Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund is a non-political and non-denominational charity and relief organisation with 16 branches federal and 224 branches at regional level. They are dedicated in helping all people – regardless of their political, ethnic, national and religious affiliation. We enable people to develop and maintain the greatest possible degree of self-determination. ASB provide rapid and direct help to all those in need of our support.
Since its foundation in 1888, ASB has provided services that focus on people’s needs, including care for the elderly, rescue services and First Aid, assistance for children and young people,support for people with disabilities and those suffering from mental problems, as well as Foreign aid and adult and further education. ASB Foreign Aid focuses on emergency relief and disaster risk reduction as well as reintegration and cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.
Anyone wanting to be involved in voluntary services will find suitable opportunities at ASB, for example as part of a civil protection team or as paramedic, as a visitor to the elderly or a reading mentor, as a visiting dog handler or a school nurse.The ASJ, the ASB’s independent youth association, promotes the social engagement of children and young people. 1.1 million people in Germany share the ASB’s humanitarian and democratic principles and support our non-profit association with their membership and their personal commitment.
As part of 16 regional associations, more than 224 local branches and around 120 associated not-for-profit companies. What was to become ASB began in 1888 with six carpenters in Berlin. At a time when there were neither health and safety regulations nor emergency rescue services and workers often sustained terrible injuries, our founding fathers successfully established the first “Training Course for First Aid after an Accident”, in spite of considerable opposition. In 1909, the first Arbeiter-Samariter-Gruppen (Workers Samaritan Groups) from across Germany formed the ASB. As a relief organisation and charity, ASB also considers itself an advocate for socio-political issues.
ASB takes a position on current debates and is in contact with members of the Bundestag (lower house of German parliament) and the European Parliament as well as ministries and other institutions.
Web site: www.asb.de
