Municipality of Marousi: A Pioneer in Volunteering with the New “Environmental Volunteering Charter”
In a landmark event held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Marousi City Hall, the foundations were laid for a new era in local volunteerism. Under the banner of contribution and social cohesion, the Municipality presented the results of the European Erasmus+ project “Volunteering In Action” (VIA) and announced the creation of the first-ever Environmental Volunteering Charter.A Strategy Grounded in Research
This initiative is built on primary research conducted by the University of Piraeus, led by Dr. Georgia Zouni and Dr. Ioannis Katsanakis. The study analyzed best practices for youth volunteering across the EU, gathering insights from 153 managers and members of volunteering centers. Key research findings:- Social Media Recruitment: Social media is the most popular recruitment method, used by 84% of organizations.
- Youth Motivations: Opportunities for skill-building are a primary motivator for 90% of young volunteers.
- Emphasis on Training: 96% of organizations provide structured orientation or training for new volunteers.
- Engagement Challenges: Approximately 84% of organizations face challenges in engaging and retaining youth volunteers.
The VIA Toolkit: A Valuable Resource for All
As part of the project, a comprehensive VIA Toolkit was developed, which the Municipality of Marousi is making available to community groups and citizens. The Toolkit includes:- Recruitment Strategies: Focuses on target groups such as youth (18-30 years old), students, and professionals.
- Training Materials: Guidelines for sessions based on non-formal education principles.
- Management Tools: Templates for schedules, contact lists, and clear role descriptions.
- Safety and Compliance: Essential protocols for risk assessment and safety during activities.
- Engagement and Motivation: Strategies for sustained volunteer involvement.
- Impact Assessment: Methods for measuring the effectiveness of volunteer work in the community.
