Publication of findings: Practical research project on the future of youth organisation work in the post-Covid era

The findings of the joint research project between the DBJR and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) (2023–2025) have been published in book form, together with recommendations for action. The printed version will be published on 28 May 2026. The publication by Prof. Dr Gunda Voigts, Sureija Gotzmann and Maja Reifegerst is available to download free of charge from the following link:

https://beltz.de/fachmedien/sozialpaedagogik-soziale-arbeit/ehrenamtliches-engagement-junger-menschen-in-jugendverbaenden/BEL449261

This practical research project has helped to answer the questions of what challenges young people face when volunteering in youth organisations and, consequently, what is required for a strategic future direction for youth organisation work.

Volunteering by young people is a core element of youth organisation work. However, societal developments are changing the realities of young people’s lives and the conditions under which they can get involved. The fact that the organisation of many activities – and thus voluntary engagement – was severely restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact to this day. 
This was the starting point for the joint practical research project between the DBJR and the HAW.

This study provides an up-to-date, empirical insight into the state of young people’s voluntary engagement in youth organisations. Furthermore, the study has succeeded in developing practical recommendations for action. These cover future strategies, funding, reducing bureaucracy and digitalisation, as well as social inequalities, opportunities for young people and recognition of their commitment.

As part of the launch event for the digital focus series ‘Committed under pressure – challenging times for volunteering and civic engagement’, the findings, recommendations for action and, consequently, the publication by Prof. Dr Gunda Voigts will be presented. The event provides a forum for exchange between academia and the field, as well as amongst experts from youth organisations themselves. 
Further information on the series and the launch can be found at:

https://www.dbjr.de/artikel/digitale-fokusreihe-engagiert-unter-druck-startet

Further information on the project: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/forschung/forschungsprojekte-detail/project/project/show/ehrenamtliches-engagement-junger-menschen-in-jugendverbaenden/