Networking & Cooperation: How to support one another

Associations… represent interests in dealings with politicians, the civil service and the public. These include, for example, professional and charitable organisations.

Working groups… connect you with other stakeholders for discussion, collaboration and the rapid exchange of information. They may be formally organised or have developed informally.

Umbrella associations and umbrella organisations… bring together independent member associations. They represent shared interests and can help streamline administrative tasks.

Operating organisations… are responsible for facilities or services, such as a nursery or a social project. They are usually responsible for the budget, staff, operational conditions and liability issues.

Coordination centres… act as a central hub. They manage day-to-day operations and support communication and collaboration between different stakeholders.

Platforms… bring people, organisations and services together – digitally, in person or through a combination of formats.

Depending on their focus, support 
organisations offer different forms of support. The services you can access depend on the organisation in question, your membership status and your needs.

Knowledge and advice

Umbrella organisations provide advice on specialist issues, keep you informed about current developments and offer support in planning ideas, initiatives or events.

This includes, for example:

• specialist advice
• training opportunities
• Arranging speakers and guest speakers
• Exchanges with other initiatives and groups

Finance and legal matters

Many umbrella organisations provide support with financial and legal matters. This can be particularly helpful when projects grow or formal requirements arise.

These include, for example:

• Questions regarding budget management and accounting
• Information on expense allowances and flat-rate payments
• Guidance on insurance, liability and copyright (e.g. GEMA)
• funding for materials or fees
• Donation receipts, provided the umbrella organisation has a suitable charitable legal status
• In some cases: support with grant applications

Visibility and networking

Umbrella organisations can help raise awareness of services and build contacts with others.

These include, for example:

• joint public relations work
• Publication of services on websites, in databases or in leaflets
• networking meetings and joint activities
• co-ordination of participation and co-determination structures

Premises, equipment and organisation

Some umbrella organisations also provide practical resources or offer organisational support.

These include, for example:

• Premises
• Equipment, media and technology
• Online access or storage space
• Catering, with or without staff support
• Caretakers for certain services

Open networking with various stakeholders

Open networking is about learning from one another and finding suitable partners.
You’ll connect with people and organisations that share similar goals or complement your work well.

Potential partners include, for example:

• other organisations and initiatives
• groups and religious communities
• independent organisations
• foundations
• companies
• Public administration (local authorities/district leaders)
• Co-operatives
• Schools, colleges and universities

Suitable formats include joint projects, events, working groups, exchange sessions, round-table discussions, networking meetings or social days.

Networking within an organisation

Networking is also important within an organisation. Committed individuals get to know others who are working towards the same goal, share experiences and can support one another. This exchange strengthens the sense of community. It helps to coordinate tasks more effectively, learn from one another and work together on solutions.

Networking in the neighbourhood

Many collaborations arise directly on the ground within a city district or neighbourhood. Initiatives, organisations, clubs and committed individuals are familiar with local needs and can develop services together.

This involves, for example:

• Exchange between stakeholders in the neighbourhood
• joint projects and events
• Sharing information
• better coordination of services
• new contacts with organisations, initiatives and residents 

Information video on neighbourhoods and the ‘Quartier 2030’ state strategy

The Stuttgart Neighbourhood Networkers act as a point of contact for community volunteers and provide support in the form of practical assistance and resources, which are compiled in the ‘toolkit’.

Everything about the Stuttgart Neighbourhood Networkers

Links to politics and administration

Community engagement intersects with politics and public administration in many ways. Organisations and initiatives can help shape local processes, engage political representatives or collaborate with municipal departments. At the same time, they often rely on administrative services, permits, funding decisions or technical coordination.

Volunteer Coordinators for the State Capital of Stuttgart

The volunteering officers in the departments, municipal enterprises and staff units assist volunteers with questions and problems relating to their area of responsibility. You can contact these officers at any time, for example to ask legal questions about your voluntary work or to clarify specific issues.

 Contact details for the volunteering officers