Course: LUnited Club Manager
Education, Executive Board, Organisational development
Your club, your responsibility
The new course starts on 19 September 2026!
Many people in Ludwigshafen are passionately and wholeheartedly committed to our community through clubs and initiatives. They teach children to swim, support elderly and sick people, or organise cultural activities. They hold our society together and keep it running.
To support this commitment, people who take on responsibility – whether on the executive committee or elsewhere within the club – need a broad range of skills: sound legal knowledge, management skills, ideas for mobilising support, and a plan for ensuring the club’s financial and structural sustainability for the future.
This training programme to become a certified association manager offers those in leadership roles within Ludwigshafen’s associations a comprehensive insight into all the key areas essential for the effective and sustainable leadership and management of their association.
Target group
- Volunteers and full-time staff from Ludwigshafen-based associations, initiatives and NGOs
- (future) association board members
- People who already hold positions of responsibility within an organisation or who wish to take on greater responsibility in the future
Modules
An organisation thrives on the commitment of its members. But how can we inspire new people to get involved in the organisation? And how do we turn committed individuals into members, and members into committed individuals?
This course will explore strategies for attracting and retaining new members and volunteers. It will also cover how to deal with differences of opinion and the importance of appreciation and recognition.
As well as effective strategies, modern association processes also help to increase the appeal of your organisation. Among other things, the course will look at the practical (digital) tools available for association work.
The speaker, Anja Lothschütz, is a qualified trainer and process facilitator. She is also the managing director and founder of WerteWissenWandel gGmbH. In this capacity, she regularly advises and supports associations and other charitable organisations.
When?
Saturday, 19 September 2026, 9.00 am – 2.15 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
This course provides important knowledge on the legal framework governing the work of associations. It covers, amongst other things, the drafting and amendment of association statutes, the duties, rights and obligations of an executive committee, and the correct conduct of general meetings. Liability issues are also discussed, as are obligations regarding registration in various registers.
The speaker, Alexander Vielwerth, LL.M. oec., is a solicitor and certified foundation adviser. He specialises in non-profit law and regularly advises associations, foundations and co-operatives.
When?
Saturday, 26 September 2026, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Filling board positions and key roles exclusively with volunteers can be challenging. One possible solution may be to introduce full-time or partially paid roles – but this step should be carefully considered.
This seminar will explore the impact that introducing paid roles has on an organisation’s structure and culture, the organisational requirements that need to be put in place (e.g. contracts, insurance, social security contributions) and how sustainable funding can be secured.
The speaker, Anja Lothschütz, is a qualified trainer and process facilitator. She is also the managing director and founder of WerteWissenWandel gGmbH. In this capacity, she regularly advises and supports associations and other charitable organisations.
When?
Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
online
A club’s website is its digital calling card and the central point of contact for members, volunteers and anyone interested. It’s well worth presenting your club effectively online to build trust, transparency and accessibility.
We’ll show you what a visually appealing website looks like, highlight key legal minimum requirements, discuss the important topic of accessibility, explain the correct use of photos online, and give you practical tips for improving your visibility through search engine optimisation (SEO). Get your club ready for the digital world!
Speaker Schultz is co-founder and creative force behind the agency ideenKiND in Ludwigshafen, which has been working with the Eulen Ludwigshafen since 2017, amongst other clients. He raises the profile of brands that deserve to be seen. He places particular emphasis on genuine values, personalised support and measurable success.
When?
Thursday, 22 October 26, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Your club is doing great work, but are enough people aware of it? In this course, discover how to showcase your successes and spread your messages in a targeted way to win over new supporters and strengthen existing ties.
This course teaches how clubs can strategically build effective external communication, define target audiences, select suitable channels and, for example, draw up an editorial plan.
It also examines the requirements for modern, engaging member communication and presents good examples of this, such as in the form of member newsletters, emails, websites and social media posts.
The speaker, Anja Lothschütz, is a qualified trainer and process facilitator. She is also the managing director and founder of WerteWissenWandel gGmbH. In this capacity, she regularly advises and supports clubs and other charitable organisations.
When?
Wednesday, 4 November 2025, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
What does optimal insurance cover look like for a club? What cover is essential to ensure that everyone can focus fully on their voluntary work?
We’ll be looking at the various types of insurance relevant to initiatives and associations, including statutory and private accident insurance, as well as insurance against liability risks – for example, during events and in the work of the executive committee. We will also discuss business travel and motor insurance, as well as measures taken by the State of Rhineland-Palatinate to protect volunteers.
The speaker, Dr Karin Stiehr, is an expert in insurance matters relating to voluntary work and has been acting in an advisory capacity on behalf of the Hessian State Chancellery for many years.
When?
Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
online
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s lips. Many people are already benefiting from its potential, whether they realise it or not. AI can also be of assistance within clubs, for example with fundraising or communication. This course provides specific ideas for applying AI, offers practical tips on successful ‘prompting’ and helps participants make the most of the opportunities AI offers clubs whilst recognising potential risks.
The speaker, Anja Lothschütz, is a qualified trainer and process facilitator. She is also the managing director and founder of WerteWissenWandel gGmbH. In this capacity, she regularly advises and supports clubs and other charitable organisations.
When?
Tuesday, 17 November 2026, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
online
This course focuses on the topic of contracts within a club. It covers the basics of contract law, examines various types of contracts such as fee, voluntary and coaching contracts, and demonstrates how pitfalls, liability and risk management can be effectively handled. Another key focus is on proper documentation.
The speaker, Alexander Vielwerth, LL.M. oec., is a solicitor and certified foundation adviser. He specialises in non-profit law and regularly advises associations, foundations and co-operatives.
When?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Where?
online
Every club has exciting stories to tell that are worth hearing. This course focuses on how to present your messages in a way that captivates the media and puts your club in the spotlight (“storytelling”). Topics will include drafting and distributing press releases, as well as building relationships with media representatives.
The speaker, Wolfgang Pfeiffer, is currently head of the sports desk at *derRheinpfalz* and, prior to that, spent many years as head of a local news desk, so he has extensive experience of working with clubs across all disciplines.
When?
Thursday, 26 November 2026, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Many clubs and associations do valuable work – yet the public usually knows very little about it. In the voluntary sector in particular, there is hardly any time left for press relations in day-to-day life, or the necessary experience is lacking. This seminar shows how public relations can be successful even with limited resources: practical, time-saving and tailored to the needs of clubs, associations and volunteers.
The focus is on identifying topics, approaching the media and structuring a press release. The seminar will also explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help to quickly and easily repurpose texts for other formats such as social media, websites or newsletters. No prior knowledge is required for the seminar.
The speaker, Carolin Strifler-Tavernier, is a political scientist and German studies graduate who works as a press officer for the Lord Mayor of Mannheim. She also supports associations and start-ups in enhancing their strategic visibility.
When?
Thursday, 26 November 2026, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
Online (link via the City of Mannheim)
At a time when the protection of personal data is becoming increasingly important, a sound understanding of data protection is essential for clubs to avoid legal risks and maintain the trust of their members, volunteers and participants.
This course covers the legal foundations of data protection, what board members need to be aware of, and the role they play in implementing data protection within their club. Furthermore, the most important data protection obligations are explained using practical examples from everyday club life – including information obligations, technical and organisational risk minimisation, and relevant legal principles such as valid consent or legitimate interests.
The speaker, Sofia Vester, is the founder of ‘fix&fertig – Data Protection Support for Civil Society’. She supports associations, foundations and NGOs with practical advice, tailored training programmes and as an external data protection officer. Thanks to her many years of experience working in and with associations and initiatives, she is familiar with the relevant practical workflows.
When?
Tuesday, 1 December 2026, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
online
A club party or public event is often the highlight of the club’s year. To ensure these special occasions do not fall foul of bureaucratic hurdles but can run smoothly, you can find out here – first-hand from the relevant city officials – what matters and how to go about organising them successfully and celebrating safely.
The speakers, Benjamin Knöchel and Mike Meyer, are the points of contact within Ludwigshafen City Council’s Public Order Department. Among other things, they handle applications for open-air public events.
When?
Thursday, 10 December 26, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Well-organised finances are the backbone of any successful association. Transparent financial management builds trust and provides security. In this course, we’ll explore the world of bookkeeping, annual accounts and tax returns. You’ll learn, amongst other things, what documentation requirements there are, how to work with a tax adviser, and the benefits of digital software solutions.
The speaker, Wolfgang Pfeffer, has been working in the fields of associations and charitable organisations for over 25 years. He runs the specialist portal vereinsknowhow.de and has been producing the monthly specialist newsletter “VereinsBrief – Tax, Law, Club Management” for IWW-Verlag since 2006.
When?
Thursday, 21 January 27, 6.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where?
online
Money isn’t everything, but you can’t do anything without it – and that goes for your club too. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to keep your club’s finances under control, tap into new funding sources and use your budget creatively and boldly.
Among other things, this course will look at how to draw up a realistic budget and keep track of income and expenditure. You’ll also learn about various fundraising methods and discover how to find the right mix of funding for your organisation.
The speaker, Florian Brechtel, is a certified foundation consultant, volunteer manager and club manager. He has been advising charitable organisations across Germany since 2011, including on the topics of securing funding and fundraising.
When?
Saturday, 30 January 2027, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Terms and Conditions
The training course comprises a total of 58 teaching units. The course can only be booked in its entirety. Attendance at the third module, ‘When volunteering is no longer enough: introducing full-time staff effectively’, is optional for representatives of small associations.
To obtain a certificate, participants must attend at least 48 teaching units. Attendance at individual modules can be certified separately.
Registration for the training course is open until 10 August 2026 via the Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre. Final confirmation and acceptance will be sent by LUnited by 19 August 2026 at the latest.
The ‘Club Manager’ training programme is a joint project between Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, the City of Mannheim and ‘LUnited’ – working together.



A strong social media presence is essential for clubs today to increase their visibility, attract new volunteers and, in some cases, even reach their own members.
In this course, participants will learn how to carry out effective social media work despite limited resources by making efficient use of existing content, identifying suitable channels and utilising appropriate tools.
In an optional, practical add-on module, participants can put what they have learnt here directly into practice.
The speaker, Honorata Doba, is Senior Manager of Corporate Social Media at BASF SE in Ludwigshafen and manages all the company’s global social media profiles, from strategic planning and content creation and publication through to community management.
When?
Saturday, 5 December 2026, 9.30–11.45 am
Where?
Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre, Bürgerhof, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein