Training Session: "Collaborating Digitally—Secure, Free, and Hassle-Free"

Collaborating on documents, calendars, surveys, or even video conferences: Many organizations and initiatives are looking for simple and cost-effective ways to collaborate digitally—without compromising data privacy. In this training session, we’ll introduce practical open-source tools that make it easier to work together while remaining independent of major platform providers.

The first session provides an overview of the fundamentals of digital collaboration, data protection, and open-source solutions. Participants will also learn about various tools and their applications and can determine which one best suits their needs.

Between the two sessions, participants will have the opportunity to try out the applications themselves and gain initial experience.

During the second session, participants will take a hands-on look at the tools together and adapt them to their needs: There will be time for questions, discussion, and concrete examples of how these tools are used in the day-to-day work of organizations and initiatives. If needed, participants can also suggest additional topics to cover.

The training is aimed at volunteers, associations, and initiatives—no prior knowledge is required. The two sessions can only be booked together.

Presenter: Hendrik vom Lehn. Hendrik is a computer scientist and a certified consultant in data protection law (FernUniversität Hagen). He leads online seminars on data protection for associations and works as an external data protection officer. In addition to his focus on data protection, he is committed to free software and the Fediverse as alternatives to commercial platforms.

Dates: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. each day

Location: Haus des Engagements, Rehlingstraße 9, 79100 Freiburg

Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Participation fee: 25 euros / reduced rate 10 euros