Member organisations The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband

The Paritätische represents the interests of over 10,000 member organisations

Over 10,000 non-profit associations, initiatives, federations and institutions are now gathered under the umbrella of the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband (Paritätische Welfare Association). These include both large national associations and small local self-help groups, representing a diverse and varied spectrum of social work.

The fact that categories such as large or small play no role in membership of the Paritätische is already evident from the name of the association: ‘Paritätisch’ comes from the Latin term ‘par’ and means “equal” or ‘equivalent’. True to its self-image, the Paritätische aims to be a mediator between generations and between world views, between approaches and methods of social work – and also between its member organisations, which it considers to be of equal value.

The association's core tasks include providing expert advice and support for the financial security of its member organisations' work, as well as representing their socio-political interests. In this respect, it is an important task of the association to analyse social and political developments, identify critical trends at an early stage and point out options for action to politicians.
 

Right to equal respect and equal opportunities.

Over the years, Der Paritätische has grown to become the third-largest umbrella organisation for independent welfare services, with around 545,000 full-time employees nationwide. The willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation, which is so important within the association, also characterises Der Paritätische's relationship with other umbrella organisations. Among other things, it works with them in the Federal Association of Independent Welfare Services.
 

International commitment

The commitment of Der Paritätische and its member organisations is not limited to Germany. Numerous member organisations are involved in sustainable projects in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with the aim of strengthening self-help and contributing to the improvement of the economic, social and ecological living conditions of the population. The association also supports international youth exchange initiatives. Humanitarian aid in disaster and crisis areas has also become an important part of the association's work.

At Aktion Deutschland Hilft e.V., the Paritätische Gesamtverband represents ten of its member organisations: 

• arche noVa e.V. – Initiative für Menschen in Not
• BRH Bundesverband Rettungshunde e.V.
• Freunde der Erziehungskunst Rudolf Steiners - Notfallpädagogik e.V.
• Hammer Forum e.V.
• Handicap International e.V.
• HelpAge Deutschland e.V.
• Kinderhilfswerk Stiftung Global Care
• LandsAid e.V. - Verein für Internationale Humanitäre Hilfe
• Terra Tech Förderprojekte e.V.
• Solidaritätsdienst International e.V. (SODI)