Political and social involvement
Voluntary work in the fields of sport and culture, for example, often involve direct support for other people. Socio-political involvement in parties, trade unions, and NGOs, meanwhile, enables people to help shape things on a strategic and political level. Here volunteering opens a door to intensive democratic participation. The major established organisations, however, are finding it increasingly difficult to get volunteers on board.
How engaged are young people in Germany?
The 14-24 age group has particular potential to engage in voluntary activities. It’s clear from their interest in voluntary work that young adults are willing to contribute to society. Germany’s Federal Volunteer Service was established in 2011. Open to all age groups, it complements the Voluntary Social Year scheme for adolescents and young adults that has been in place for more than 55 years. More than 31,000 federal volunteers were active in July 2025.
Do people from Germany also get involved in activities abroad?
It is also possible to volunteer abroad, for instance with the International Voluntary Service run by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens Senior citizens Senior citizens are not only growing older, but are healthier, fitter and more active than in the past. They are also economically better off: the over-60s hold almost a third of total purchasing power. The life style of the 50+ generation: almost one in two cares increasingly about fitness, health… Read more › , Women and Youth, the “Weltwärts” programme run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development or the “Kulturweit” voluntary service run by the German Commission for UNESCO in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office.
