The Program
An initiative establishing best practices for European youth volunteering.
Supported by the Erasmus+ Programme
Our primary objective is to chart the course of EU youth volunteering, identifying best practices, understanding obstacles, and recognizing success stories. These insights will pave the way for more informed strategies, policies, and programs.
The “Volunteering In Action” (VIA) initiative, supported by the Erasmus+ Programme, is a comprehensive project designed to map, analyze, and enhance the landscape of youth volunteering across the European Union. It serves as a bridge between academic research and practical application to ensure youth volunteering remains dynamic and relevant.
The project consists of two primary components:
1. Research and Analysis
Led by the University of Piraeus, this phase involved extensive “Desk and Field Research” to identify current trends and best practices.
Data Collection: A survey of 153 managers from EU Youth Volunteering Centers was conducted to capture a snapshot of the field.
Objectives: The research aimed to identify obstacles (such as recruitment challenges and funding), recognize success stories, and chart the future course of EU youth volunteering.
Key Findings: The study found that while social media is the most popular recruitment tool (84%), many organizations struggle with a perceived lack of interest from youth.
2. Practical Toolkit Development
The Municipality of Marousi developed a specialized toolkit to provide organizations with actionable management strategies.
Volunteer Management: It provides templates for role descriptions, schedules, and contact lists to professionalize volunteer coordination.
Engagement Strategies: The toolkit outlines methods for recruitment, non-formal training, and recognition programs to keep volunteers motivated.
Impact Assessment: It offers tools for measuring how volunteer work benefits both the community and the organization through surveys and data analysis.
WHAT WE DO
Partners of the Program
