⟩Join us
Engagement in the weltwärts community can be diverse and flexible. Whether you join as a listener, co-creator, or take on a leadership role — everyone can find a place that suits their capacity and can evolve over time.
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