Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freiwilligenagenturen (bagfa) e.V.

The Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freiwilligenagenturen (bagfa) e.V. is the nationwide umbrella and professional association of volunteer agencies in Germany. Based in Berlin and under the patronage of the Federal President, the bagfa serves exclusively and directly tax-privileged charitable purposes.

The vision of the bagfa is a society in which people engage voluntarily with joy and competence, participate responsibly, and have equal opportunities and possibilities for development, participation, and contribution. The bagfa promotes and strengthens the work of local volunteer agencies to support a civic society in which all people can contribute and participate[2][4].

• Consultation and Mediation: Volunteer agencies that are members of the bagfa advise and accompany volunteers as well as community-oriented organizations. They mediate between citizens who wish to engage and the corresponding placement sites[3].
• Training and Exchange: The bagfa organizes training sessions, workshops, theme days, and specialist conferences to promote quality development and exchange among volunteer agencies[2][4].
• Networking and Lobbying: Volunteer agencies build networks between clubs, organizations, and the municipality and engage in public relations and lobbying for voluntary engagement. They initiate projects, organize engagement fairs and volunteer days, and establish contacts with companies that support civic engagement[3].
• Quality Management: The bagfa supports volunteer agencies with its own quality management system to improve the quality of their work[2].

• Promotion of Civic Engagement: The bagfa advocates for greater recognition of engagement and engaged individuals and promotes the participation of all people in social life. They identify trends and potentials and can respond to developments to provide quick assistance even in crisis situations[3].