Volunteering Forum

This forum aims to strengthen the quality, impact, and recognition of volunteering activities within the European Solidarity Corps by bringing together volunteers, youth workers, mentors, coordinators, and young people from diverse backgrounds. Through the exchange of experiences, peer learning, networking opportunities, and interactive discussions, participants will explore the role of volunteering in fostering solidarity, active citizenship, personal development, and employability. The forum will provide a space for stakeholders to reflect on challenges and good practices in ESC volunteering, enhance cooperation among organizations and support structures, and discuss how volunteering experiences can contribute to the development of competences, community engagement, and long-term social impact.

What is this activity?

This activity is part of an ESCNET activity organized by the Turkish National Agency for ESC. NET is a tool for National Agencies to support the ESC Program and enhance its impact. The event will be held in English, therefore applicants are expected to be able to understand and speak the language.

Main Objectives:

The primary objectives of this forum are:

• To exchange experiences and good practices in ESC volunteering activities,

• To strengthen cooperation among volunteers, mentors, coordinators, youth workers, and organizations,

• To explore the impact of volunteering on young people’s personal and professional development,

• To discuss quality standards, support systems, and challenges in volunteering projects,

• To encourage networking and future partnerships within the ESC community.

• Celebrating the 30th anniversary of volunteering!

Call for Speakers

Do you see yourself delivering a keynote speech, participating in a panel discussion or delivering a workshop? Think you’re a fit for any of these roles? Learn more about the clusters below and apply here by 1 October 2028. If selected, your travel, board and lodging for the whole duration of the forum will be fully covered by the Turkish National Agency. 

Structure and Sessions:
The event will be organized around four thematic clusters, each addressing a key dimension of volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps. Sessions under these clusters will take place concurrently, allowing participants to choose the topics most relevant to their interests, experiences, and professional backgrounds.

Cluster 1 – Quality in ESC Volunteering

This cluster will focus on quality standards in volunteering projects, the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, volunteer support systems, and creating meaningful and inclusive volunteering experiences.

Cluster 2 – Learning, Impact and Recognition

This cluster will explore the personal, social, and professional impact of volunteering, competence development, recognition of learning outcomes, and the contribution of volunteering to active citizenship and solidarity.

Cluster 3 – Building Stronger ESC Communities

This cluster will cover cooperation among volunteers, organisations, mentors, youth workers, and National Agencies, with a focus on networking, partnership building, and sharing good practices across the ESC community.

Cluster 4 – The Future of Volunteering

This cluster will address emerging trends, innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and new approaches that can strengthen the quality and long-term impact of volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps.

A more detailed info-kit and schedule will be sent to the selected participants.

The arrivals will begin on the 8th and departures will be on 11th of October.

Unless specified otherwise, the hosting NA or SALTO of this offer will organise the accommodation and covers the costs for accommodation and food.

Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries, Partner Countries Neighbouring the EU

English

This project is financed by the participating National Agencies (NAs) of the Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme. The participation fee varies from country to country. Please contact your National Agency or SALTO Resource Centre (SALTO) to learn more about the participation fee for participants from your country.

Please contact your NA or SALTO in order to know whether they would support your travel costs. If yes, after being selected, get in touch with your NA or SALTO again to learn more about the overall procedure to arrange the booking of your travel tickets and the reimbursement of your travel expenses.