Powered by V - Engaged Volunteering for the Future of EU Values

"<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the need for stronger youth engagement in strengthening EU values through volunteering. Volunteering is not only about helping others but is a powerful form of civic participation that can reinforce democracy, solidarity, peacebuilding and social inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine highlighted the urgent need for supported, value-based youth engagement. Our project responded to the lack of structured support for youth organisations to promote civic competences through volunteering. It focused on strengthening the capacity of organisations and youth workers to develop programmes that move beyond charity, helping youth understand their role in building resilient, inclusive and democratic societies. By joining expertise across countries, we aimed to create new knowledge, tools and a common European narrative on volunteering as an expression of EU values, countering extremist and populist narratives and empowering young people as active citizens for the future of Europe.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to encourage a better understanding of the cultural, social and political context of the relationship between youth engagement through volunteering and EU values. We wanted to support youth volunteering as a transformative force for strengthening EU values, resilience and sustainable communities. Another objective was to strengthen the capacities of youth organisations to develop more impactful volunteer engagement that promotes democratic principles, solidarity, inclusion and human rights. Finally, we aimed to unlock the potential of national, transnational and EU cooperation by building a common narrative and practical tools that foster youth civic participation and affirm fundamental EU values.<< Implementation >>The project activities included focus groups and interviews with youth and organisations, leading to the development of the EU Comparative Report on solidarity and EU values. National conversation saloons were organised to create the Feasibility Kit for strengthening value-based volunteer engagement. Based on research and dialogue, Policy Recommendations were developed to support youth volunteering and democratic participation. We produced the Guidebook ""Pathways to Solidarity and Other EU Values"" and a Curriculum for youth volunteer engagement, followed by national training sessions in Croatia, Ireland, Slovenia and Poland. Promotion and dissemination activities included the production of promotional videos, materials and organisation of dissemination events at national and EU levels to share project results widely.<< Results >>The project resulted in improved knowledge, skills and practices of volunteer-involving and youth organisations to better support youth engagement in volunteering and solidarity actions that strengthen EU values. Concrete outputs include the EU Comparative Report “Solidarity and Other EU Values in Focus”, the Feasibility Kit “Treasure Hunt of EU Values”, the Policy Recommendations on youth engagement and volunteering, the Guidebook “Pathways to Solidarity and Other EU Values”, the Curriculum for youth volunteering and civic participation, which was piloted through national trainings and two promotional videos containing good practice, as well as views on the topic by young people and representatives of CSOs. The project developed innovative and practical approaches encouraging greater synergy between EU values and youth volunteer engagement and created a common EU narrative for policymakers to promote an enabling environment for youth volunteering and civic engagement."