NextGen Volunteers: Shaping Europe’s Future Together Echoing volunteers' voices

Over the last years, we are witnessing a dynamic shift with the new generation of volunteers, who bring a fresh perspective, unique demands and diverse aspirations. This evolution prompts us to question: does the European Solidarity corps programme and other volunteering schemes in Europe align with their current needs and future expectations? How do young Europeans wish to contribute and engage in today's rapidly changing world?  

This activity is therefore designed to bring former volunteers together who can contribute to explore the potential of a strong European Volunteering Scheme, such as the European Solidarity Corps through the sharing of experience and perspectives.  

By combining hands-on training elements with a consultative space, this activity aims at providing a space where your voice and experience can influence the volunteering landscape in the future and showcase the valuable potential of EU Youth volunteering on various thematic priorities, such as :  

• How EU Youth volunteering initiatives foster a profound sense of European belonging among participants and local communities .  
• How (youth) volunteering contributes to a greener and more sustainable Europe?  
• How EU volunteering cultivates empathy and active citizenship, empowering youth as agents of solidarity across diverse communities,  

​​​What is this activity about? 

This activity is taking place within the framework of a partnership between 15 National Agencies and 3 SALTOs Resource Centres accross the EU who are implementing a constellation of activities aiming at advocating for and creating better conditions for EU Youth Volunteering in Europe and beyond.  

This event is a unique opportunity for former volunteers to influence the work of this partnership of National Agencies and SALTOs. 

Key objectives of the activity:  

• Exchange experiences with peers from different volunteering schemes 
• Get to know and contribute to the work of organisations, National Agencies and ​​SALTOs  
• Co-create concrete ideas and outputs ​to enhance the potential of the European Solidarity Corps in the future ​ 
• Explore how to make your volunteering journey last—personally and socially 
• Learn new methods and tools to enhance your impact 

Methodology 

To make sure that the participants get the best out this experience, this activity brings together two main components: 

Consultation & Co-Creation: 

• Participants will engage in interactive sessions with peers as well as NAs and SALTOs’ representatives where they will be invited to give feedback, exchange insights with peers, and contribute with ideas to enhance and evolve ​the ​​​volunteering schemes in their countries. Your voice will help shape future opportunities for young people and can influence the new programme generation after 2027! 
• The outcomes of this consultation will be shared by relevant stakeholders (European Commission and Parliament, National Agencies and SALTOs Resource Centres, ESC organisations, volunteering networks etc.) 

Training & Empowerment: 

• Get ready for an exciting experience! During this activity, you'll dive into hands-on inspiration by connecting with local organizations during field visits, gain inside knowledge on how European institutions work, and uncover the coolest spots in Brussels. This is your chance to explore, learn, and make an impact! 
• Based on your needs the trainer team will make sure to offer hands-on workshops and activities that help you further develop your competencies, e.g.advocacy, networking, communication, social entrepreneurship, active citizenship… 

Participants’ profile 

The event aims to work with 25 to 30 young people : 

• Aged from 18  to 30 years  
• Who completed a volunteering activity (both short and long term) within a volunteering scheme between 2018 and 2024 (EVS, ESC, French Service civique, Belgian Service Citoyen; Freiwilliges Umweltjahr, Italian Servizio Civile Nazionale etc.). 
• Who are curious about how to increase the impact of their volunteering experience as well as volunteering as such and passionate about making a difference.   
• Who want to contribute with insights, be open to learn from others and are ready to co-create something meaningful.  

Training team  

This activity will be facilitated by two experienced trainers: 

• Sosthène Deshoullières-Delbos (France): experienced trainer, works within an ESC organisation as project coordinator, mentor and trainer 
• Joanna Hoffman (Poland): experienced trainer, facilitates TEC trainings for volunteers among other and is actively engaged within the Youth sector 

To ensure the programme will meet the needs of the participants, two young people with a valuable volunteering and facilitation experience are also part of the team: 

• Lisa Conas (France): junior facilitator, former ESC volunteer and active member of the Europeers Network  
• Elise Brasseur (Belgium-FR): supports with the preparation and programme design, former ESC volunteer and still very active locally within her ESC supporting organisation 

Practicalities & Programme 

• The participants will be hosted in a Youth hostel in Brussels in double rooms. 
• Accommodation and boarding (three meals per day) during the activity dates will be covered by the organisers in the venue. Travel expenses and eventual visa costs will be covered by the sending National Agencies. 
• Participants are expected to arrive on Sunday 26th of October before dinner time (19h) and departure is planned on Friday 31st October after breakfast. 

For more information, you can consult the programme in attachment below.