There are many volunteer opportunities in Basel which can allow you to get involved in the local community. Such opportunities can help you improve your German, meet new people and gather meaningful experiences.
Kunstmuseum: Ambassador Program
This is a great opportunity for individuals who are passionate about art, as the Kunstmuseum is one of the most prominent museums in Basel. Becoming a Kunstmuseum Ambassador allows you to provide event and skill-based support. Included in events are openings, workshops and Family Days as well as Museumsnacht, one of Basel's premier cultural events (usually held in January).
Kunstmuseum also requires volunteers for project planning, design and marketing initiatives. The language requirement is English or German and the time commitment is flexible. There are various benefits, including free admission, special invitations and discounts. To get involved you need to send a short motivation letter to volunteering@kunstmuseumbasel.ch. For further information please visit their volunteer page.
Thanksgiver Schweiz
Thanksgiver Schweiz is a food bank which distributes food to over 700 people each week in the Basel area. This is an eye-opening volunteering role which can help you understand the importance of food waste and interact with people from various backgrounds.
Thanksgiver Schweiz needs volunteers each week to sort and distribute food at their Birsfelden and Muttenz locations. The language requirements are English or German and the time commitment is flexible. Food distribution occurs on Wednesdays or Thursdays in 4 to 5 hour long slots, which can be booked online. They also welcome student participation and corporate team building events .
TEDxBasel
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDxBasel is a non-profit organisation that presents a program of local speakers to share their ideas. TEDxBasel is 100% volunteer driven and needs people to run their yearly event (usually occurring in May). The language requirement is English or German and this role requires you to be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be proactive. You must be available two days prior to the event. To get involved you can simply fill out the volunteer form on their website.
ASK Basel
ASK Basel is an organization that strives to create affordable cultural and sport activities for locals and expats alike. they provide lessons and meet-ups for sports such as pilates, volleyball, basketball, football (and more) as well as cultural activities such as choir and dance lessons. They are also open to starting a new activity if your are interested in teaching. This can be a great way to meet people and help you develop skills such as project management, communications and teaching. The language requirement is English or German. The time commitment is flexible, dependent on how many hours you can contribute. If you are interested you need to send your CV and a motivation letter to, doris.weiss@askbasel.ch. For further information visit their volunteer page.
Basel Connect
Basel Connect is a non-profit association which bridges the gap between expats and locals to promote integration in Basel.
They offer language cafés, workshops and networking events to help expats and locals come together to make friends and meaningful connections. English and German speaking volunteer opportunities to help with these events are indicated on their website. Those who are interested can peruse the available positions and fill out the online form.
You Belong in Basel
Yes it's true, YBI Basel is also looking for volunteers! This site welcomes the participation of many different voices to write articles and blurbs, map Basel's neighbourhoods or provide interesting historical facts or photos to be shared on our social media sites. Do you have a passion you want to share? Have you found some hidden treasures in Basel? We'd love to hear about them. Collaborations are also welcome. For more information please visit our Join page.
I hope this article inspires you to get involved in your community. If you have a volunteer opportunity you would like us to add. Please contact us here.
Antara Das
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