Volunteering opportunities

The idea of the project was inspired by the introduction of the new European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Programme and the fact that majority of the organisations still do not have a clear understanding of how the programme works and what benefits are there for young people and organisations (both at the local and international level).

Therefore, it doesn’t matter here whether the organisations already have many years of experience with the European Voluntary Service (EVS). When it comes to ESC we are all newcomers and we all may have questions about the implementation and running of volunteering projects as well as how to support volunteers in the process of identifying and engaging in the placements. At the same time, drawing experience from our work with EVS and other voluntary projects, we have taken particular interest in mentoring as a way of supporting young volunteers prior, during and after their voluntary experience.

Aim and project structure: The proposed project aims at developing the capacities of partner promoters (in particular: youth workers, volunteers coordinators, supervisors and mentors) in developing and ensuring greater quality within the European volunteering programmes. The focus here falls particularly on matters such as:

•  promoting volunteering opportunities at the local and
  international level
• developing strong and sustainable partnerships
• volunteers’ management and mentoring
• ensuring greater impact of the volunteering projects (both for the volunteers and the communities they work in).

To achieve the aim and ensure that it is sustainable, the proposed project – Volunteering Opportunities – has been divided into two
distinct stages.

• Contact Making Event for Coordinators and Supervisors
• Training Course “Ensuring Quality in volunteering projects” for Mentors.

Currently we are implementing the second part of the project, the training course.

Objectives:

• To better understand the background, needs and challenges related to volunteering activities across the partnership
• To understand the concept of Volunteering Opportunities within the new European Solidarity Corps Programme
• To raise awareness of the learning dimension in volunteering projects and provide tools for learning support for the mentors and volunteers
• To create an inclusive learning environment for the attendees to share their own best practice, inspire and motivate one another To improve the capacity of organisations in practical implementation of voluntary projects in the frames of Erasmus+ and to provide up-todate
  information
  about
  the
  programme.

The ultimate success of the project will be seen in participants …just like the ones on the right 😉 going back home with fresh ideas, competences and contacts to take actions at the local and international level.

The training will be practically orientated with sessions on: project coordination, communication with volunteers and partners, dealing with conflicts , coaching and mentoring, supporting the learning, process volunteers’ rights and responsibilities. 40m support systems practical aspects of the projects and dealing with challenging situations that might appear during the implementation of the projects and will prepare the mentors to welcome the new volunteers in their organizations.

Participants’ profile: This following training activity is aimed at active mentors and volunteer coordinators who feel the need of developing their competences further, improving the quality of their mentoring activities and ensuring greater quality of voluntary projects.
These and more are expected to help ensure greater support for young people engaged in volunteering activities, leading to their further personal and professional development.

The mobility is open to 18+ participants Nominations will be made by the individual partner promoters.