Pact for Impact I: Communication & Action

Aims & objectives

1. Analyze youth participation and motivation in volunteering

2. Practice effective communication techniques for dialogue and debate

3. Understand how to better collaborate in diverse groups thanks to consensus building and handling disagreement

4. Reflect on personal communication style and its impact

5. Develop projects and campaigns with the newly acquired knowledge about volunteering and volunteer management.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Trainer 1 (Me): Italian national residing in the Netherlands
Trainer 2: German national residing in Germany
Trainer 3: German national residing in Austria
Project Manager: Italian national residing in Austria
Project Manager: Czech national residing in the Czech Republic

Training methods used & main activities

During this activity I used Non-Formal Learning methods and LEGO Serious Play.
Non-Formal Learning was ideal to introduce, practice, and critique techniques of communication in debates via a presentation and an exercise debate; and to brainstorm and share best pratices around the experience of volunteering and volunteer management.
LEGO Serious Play was the perfect method to discuss and practice consensus building and handling disagreement. A simulated discussion was held between the participants who represented their needs and wishes with the bricks, before having to find a compromise first in couples, then groups of 4, and finally in plenary.

Outcomes of the activity

Rhythm of Freedom Social Media Campaign: https://www.iynf.org/publications/rhythmoffreedom/

Dog Shelter Volunteering: https://www.iynf.org/publications/dog-shelter-volunteering/

House Cooperative "Solace": https://www.iynf.org/publications/bulding-our-housing-cooperative/

Environmental Education Program: https://www.iynf.org/publications/environmental-education/

Decolonizing Spaces Podcast: https://www.iynf.org/publications/decolonizingspaces/

Political Art Campaign: https://www.iynf.org/publications/political-art-campaign/

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

- Before the activity: Preparation of the sessions alongside the other trainers to achieve the agreed upon goals
- During the activity: Delivery of the sessions
- After the activity: Evaluation of the activity and reporting

I worked on this training for 6 days as a full time trainer.