75 Years of Community, Participation and Neighbourhood Action: Celebrating VskA’s Legacy and Future

In June 2026, delegates at the Berlin International Exchange had the privilege of joining colleagues from across Germany and around the world to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Verband für sozial-kulturelle Arbeit e.V. (VskA). The milestone recognised not only the organisation’s history, but also the enduring role of neighbourhood centres, community organisations and socio-cultural work in strengthening communities and civic life.

Held across multiple locations in Berlin and culminating in a vibrant celebration at the iconic ufaFabrik, the anniversary brought together 300 people from across Germany and colleagues from around the world to reflect on the past, present and future of neighbourhood and community work. Among those attending were participants in the 2026 Berlin International Exchange, including Michael Mackenzie Shreenan, IFS Operations Manager (LCSA), along with delegates from Australia, Canada and the United States representing community, neighbourhood and youth sector organisations.

For international visitors, the event offered more than a celebration. It provided an opportunity to understand better the history and evolution of Germany’s neighbourhood centre movement and the role VskA has played in supporting community-based organisations for three-quarters of a century.

A History Rooted in Community

As part of its anniversary celebrations, VskA reflected on the origins of neighbourhood work in Germany and its links to the wider settlement house and social reform movements.

The organisation’s anniversary materials highlight how, in the years following the Second World War, neighbourhood houses emerged through a combination of international support, local initiative and civic commitment. Between 1947 and 1951, community-based organisations played an important role in rebuilding social connections, supporting participation and strengthening democracy at a local level. These early neighbourhood houses became places where people could gather, organise, learn and support one another during a period of profound change and recovery.

For many international guests, these historical reflections reminded them that today’s exchanges and international partnerships are part of a much longer tradition of cross-border cooperation. The anniversary reinforced that the settlement house and neighbourhood centre movement has always been shaped by relationships, learning and solidarity that extend beyond national boundaries.

“Right from the beginning, looking beyond one’s own borders was an integral part of the work. International encounters, exchange, and mutual learning provided important impulses for the development of neighborhood work. A special milestone was the international conference in Berlin in 1956—just a few years after the war. It stood for trust, openness, and the conviction that social cohesion can also grow through encounters across national borders.”

— VskA Board

(Von Beginn an gehörte auch der Blick über die eigenen Grenzen hinaus dazu. Internationale Begegnung, Austausch und gegenseitiges Lernen waren wichtige Impulse für die Entwicklung der Nachbarschaftsarbeit. Ein besonderer Meilenstein war die internationale Konferenz 1956 in Berlin – nur wenige Jahre nach dem Krieg. Sie stand für Vertrauen, Offenheit und die Überzeugung, dass gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt auch durch Begegnung über Ländergrenzen hinweg wachsen kann.)

VskA’s anniversary history describes the post-war neighbourhood houses as “civil society responses to social disruption”, emerging where international assistance, local initiative and favourable political conditions came together. The same account notes that these places became early laboratories for participation, empowerment and community work, helping people rebuild trust and practise democracy in everyday community life.

Neighbourhood Houses as Places of Democracy and Belonging

Throughout the anniversary program, participants explored questions that remain highly relevant today.

The day’s activities, hosted by Berlin member organisations, focused on themes including democracy, neighbourhood development, social infrastructure, culture, participation and community life. Discussions highlighted the critical role neighbourhood centres continue to play as trusted local institutions where people can connect, contribute and help shape the future of their communities.

A recurring message throughout the celebration was that neighbourhood centres are far more than service delivery points. They are places where democracy is practised, relationships are formed, and community leadership is nurtured.

The anniversary keynote by Prof. Dr Ulrike Brizay, titled “Neighbourhood Houses: Places of Stability in Times of Multiple Crises,” reinforced the enduring importance of community infrastructure in responding to social, economic and political challenges. Speakers throughout the day reflected on the importance of neighbourhood houses as places of solidarity, participation, stability and democratic practice, particularly during times of uncertainty and change.

VskA’s public material for the anniversary framed neighbourhood houses as places of democracy, social infrastructure, culture and participation. The keynote theme, “Neighbourhood Houses: Places of Stability in Times of Multiple Crises,” captured the continuing relevance of local community infrastructure as many communities navigate social, economic and political uncertainty.

A Celebration of Community

The evening celebration at ufaFabrik reflected the diversity, creativity and energy that characterise community life.

The program featured music, performance, storytelling, community voices and cultural contributions from across the VskA network. Young people, artists, community leaders and neighbourhood centre representatives shared the stage, creating a celebration that reflected the values of participation and inclusion that have shaped the organisation’s work over many decades.

For many international guests, the celebration offered a powerful demonstration of how community organisations create spaces where people can participate, contribute and belong.

Looking Forward

While the anniversary celebrated 75 years of achievement, it was equally focused on the future.

Across Germany and around the world, neighbourhood centres and community organisations continue to face changing social conditions, increasing expectations and growing community needs. Yet the core principles that have guided the movement remain remarkably consistent: participation, solidarity, inclusion, local leadership and community action.

The anniversary reminded participants that strong communities depend on strong relationships, trusted local institutions and opportunities for people to shape the places where they live actively.

For international guests, it also highlighted the important role networks such as the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS) continue to play in connecting practitioners, sharing ideas, and strengthening relationships across borders.

Acknowledgements

Congratulations to Verband für sozial-kulturelle Arbeit e.V. (VskA) on reaching this remarkable milestone.

The anniversary recognised not only an organisation, but generations of practitioners, volunteers, community leaders and neighbourhood organisations who have worked to strengthen communities, promote participation and create opportunities for people to connect and belong. The celebrations also underscored the continued importance of neighbourhood houses as places of solidarity, stability and lived democracy.

We extend our thanks to Gabi Geißler, Gökçen Demirağlı, Patrick Pesch, Nachbarschafts- und Selbsthilfezentrum in der UFA-Fabrik (NUSZ), VskA, the many member organisations, volunteers, performers and partners who contributed to the celebrations and made international guests feel so welcome.

The celebrations were also attended by international guests participating in the Berlin Exchange program, including delegates from Australia, Canada and the United States, together with Michael Mackenzie Shreenan in his role as IFS Operations Manager (LCSA), reflecting the longstanding international connections that continue to link neighbourhood centres, settlement houses and community organisations around the world.

As VskA looks toward its next chapter, its history reminds us that community work has always been strengthened through cooperation, participation and relationships. The challenges facing communities may evolve, but the need for places of connection, solidarity and belonging remains as important today as it was 75 years ago.

In its own words, VskA describes itself as Germany’s professional association for neighbourhood work, supporting “a lively and democratic society carried by neighbourly togetherness.” Its members bring people in neighbourhoods together, support their concerns, and create local places where residents can help shape activities and become involved, regardless of origin or worldview.

“For 75 years, Germany’s settlement and neighbourhood centre movement has made an important contribution to our international community.

On behalf of the International Federation of Settlements, we extend our congratulations to VSKA on this anniversary and thank all those whose vision, dedication and community leadership have helped shape stronger neighbourhoods across Germany. Your work reflects the values that unite settlement organisations around the world: participation, inclusion and community.”

Michael Shreenan, on behalf of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS)

By sharing these stories more broadly, we hope to amplify the value of community work, strengthen connections across the IFS global network, and encourage future self-organised, member-to-member opportunities for collaboration in support of stronger communities worldwide