12. February 2025 | Willy Brandt School of Public Policy

Speed dating event matches local organizations and Brandt School students

An impact-inspiring speed dating event at the Kreativtankstelle in Erfurt connected civil society organizations with students from the Brandt School. The initiative, organized in collaboration with Erfurt’s Agency for Volunteering “ERNA”, fostered valuable local connections.

On January 14, 2025, the Brandt School and Erna hosted unique speed dating event designed to bring together local civil society organizations with MPP students in the start-up atmosphere up Kreativtankstelle.

During the event, students had the chance to engage with a variety of local organizations, including the Erfurter Basketball Löwen e.V., which promotes youth development through sports, and Foodsharing, which focuses on reducing food waste by redistributing surplus food. Other participating groups included amongst others the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, which provides humanitarian aid, and the Erfurter Stadtgärtner:innen, who promote sustainable urban gardening and community engagement.

For many students, the event provided a pathway to connect with their new home city and contribute meaningfully to Erfurt’s civil society. For organizations, it was an invaluable opportunity to recruit dedicated individuals who could enhance their missions with passion and innovative ideas.