Volu.M.Entry - Basics and essentials for E.S.C projects management

Context of the activity:

This activity is organised by The Constellation, a partnership of experienced organisations active in the field of European youth work, with a strong experience in the development and support of E.S.C projects for more than 10 years. 

We have been developing learning activities together since 2015 , aimed at offering opportunities for people active in this field (mentors, project coordinators, youth workers, etc) to develop their competences in order to enhance the quality of E.S.C projects. 

Hors Pistes, the hosting organisation for this training, has been implementing EVS and ESC projects since 2013, with a strong focus on the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities or facing more obstacles in their participation in European volunteering projects. This activity is organised in partnership with 2 other organisations : 

Pro Vobis - the Romanian National Resource Center for Volunteering, that has over 20 years of experience developing learning resources and training professionals in volunteer management across Europe. 

Team for Youth, with over 10 years of experience in the youth field, has as its mission to stimulate youngsters to develop themselves through voluntary work, international mobility and non-formal education, in a multicultural environment.

This activity will take place in Guillestre (French Alps), in a valley where Hors Pistes has been organizing each year since 2021 a group volunteering project, involving young people with diverse backgrounds in activities in close relation with the local community. 

Objectives

If you just landed on the European Solidarity Corps (E.S.C) planet, this training is the compass you need to start your journey! This activity aims to provide ESC project coordinators/mentors/tutors with the basics and essentials, as well as a general understanding of the meaning of European volunteering. 

- Discover the E.S.C program, get a clearer picture of the different types of activities, actors and roles, and locate your position on the map as well as a potential first route.

- Explore the basics of volunteers’ support in its different dimensions (learning and personal development, task organisation, integration in local communities, etc)

- What does volunteering mean and why do we do it? Discuss the meaning of ESC activities and the political dimension of volunteering 

- Hear concrete examples of volunteering activities: meet with ex-ESC volunteers and hosts of activities and get hands-on advice and insights. 

Who can apply?

This training is designed for people newly involved in the E.S.C program, with an active role as coordinator, mentor/tutor. Participants with more experience, willing to work on the basics and essentials, are also welcome! The training will be in English and aims at facilitating the participation of everyone, by addressing individual needs and creating a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Logistical Information 

The training will take place in a youth hostel in the Alps (l’Auberge de Guillestre). Participants will be accommodated in shared rooms (dorms). All the meals will be vegetarian, and the group will contribute to the community tasks (cooking, tidying-up,etc). 

We will do our best to adapt the settings and program activities to support the participation of everyone, including participants facing more obstacles in their participation.

All activities will be carried out  in English.

About the constellation 
 
“The Constellation” is a consortium of organisations collaborating to develop learning activities that enhance the quality of volunteer management. It is a living, informal network of professionals and organisations connected by trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to quality in European Youth Work.

We aim to inspire agency, participation, and long-term engagement in the European educational dimension and beyond.

The members of the constellation are EJBW (Weimar, Germany), La Vibria Intercultural (Terrassa, Spain), Politistiko Ergastiri Ayion Omoloyioton (Lefkosia, Cyprus), Pro Vobis - National Resource Center for Volunteering (Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Terzo Millennio (Lecce, Italy), Hors Pistes (Marseille, France), Team for Youth (Baia Mare, Romania), Cluj-Napoca Volunteering Center (Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Esplora (Itri, Italy).