Are you interested in spending an awesome year working for an international youth organisation? Applications for our three voluntary service positions with SHL and SAME for a period of 13 months (2026/2027) ARE OPEN!
Throughout the voluntary year, you will get the chance to explore European youth work and activism, organise international youth encounters, work on publicity and much more. You will develop yourself while doing something meaningful for the youth of Europe. Are you looking forward to this job? Do not hesitate and apply!
The organisations
The voluntary service is organised by the two organistions SAME and SHL. SAME stands for ‘Solidarity Action Day Movement in Europe’. The movement includes several European youth organizations which carry out an annual Solidarity Action Day. During this day, pupils get the chance to exercise a job of their choice instead of going to school. Their salaries are used to support youth-related projects all over whole world. By offering learning possibilities and spreading the concept of the Solidarity Action Day, SAME empowers young people to get informed, take a stand and act.
Schüler*innen Helfen Leben (SHL) is one of SAME’s member organisations and runs the Solidarity Action Day campaign in Germany. The organisation implements youth and education projects in Southeastern Europe, Jordan, Ukraine and Germany to strengthen the rights and participation of children and young people. All our volunteering positions are registered with and supervised by SHL; the work nonetheless focuses mainly on SAME activities.
Your voluntary service
Both organisations run a joint programme and office in the city of Lübeck, Northern Germany. The programme connects young people from all over Europe through the concept of the Solidarity Action Day and gives them the opportunity to experience and shape a joint Europe.
As a volunteer in our team, you will dive into European youth work, activism, and intercultural teamwork. You will help organise international activities, support young activists, and promote the idea of the Solidarity Action Day across Europe. You will closely work with your co-volunteers and staff in our Lübeck office and collaborate with colleagues from other SHL offices in Germany and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Team spirit and mutual support are very important to us, both in daily work and in your shared living environment.
Doing the voluntary service it's being one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. From working with youth from all around Europe to planning events, handling social media, and exploring new places that I would have never thought about! This is the essence of life in voluntary service in Lübeck. Be ready for a year full of learning and new experiences and make the most of this exceptional opportunity!
Starting from July 2026 until August 2027, you would be living in the beautiful city of Lübeck in Northern Germany.
Your position & tasks
As one of the volunteers for European youth activism, you will support the office team in organising international youth encounters, seminars and educational activities. You will learn a lot about youth activism, event management, partnerships and promotion activities. By working with many international partners and supporting the SAME network, you will regularly exchange ideas with young people from different European countries. You will take an active role in the dissemination of the Solidarity Action Day and will inform and inspire young people about our work.
You will closely collaborate with your co-volunteers and the staff members of the Lübeck office who will support you in all your activities. You will also have the opportunity to gain insights into the work of the other SHL offices in Germany and work together with your co-volunteers in SHL's office in Neumünster (Northern Germany), who organise the Solidarity Action Day in Germany.
Your main tasks will be:
You will be involved in a variety of exciting activities, such as:
- Planning, implementing, and evaluating youth encounters (seminars, summer camps, conferences with young participants from all over Europe)
- Promoting the Solidarity Action Day Initiative (networking, mentoring youth initiatives, organising info seminars)
- Supporting SAME Bodies and Member Organisations (preparing meetings, workshops, activities)
- Public Relations & Communication work (social media, photography, event promotion)
- Networking with Youth Groups and Partner Organisations (locally and across Europe)
What we offer
- 13 months full-time voluntary service (40 hours per week, July 2026 - August 2027, earlier/later start is possible)
- Location: SAME and SHL office in Lübeck (Northern Germany)
- Payment of a monthly pocket money of currently 429€ per month
- Monthly ticket for Public Transportation
- Payment of the costs for a fully equipped apartment in Lübeck, which is shared with your co-volunteers
- 26 vacation days
- Coverage of costs for the obligatory health insurance, visa and other necessary expenses in preparation for the voluntary service; support for the required administrative steps
- German language course (if interested)
- Pedagogical support during the voluntary service
- Participation in a preparation, midterm and final seminar and the opportunity to participate in further internal and external trainings
- Project visits to SAME’s and SHL’s network partners all over Europe
- An intriguing and dynamic working environment and creative freedom for own ideas
- An interesting job profile with a high variety of tasks
- A young and motivated team valuing youth participation and voluntary work
You are a great fit if you...
- are 18 years or older
- are excited about youth participation, Europe, and social engagement
- enjoy working in a team and meeting new people
- are curious, creative, and motivated
- show reliability, responsibility and strong communication skills
- have empathy and openness towards others
- have some experience in volunteering or youth participation (e.g. student councils, youth groups, NGOs)
- have experience in facilitating workshops (a plus, not required)
- bring basic technical skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, Canva)
- speak English well (German is welcome but not required)
- have flexibility (some activities may take place on weekends)
- have a willingness for personal growth in a dynamic and international working environment
You don't need to be experienced in all areas. We see this Voluntary Service as a space for learing, growing, and trying out new things. Tasks will be adapted to your strengths and interests.
We offer you 2 different positions:
Local publicity and networking (1 position)
Our volunteer dealing with local publicity and networking promotes our European activities in Lübeck. Very good German skills are required for this position. The volunteer supports our local publicity events and press work and takes care of our local social media work. The position plays a crucial role in establishing contacts to local youngsters and partners and supports spreading the Solidarity Action Day in Lübeck. You can find a detailed job description and the required skills for the position directly on the SHL website.
European youth activism (2 positions)
One of our two volunteering positions on European youth activism focuses on spreading the Solidarity Action Day across Europe and engaging with our international network of European member and partner organisations, the other one mainly organises international youth encounters and educational activities. Both of them support youth engagement of young Europeans and organise publicity, promotion and social media work for SAME. You can find a detailed job description and the required skills for the position here.
The button will lead you to the SHL website, where you will find further details and the application form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
