Everything you need to know about the Bundesverband alleinerziehender Mütter und Väter (Association of Single Mothers and Fathers – VAMV)

Everything you need to know about the Bundesverband alleinerziehender Mütter und Väter (VAMV)

The Bundesverband alleinerziehender Mütter und Väter, known as VAMV, is one of Germany’s most important and longest-established organizations advocating for families led by a single parent. It was founded in 1967 to support single mothers and fathers and represent their interests in society and politics.

Today, VAMV is a strong voice calling for equality, justice, and better living conditions for families that carry the responsibility of raising children on their own.

Principles and values
The association is based on key principles, including:

  • Social justice: safeguarding the rights of single parents and their children in all areas of life.

  • Equality: fighting discrimination against single-parent families, both in the labor market and in society.

  • Empowerment: supporting single parents so they can provide for their children safely and independently.

Structure and organization
VAMV operates a nationwide network of regional and local associations, allowing it to reach single mothers and fathers across Germany.
Its federal headquarters are located in Berlin, where policies are coordinated, campaigns are developed, and relationships with public authorities and other organizations are managed.

Fields of work and services
The association offers a wide range of activities and services, including:

  • Social and legal counseling: helping single parents with custody, child support, social rights, and family law.

  • Psychological support: providing support groups and counseling to cope with daily pressure and mental challenges.

  • Awareness and education: organizing workshops, training courses, and lectures on parenting, time management, and work–life balance.

  • Political advocacy: influencing government policies to improve living conditions, such as increasing child-support assistance, improving daycare services, and reducing the tax burden.

  • Community projects: organizing events for parents and children to strengthen social ties and reduce feelings of isolation.

Campaigns and achievements
VAMV has launched many campaigns to raise awareness of the financial and social challenges faced by single parents and to demand stronger government support.
It has contributed to improvements in certain laws and policies related to taxation, childcare, and social rights, directly benefiting hundreds of thousands of families.

Funding
The association is funded through membership fees, donations, government grants, and project funding. These resources are used to maintain services, finance campaigns, and expand activities nationwide.

Jobs and volunteering
VAMV offers job opportunities in counseling, administration, coordination, and awareness work.
It also welcomes volunteers to support activities, organize events, and provide direct assistance to single mothers and fathers.

Social role
The association plays an essential role in empowering single-parent families and helping them overcome economic and social difficulties.
Through its work, VAMV increases public awareness of the value of these families, challenges stereotypes, and calls for a more just and supportive society.

Conclusion
The Bundesverband alleinerziehender Mütter und Väter represents a genuine commitment to supporting and empowering single-parent families in Germany. Thanks to its continuous efforts, single mothers and fathers find strong support and a voice that represents them in political and social arenas.

If you care about family issues and social equality, or if you are a single parent looking for support—or would like to volunteer—VAMV is an ideal partner and an inspiring place to start.


ـ* The writing and editorial team on the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and consultation of multiple sources when preparing articles. However, some errors may occur or certain information may be unconfirmed. Please consider the information as a preliminary reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.


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