What We're Here For

A Center for Everyone

"What are you doing here, anyway?"

We hear this question a lot. And to be honest, the answer isn’t that simple. Most of what happens at Arrenberg isn’t actually organized by us.

When a few neighbors get together on Mondays to play boules, when people repair bikes together, when local artists organize an exhibition, when someone hosts a game night, or when someone opens their front door for Restaurant Day—most of the time, the association isn’t behind it. It’s the people from the neighborhood who are eager to get something off the ground.

Idea Collector

That’s exactly what Aufbruch am Arrenberg e.V. is for: We’re not just a neighborhood association—we’re an association made up of people from the neighborhood. Good ideas spring up all over the neighborhood: on the sidewalk, at the front door, over a beer, at school, or during a chance conversation by the glass recycling bin. We help ensure that these ideas don’t just remain ideas.

Tailwind machine

We make sure others hear about your ideas. We publish them in the Arrenberg app, display them on the Bitfaß columns, spread the word, and bring together people who may not even know each other yet but share similar ideas. Sometimes someone needs a space. Sometimes a connection. Sometimes a grant application, a drill, or just a cup of coffee. And sometimes just someone who says, “Sure, give it a try—we’ll help you with it.” That’s exactly what we’re here for. As best as we can—on a volunteer basis and without pay.

Experimental Setup

Of course, we also develop our own projects when an exciting idea comes up or when funding makes it possible. The Arrenberg Workshop is one such example. But even then, our goal isn’t to do everything ourselves. We want to create opportunities so that many people can get involved on their own.

Not responsible for anything. But up for anything.

That’s why we’re neither a government agency nor a social counseling center, nor are we an event planning agency for the neighborhood. We’re neighbors who’ve come together on a volunteer basis to pool our efforts and make life in Arrenberg better. Our board works on a volunteer basis, as do many others. Our office isn’t a command center, but rather a meeting place. This is where information comes together, ideas are shared, events are organized, and people get to know one another.

Seen this way, our mission is quite simple: We bring together people who want to make a difference in the neighborhood. Do you have an idea? Then let’s make it happen together!