From a simple idea to a community revolution, the story of Give Something Back to Berlin (GSBTB) is one of many twists, turns, and triumphs over challenges along the way. Founded in 2013, GSBTB was formed from a need to create support systems for Berlin newcomers and locals. Throughout our history, the heart of GSBTB lies within the necessity for more community and connection, as well as channels for resources and services— ranging from places to practice language acquisition to simply a group of people to enjoy a nice chat with. This support system was revealed to be especially needed amidst a rise in xenophobia and nationalist rhetoric on a local level and more broadly across Europe. GSBTB has evolved over the past decade, starting from a viral Facebook post in 2012 to becoming a robust organisation that empowers both migrants and locals by creating spaces for creativity and solidarity. Many lessons were learned along this journey, so here’s a look at insights gained from the history, methodology, and enduring ideals of GSBTB.
The Post that Started it All
On the day, 7 May 2012 the post began…
“To whom it may concern,
You live in Berlin or come here whenever you have an extra dime or some free time. You can’t think of a better place even though you sometimes get the feeling that ‘it was better before.’”
The 2012 Facebook post by Annamaria Olssen quickly gained widespread attention, rallying numerous individuals who resonated with the message of community and collective care for their city and all of the inhabitants that make up the diverse vibrant landscape that is Berlin. As a result, Give Something Back to Berlin evolved into a collective effort involving many brilliant minds and officially became an association in 2013. Since then, GSBTB has connected thousands of newcomers and locals through a variety of initiatives, including creative programs and events focused on food, music, language, and art.
A common thread linking GSBTB’s past and present is the cultivation of spaces and networks that allow everyone in the community to actively participate and positively impact their neighbours’ lives. Regardless of identity, GSBTB offers the opportunity to share stories and create connections with people you might never meet if you stick to established routines. Whether it’s going to work, coming back home, or grabbing dinner with friends, staying within the same patterns and social circles deprives us of the vibrancy of meeting the beautiful people from different walks of life who could be living right down the street. This is why a core belief at GSBTB is the need for active participation. Reflecting on more than ten years of GSBTB, the community’s ability to uplift and support one another stems from everyone’s need to create connections and impact the lives of those around them. Even from the personal experience of the person who laid the first stone, Annamaria, this sentiment was clear. Sharing about her experience as a migrant from Sweden, she once said, “I need to feel I have an impact on my environment to feel at home. From my perspective, this is how you take root. It’s not only about having a job, not even learning the language. Taking root comes from participation.” This feeling of disconnection and the need for active participation ignited the spark that created GSBTB. Now, the entire team and broader community continue to fuel GSBTB today and its vision for the future.
Building GSBTB Through the Years
In the early days of GSBTB, we had no idea what would come next. With the help of some programmer friends, the GSBTB website was launched and then we officially registered as an association in 2013. From there, the momentum grew as more and more people joined our community through volunteering.
Those initial days were about building a platform for newcomers in Berlin, a place not only to learn about the city’s social landscape but also to actively engage in shaping it. As a connector, creator, and catalyst for grassroots-driven change, GSBTB quickly evolved. Our social media presence became a vital hub, spreading information and opportunities for action. GSBTB started running regular programs that have since become integral to our community, from the Open Music School to our multicultural language cafés and beyond. Each initiative aimed not just to integrate but to celebrate diversity and foster meaningful connections among Berliners from all walks of life.
Reflecting on the journey, one pivotal moment was our involvement with the Oranienplatz movement. It marked a shift from merely sending volunteers to actively co-creating projects with refugee communities. Together, we established essentials like the Open Kitchen and language classes, responding directly to the needs articulated by those at the heart of the movement. These years were transformative, not just for GSBTB but for many of us personally, forging deep connections and shaping our commitment to grassroots activism. Navigating growth hasn’t been without its challenges. From internal organising struggles to navigating funding uncertainties, every step required careful planning and resilience. Yet, through trial and error, GSBTB has continued to thrive, guided by a commitment to authenticity and community-driven initiatives. We at GSBTB have learned that success in community building isn’t about imposing solutions but listening and co-creating with those we aim to support. This is the story of GSBTB—a story of resilience, collaboration, and the power of community.
GSBTB Today: The Pillars of its Current Methodology
Currently, we at GSBTB are made up of 2,500 volunteers annually 15,000 community members who participate in the events and programmes, 20+ activities, courses, and workshops per week, and six completely free programmes that are welcome to all. These programmes include– the Open Music School, Open Music Lab, Open Kitchen, Open Hearts Space, Open Language Cafes, and Community Hub. In 11 years of GSBTB, there have been more than 70.000 volunteers and participants who have each contributed to the mosaic of the community and the lasting impact that GSBTB aims to have on more to come. The core principles guiding our methodology include connecting people and building community, establishing supportive spaces, and promoting advocacy and empowerment.
Through our approach and values at GSBTB, our mission is clear: bringing people together regardless of background—whether migrant, refugee, or local—by creating spaces where meaningful connections thrive. Our vibrant community is dedicated to fostering understanding and building genuine relationships through activities like language cafes, art workshops, and cultural events that are open to everyone. These gatherings provide opportunities to share stories, learn from one another, and forge lasting bonds. In addition to these activities, we champion inclusivity and diversity through advocacy, skill-building, and effective communication. By empowering our community in these ways, we strive to break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive society where everyone feels welcome.
Reflecting on the history of GSBTB, it’s clear we have made significant strides in fostering community, solidarity, and empowerment. The journey is ongoing, and the future holds even more promise for GSBTB and our community. For anyone inspired by this journey, the blueprint is clear: start with the community, embrace flexibility, and build for sustainability. Whether in Berlin or elsewhere, the principles and lessons from GSBTB can help shape vibrant, inclusive communities around the world. After so many shared moments of community, connection, and the ability to build a more welcoming and supportive city, we look forward to what the future holds.