Call for Participation

Third Cohort

Deadline:

September 13, 2026

Open to people from Ukraine registered in Berlin and Brandenburg

For those eager to engage in their local communities

For those interested in implementing their own social project

For those seeking support and inspiration within a community

For those who want to strengthen their skills in project management and facilitation

About

Vidnova Plus Engagement is designed for adults from Ukraine who want to take an active role in community life in Berlin and Brandenburg.

The program helps you build meaningful connections, discover your place in the local community, and get involved in projects that matter. You can launch your own social project on a local level, or become a volunteer in an organization that reflects your interests in Berlin or Brandenburg.

The program provides practical tools for skill development and pairs you with a mentor who offers guidance throughout the process. It also nurtures a supportive community of people with shared experiences of displacement, migration, and language learning — creating space to exchange knowledge, grow together, and build lasting connections.

Deadline:

September 13, 2026

Vidnova Plus Engagement is created and implemented by Commit gGmbH and funded by the European Union.

Why Join?

Integration is more than adapting — it is about contributing, connecting, and shaping communities together.

 

Vidnova Plus Engagement helps you:

  • gain practical and personal skills for active community engagement,
  • learn how to navigate the German volunteering system,
  • develop your own project idea into an actionable plan,
  • build strong networks with peers, mentors, and local organizations.

How it works

Throughout the 4-month program, you will:

Explore your path

Start your own small project in the local community or become a volunteer in an organization

Develop skills

take part in training and workshops on project management, facilitation, organizational development, communication, and personal and social competencies.

Receive mentorship

— work with an experienced mentor who supports you at each stage of your journey.

Connect with others

join a community of people who
share experiences of displacement and migration, contribute to society, and exchange ideas at networking events.

Who can apply?

The program is open to adults (18+) who:

are from Ukraine and currently live and are registered in Berlin or Brandenburg,

hold §24 status or another residence permit in Germany (e.g., Blue Card, work visa),

want to implement their own small project in the local community or become a volunteer in an organization that reflects their interests in Berlin or Brandenburg,

want to gain or strengthen skills in project management, facilitation, and organizational development.

Vidnova Plus is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and equitable space where everyone can grow, engage, and lead. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, backgrounds, religions, abilities, ages, and socio-economic statuses.

Learn More Before Applying

On August 12, 2026 at 16:00

we are hosting a one-hour online info session where you can learn more about the program, ask your questions, and find out if Vidnova Plus Engagement is the right fit for you.

Register to receive the link

Program Journey

Third Cohort

September 2026 – January 2026

During the program, you will:

  • gain practical and personal skills for active community engagement,
  • learn how to navigate the German volunteering system,
  • develop your own project idea into an actionable plan,
  • build strong networks with peers, mentors, and local organizations.

Examples of Projects

🌱 Neighborhood groups improving their environment

🚴 Cycling meet-ups for newcomers and locals

🗣️ Language gatherings to practice German

🎙️An online platform to unite people based on shared interests

🤝 Skills exchange meet-ups

Roadmap and Dates

Kick-off Online Meeting

September 28, 2026
16:00
online
Meet the 25 participants of the program and create the first meaningful connections.

3-Day Offline Training

September 30–October 2, 2026
9:00–18:00
Berlin-Neukölln

From ideas to action — intensive training with experienced trainers in facilitation, project management, and social initiative development to create a personal plan for your 4-month Vidnova Engagement journey.

Individual Mentoring

October 2026–January 2027
3 sessions per person

Each participant is matched with a mentor for guidance and feedback.

Online Skill-Building Workshops

November 4–5, 2026
4 hours/day
online
January 13–14, 2026
4 hours/day
online

Focus on key competencies for engagement and volunteer
work in Berlin and Brandenburg. You will learn:

  • How to secure funding for your social or community initiatives in Berlin and Brandenburg.
  • Facilitation skills to confidently lead workshops, meetings, and group discussions.
  • Practical online tools for effective project management and team communication.
  • Communication and outreach strategies to help your social projects grow, engage supporters, and create lasting impact.

Peer-to-Peer Exchange

November 30, 2026
2 hours
Berlin-Mitte

Meet the 25 participants and other members of the Vidnova Plus community to exchange, in a peer-to-peer format, on important topics for people from Ukraine in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Vidnova Plus Dialogue

January 27, 2027
full day
Berlin

An event to find partners and like-minded people.

Vidnova Plus Dialogue provides Open Space sessions and moderated networking to guide you in meeting partners for your project or like-minded people for your volunteer work. It brings together 25 participants of the Vidnova Plus Engagement program, members of the Ukrainian community, local institutions, and socially active residents from Berlin and Brandenburg.

Topic of exchange: Networking and Collaboration – How Can We Strengthen Cooperation Among Integration Stakeholders in Berlin?

Outcomes of Your Journey

  • Implement your own small project in the local community or become a volunteer in an organization that reflects your interests in Berlin or Brandenburg.
  • Strengthen your self-confidence and become an active member of society.
  • Gain practical skills in communication, facilitation, teamwork, and project management.
  • Receive a certificate acknowledging your competencies.

Deadline:

September 13, 2026

Vidnova Plus Engagement is created and implemented by Commit gGmbH and funded by the European Union.