Access Requirements for the BFD
Federal Voluntary Service is generally open to individuals of any age from 16 years onwards. There are no formal school or vocational requirements, making it particularly flexible and accessible. Older people and retirees can also participate in the BFD, as there is no upper age limit. Interested individuals must apply at the respective placement sites or through central placement portals. An application typically includes a cover letter, a resume, and a motivation letter. The start of service is possible throughout the year, which distinguishes the BFD from other voluntary services that are often tied to fixed start dates.
Possible Areas of Deployment in the BFD
The areas of deployment in the BFD are very diverse and include activities in social institutions such as kindergartens, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or facilities for people with disabilities. In addition, there are placement sites in cultural and ecological areas, such as museums, theaters, environmental associations, or in monument preservation. Activities in sports, civil protection, or municipal institutions are also possible. The BFD offers volunteers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of fields that align with their personal interests and to develop both professionally and personally.
Benefits of the Federal Voluntary Service
The Federal Voluntary Service offers many advantages: it allows for practical experience in a new work field, helps to discover personal strengths, and further develops social skills. The BFD is particularly well suited to reorient professionally or to make effective use of a transitional period. Volunteers receive intensive support during their service and can participate in educational seminars aimed at professional and personal development. The BFD also provides the opportunity to make new contacts and build networks that can be helpful in later job searches.
Disadvantages and Challenges of the BFD
A disadvantage of the Federal Voluntary Service is the relatively low compensation. Volunteers receive only a pocket money allowance, the amount of which varies depending on the placement site, which is significantly lower compared to a vocational training (Ausbildung). The BFD is therefore less suitable for individuals who rely on a higher income. Additionally, the work in the BFD can be physically and emotionally challenging, especially when it involves care or support for people with disabilities. Volunteers should therefore be resilient and motivated to engage with the demands of a new and potentially unfamiliar field of work.
Seminars and Educational Support in the BFD
A fixed part of the BFD includes accompanying seminars that take place during the service. The number of seminar days depends on the length of the deployment: for a twelve-month BFD, there are usually 25 seminar days. These seminars are organized by the sponsoring organizations and cover topics such as communication, conflict management, environmental education, teamwork, and political education. The seminars provide space for exchange, reflection, and further education, supporting volunteers in processing their experiences and expanding their skills. For older volunteers, the seminars can be individually tailored to meet their specific needs and life situations.
Compensation and Financial Support in the BFD
Participants in the BFD receive a pocket money allowance, which usually ranges between 200 and 400 Euros per month, depending on the placement site and federal state. Additionally, social insurance contributions (health, nursing, pension, and unemployment insurance) are covered, so volunteers are comprehensively insured. Many placement sites also offer accommodation, meals, or corresponding subsidies. The entitlement to child allowances remains during the BFD, and other social benefits, such as housing allowances, can also be applied for under certain conditions. This financial support helps cover living costs during the service, even if the compensation is overall lower than in a classic vocational training (Ausbildung).
Career Prospects after the BFD
The BFD can serve as an entry point into various professional fields. Many participants choose to pursue a vocational training (Ausbildung) or a degree in the social or educational field afterward, such as becoming a nursing professional, educator, or social worker. In ecological areas, volunteers can use the BFD to find their way into careers in environmental education or nature conservation. The BFD also provides an opportunity for career changers who wish to reorient themselves professionally to explore new career perspectives and gain initial experiences in a new field of activity. In some cases, there is a possibility of being directly taken on at the placement site after the BFD.
Differences to the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) and Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ)
The BFD differs from the FSJ and FÖJ mainly due to its age structure and flexibility. While the FSJ and FÖJ are primarily aimed at young people under 27, the BFD is open to all age groups. Older individuals who wish to engage after retirement or adults looking for a professional reorientation can find a suitable offer in the BFD. Additionally, the BFD can be designed to be more flexible: while the FSJ and FÖJ usually have a fixed minimum duration of twelve months, the BFD can start from six months and be extended up to 24 months. This makes the BFD particularly attractive for individuals with individual career or personal plans.
Application and Organization of the BFD
The application process for the BFD is flexible and takes place through the sponsoring organizations that manage the placement sites or directly through the placement sites themselves. Applicants should submit a cover letter, a resume, and a motivation letter. Entry can occur throughout the year, so interested individuals are not dependent on fixed start dates. The selection is usually made through an interview, where the placement site assesses the suitability and motivation of the applicant. Since the demand for BFD places can be high, it is advisable to apply early and, if necessary, consider multiple placement sites.
Personal Development through the BFD
The BFD not only offers professional orientation but also space for personal development. Volunteers learn to take on responsibility, find their way in new teams, and improve their social and communication skills. Particularly in social or caregiving placement sites, empathy, perseverance, and stress resilience are strengthened. Working with different target groups, whether in elderly care, support for people with disabilities, or environmental protection, also promotes the ability to adapt to new situations and respond flexibly to challenges. These personal experiences are often just as valuable as the professional skills acquired during the BFD.