Organizational Development for Tafel Deutschland
Organizational Development
With over 60,000 volunteers, Tafel is one of the largest civil society movements in Germany. To ensure the organization remains effective in the future, a comprehensive development process was initiated, focusing on structure, collaboration, digitization, and recruiting new volunteers.
The Assignment
On behalf of Tafel Deutschland e.V., we facilitated an extensive organizational development process spanning three years. The goal was to future-proof the federal association in close coordination with state associations and local Tafeln – structurally, strategically, and in collaborative ways. Key focal points included digitization, participatory culture, and outreach to new volunteers. The process was participatory and involved close cooperation with the board, executive management, extended board members, and state representatives.
Our Approach
1. Inventory & Analysis
Review of existing results, leadership workshops, interviews, and participatory formats across all organizational levels – from the central office to state associations.
2. Deriving & Aligning Focus Areas
Consolidation and prioritization of findings, collaboratively translated with the extended board into focus areas targeting the greatest impact and change potential.
3. Development of Goals & Measures
Concrete goals and measures were formulated for each focus area, involving volunteer and full-time members in thematic working groups.
4. Support in Implementation
We facilitated, coached, and moderated the working groups to ensure successful transfer into the organization and ongoing development of implementation.
The Result
Tafel Deutschland now has a jointly embraced strategic orientation with aligned focus areas and actionable measures. The working structure was strengthened, and networking between the federal and state levels intensified. Initial measures in digitization and volunteer recruitment were launched. The entire process solidified a participatory culture and shared responsibility within the organization.
- Conducting interviews and workshops for needs assessment
- Designing and moderating the overall process
- Deriving and prioritizing focus areas
- Developing goals and measures with working groups
- Coaching and moderating during implementation phases
