Start With A Friend

Start with a Friend e.V. is a non-profit organization that has been promoting social contacts between people with and without a migration background in Germany since 2014. With 27 locations in over 20 cities, including Aachen, Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, the organization creates personal encounters that contribute to a respectful and equal coexistence.

• 1:1 Tandem Partnerships: Start with a Friend brings immigrants and locals together in individual tandems to promote mutual understanding and friendships. These partnerships allow participants to engage in shared activities such as cooking, exploring the city, learning languages, or assisting with bureaucratic questions[2][3].
• Community Events: Regular events such as cooking evenings, hikes, bowling nights, and educational formats on topics like empowerment and anti-discrimination strengthen cohesion in local communities[3].
• Education and Participation: Through various educational and exchange formats, the organization promotes active participation and learning from one another in a pluralistic society[2].

The vision of Start with a Friend is an immigration society where diversity is actively lived. The organization strives to create a society in which all people feel comfortable and equal. The values of the organization are based on respect, empathy, and the promotion of a valuing coexistence. Through these encounters, participants are to learn about different perspectives, experiences, and life realities and learn from each other[2].

• Social Cohesion: Start with a Friend works to strengthen social cohesion in the immigration society and democracy. This is achieved by promoting encounters that foster a respectful and equal coexistence[2].
• Anti-Discrimination and Empowerment: The organization offers specific formats and consultations to combat discrimination and empower participants. A social worker is available as a tandem advisor to help with conflicts and questions[3].
• Long-Term Relationships: Although the official tandem partnership ends after six months, the organization encourages participants to stay in touch and be part of the SwaF Community. This promotes long-term relationships and a lasting commitment to diversity and coexistence[3].

Anyone can get involved with Start with a Friend by signing up on the website and becoming part of the local team or community events. Participation in events and working in the volunteer team contribute to realizing the organization's goals and promoting a diverse and inclusive society[3].

• 1 - https://vostel.de/de/volunteering/organisations/117_Start-with-a-Friend-e-V
• 2 - https://www.start-with-a-friend.de
• 3 - https://www.start-with-a-friend.de/faq/
• 4 - https://haus-des-engagements.de/2019/12/18/start-with-a-friend/
• 5 - https://www.b-b-e.de/fileadmin/Redaktion/04_Projekte/06_PatInnen_MentorInnen_LotsInnen/2020-04-corona-swaf.pdf