Young men have to join the Armed Forces. Or they can do alternative civilian service. They can choose where they do their alternative civilian service. Including at Volkshilfe. Alternative civilian service lasts 9 months.

You can do alternative civilian service at Volkshilfe in these areas:

• Caring for old and sick people
• Looking after refugees
• Driving, deliveries and administration
• Taking care of children
• Taking care of people with disabilities

How do I do alternative civilian service at Volkshilfe?

• First you need the decision from the Alternative Civilian Service Agency that you are allowed to do alternative civil service.
• When you have obtained this decision, go to the homepage of the Alternative Civilian Service Agency (in German) to find out where you want to do your service.
• Call the place you want to work at and introduce yourself in person.
• If there is a free place and you understand each other well, Volkshilfe will ask for you to do alternative civilian service with them.
• Alternative civilian service always begins at the start of February, May, August or November.