Active with PFIF

How long have you been involved with the PFIF and what motivated you to get involved?

I've been involved with PFIF since April 2023, when I was elected to the weltwärts program steering committee as a volunteer representative. Before that, I had heard about PFIF at the preparatory and follow-up seminars for my weltwärts year 18/19. After I started studying politics, I felt the need not just to criticize and get angry, but to actively shape and change things. I also wanted to give something back, as I was incredibly grateful for all the experiences I was able to have during my year abroad. That's why the 2023 election appeal came in very handy.

What makes the PFIF special and what role does it play in the weltwärts program?

PFIF is the political voice of the weltwärts volunteers. What sets us apart is that we take a young and unbiased approach to issues and can formulate our position clearly at the decision-making level. In addition, we are not bound by fixed structures, but have a great deal of freedom to organize ourselves and work on topics that seem important and relevant to us. As the volunteers should be at the heart of a volunteer service, the PFIF has the role of a corrective in the Program Steering Committee (PSA) in order to keep the focus on them and bring in our perspective. One example of this is our work to ensure greater attention is paid to mental health and diversity among participants.

What specific tasks do you take on in your work at PFIF?

I currently take care of administrative tasks, in particular looking after the mailboxes and organizing the upcoming elections. I'm also involved in two future working groups that were set up by the PSA to make weltwärts fit for the future. At our weekly meetings, I occasionally take on the role of minute-taker or moderator. However, my main task is to attend the PSA meetings twice a year, prepare for the meetings and represent the volunteers' opinions in the best possible way. In addition, there are always coordination tasks to ensure a smooth exchange within the PFIF.

How much time do you invest in your commitment and how flexible is your involvement?

This varies greatly, but the basic rule is that each person only has to put in as much time as they can and want to. Personally, the time around the PSA is always the most intensive, as there are preparatory and follow-up meetings, among other things. The sessions themselves usually last around five hours. In a normal week, I invest about two hours in my commitment, but it can also be more if, for example, a working group meeting or another event is added. The flexibility makes it possible to combine involvement with other commitments.

What excites you most about your work at the PFIF? Or: What is the most important reason for you to join the PFIF?

I am most enthusiastic about working with many motivated and committed people who meet regularly and exchange ideas. Exchanging arguments and finding consensus is also a wonderful experience. I am also particularly motivated by the fact that weltwärts enables many people to have an intensive experience abroad that they might not otherwise be able to have due to their socio-cultural background. The PFIF is committed to this and the many other positive aspects of weltwärts. To make this service even better or to keep it going, we need people who are committed. Working in the PFIF is a great way to help shape positive change and to develop yourself further.

What result of your work at PFIF are you particularly proud of?

I wouldn't say that I've achieved much on my own, as most of it is teamwork. What I am a little proud of, however, is my clear stance in the PSA against efforts that threaten to exclude certain sections of young people through high financial demands. This clear position has helped to steer discussions in a fairer direction and we are now working together to find a fair solution for everyone.

Why is it worthwhile for alumni to become part of the PFIF?

The exchange with other alumni is incredibly enriching and motivating. It's also a great feeling to experience your own self-efficacy and creative potential. It's also worth taking a look at the following years: it would be great to use our experiences so that they can have even better and more intense experiences than we did. After all, we can turn our justified criticism into something positive and constructive - that not only puts us in a better mood, but also brings sustainable progress. 😊

And finally: What advice would you give to people who want to get involved in development policy?

Let's turn our justified criticism into something positive and empowering - that puts us in a much better mood and is also constructive. 😊