The LIFE Initiative is a non-profit organization unique in Germany that specializes in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles through volunteer online coaching. To this end, the association is building a powerful network and structures for effective online volunteering. The effectiveness of our work was certified in November 2025 by the PHINEO-Wirkt-Siegel, which attests to our excellent standards in project implementation and evaluation.
Difficulties with government offices can cause existential crises —for example, when it comes to residency status, applying for welfare benefits, or when people are afraid of dealing with authorities or do not understand bureaucratic German. The LIFE Initiative is quickly accessible via WhatsApp, email, or web form to people in need of help, with or without a migration background, from all over Germany, and provides free and uncomplicated assistance. In individual online coaching sessions, volunteers take people seeking advice by the hand, get an overview of the problem, and look for a solution. 93% of our clients were satisfied with their coaching, and 72% were able to sustainably increase their information and action skills. Our goal is for everyone to take a step forward.
Our step-by-step information answers many questions about the asylum process, residence, and bureaucracy for migrants in Germany. Each question is explained as simply as possible in a few steps. The information is based on our association’s experience with bureaucracy from over 1,000 cases. For further information, we cooperate with the Handbook Germany platform.
What drives Ramin Goo, the initiator of the LIFE Initiative: “I’m not afraid anymore because you’re there.” These words from a friend have shaped Ramin’s life. For many years, he has supported refugees and friends with bureaucratic problems. As the founder of Kochhaus, Ramin knows how to build an organization, and with the LIFE Initiative, he wants to empower others to change their lives. He is driven by his vision to make social aid accessible to all.
Since its founding in early 2023, our team has helped over 1,000 people seeking advice to resolve bureaucratic issues (insights into our work). The multilingual team, which currently has 214 volunteers (as of February 2026), combines professional experience in the fields of social work, law, administration, and psychology. Our active members also support the association financially and organizationally.
To date, there are only a few opportunities in Germany to volunteer online and completely independently of location. The LIFE Initiative is a pioneer in online volunteering. We were awarded the Preis für digitales Miteinander in 2025 for this innovative approach. We enable social engagement for people with small children, changing places of residence, or heavy workloads. To this end, the initiative uses digital communication tools, knowledge management, and e-learning to create the basis for scalable growth with the aim of further expanding our work.
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