Commit to volunteering with the Federal Agency for Technical Relief

If you would like to support the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) as a volunteer, you can apply to join the THW.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is the civil protection organization of the Federal Government and provides technical and humanitarian aid in the field of civil protection, including

• for people in distress
• for rescue operations and
• the protection of material goods.

You can volunteer for the THW if you are over 18 years old. Children from the age of 6 and young people up to the age of 17 can join as young helpers by joining the THW-Jugend e.V. at the same time as joining the THW.

You can determine the duration of your voluntary service in the THW yourself. The service is not remunerated.

It is guaranteed by law that voluntary service in the THW will not result in any disadvantages in your career. This applies in particular to periods of absence from work as a result of

• ordered missions,
• exercises,
• training courses and
• other training events.

You are generally released from work for THW services during working hours while continuing to receive your salary. Self-employed persons receive compensation for their loss of earnings.

As a THW helper, you have an official relationship under public law with the federal government. Further details are regulated in the THW Act.

Your application for voluntary work in the THW will be accepted by the THW local association nearest to you.

You must submit the following documents with your application:

• Application for admission
• Identity card for registration
• For children and young people, the application for admission must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent.
• An extended certificate of good conduct for persons who wish to work in youth work.

• Age: You are at least 18 years old
  • Exception THW youth: between 6 and 17 years.
• You are physically fit, as deployments often involve physical exertion.
• You live in Germany (even if you have a different nationality).
• You are available for service in the THW.
• You are committed to the free democratic basic order.
• You have not been dishonorably discharged from any civil protection organization.
• You have not been sentenced to a prison term of 1 year or more (except for suspended sentences).

• Contradiction

If you would like to volunteer with the THW, you can contact your local THW organization directly.

On the THW website, you can find the THW location closest to you using the area search.

• The THW local representatives of the nearest local associations or the relevant THW regional office will be happy to answer your questions.
• You can get a taste of the service or apply for membership directly.
• You can obtain the application form directly from your local THW association.
• Fill in the application form, sign it and hand it in to your local THW association. For children and young people, the application must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent.

• Once your application has been checked and approved, you will receive the documents relating to your admission and all further information by post.

There is no deadline.

There are no costs.: Fee free of charge