CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FAIR was held in Lublin, Poland on 17th of November 2015 in the Centre of Culture - Cultural Centre (12 Peowiaków Street)

Initiated and organised by V-CODE project partner Foundation of Social Activity (FAO) and Lublin Municipal Office

There were two panels connected to volunteering – voluntary service during the Fair. In the first part it was focus on social work as a way of getting into job market. There was an offer for volunteers presented (as a part of project „Code to Development”). Moreover, a representative of Lublin Municipal Office presented a conception of Lublin development as a place for work for young people.

The second part was planned as a panel „Corporate volunteering – a duty or a need of self-realization?”. The panelists were representatives of Marshal Office Swietokrzyskie Province, Kielce, Lublin Coal ‘Bogdanka’ Inc., “Happy Childhood “ Foundation and IBM Poland.

Local non-governmental organisations from Lublin had a chance to show their offer for volunteers in different areas of their activity – work with seniors, children and youth, culture, education, sport, animals care or ecology.

Participation at the Fair, which connected three sectors in one place at the same time, was a great occasion to sharing the experiences and ideas about volunteering in business, public administration and non-government organisations. Participants also had a chance to establish contacts in social responsibility area.

The Civic Engagement Fair in Lublin was organised as a part of two projects: „Volunteering – Code of Active Citizenship” – financed by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union, and „Code to Development” – financed by IBM Poland.

PHOTOS from the event >> 

INVITATION to the Civic Engagement Fair (pdf) >> 

INVITATION to the Civic Engagement Fair (www): FAO.org.pl; NGO.pl

PROGRAMME of the event >>

POSTER of the event >> 

Civic Engagement Fairs were organised in all partner countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Netherlands, Italy, and UK. The main purpose of the Fair was to create a possibility for citizens to learn about different local volunteer initiatives and to invite fair participants to join them as volunteers, to create an event at which existing organisations using volunteers are able to advertise and market what they do. 

That gave a possibility to introduce potential volunteers to volunteering organisations by providing them a platform and a space to introduce themselves: stands for organisations were they could invite participants to learn about each other (even among NGOs it was important!) and/or dialogues or presentations. Partners were free to choose the topics and methods regarding there local needs and capacities of their organisations. 

Citizens had a chance to learn about different local volunteering initiatives, join an organisation or voluntary initiative, to learn the benefits of volunteering for volunteer and the society. Moreover - it was an opportunity for organisations involving volunteers introduce to each other, share experience and practices, present their initiatives and build closer relationships for future joint voluntary activities.

Fair participants represented different segments of the society: volunteering managers, members of different NGOs, members of local communities, students, academicians, representatives of local public institutions and citizens targeting at those who are not engaged in the activities of NGOs.

• 6 Civic Engagement Fairs were organised in project partner countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Netherlands, Italy, and UK
• More than 800 participants took part at the events sharing or gaining knowledge and understanding about volunteering, benefits of volunteering, problems and possible solutions
• About 70 organisations participated at the events and presented their voluntary works and initiatives
• About 160 participants expressed their willingness to volunteer in a certain organisation or initiative. These were newly recruited volunteers

In the countries, where volunteering is very low (Lithuania, Latvia, Poland), such type of event could be treated as innovative and best practice example, as they were organised for the first time here.

For more information about each event, please, see Fair descriptions of each partner:

• Civic Engagement Fair - ITALY, Tropea, 24/10/2015
• Civic Engagement Fair - LATVIA, Riga, 30/10/2015
• Civic Engagement Fair - LITHUANIA, Kaunas, 14/10/2015
• Civic Engagement Fair - NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam, 06/11/2015
• Civic Engagement Fair - POLAND, Lublin, 17/11/2015
• Civic Engagement Fair - UNITED KINGDOM, Bishop’s Castle, 12-13/09/2015

NETHERLANDS: "Insight into Voluntary Work" workshop 

Local volunteering initiative, called "Insight into Voluntary Work", was organised on 11/04/2016 at the Volunteer Academy (Vrijwilligersacademie Amsterdam) in Amsterdam. Vrijwilligersacademie Amsterdam is the main partner of project Dutch partner Stichting VU-VUMC implementing V-CODE project activities. The Academy take care of volunteer training that they are able to provide best qualified volunteer services for Amsterdam citizens, for their care and welfare. 

Volunteering and refugees was chosen as a topic of this event as refugees are an important topic these days. Often they are perceived as ‘in need of care’. However, this does not apply for all refugees and there are plenty that are actually able to provide care. Vrijwilligersacademie Amsterdam opted to organise a workshop in which invited participants discussed this topic and explored what kind of voluntary work could be done by refugees. 

The objective was to trigger people to explore the idea of refugees volunteering. Participants reflected on their concept of what a refugee is: needing care vs providing care. This is important in current society in which we are faced with more and more refugees every day and in which we need to find a right way to co-exist. The workshop aimed to investigate new ways of thinking about caring for each other, and specifically focused on voluntary work for refugees. What does that involve and what possibilities are there? The workshop aimed to investigate new ways of thinking about caring for each other, and specifically focused on voluntary work for refugees. What does that involve and what possibilities are there? It is expected that this initiative has contributed to this goal. More people opened up to the idea of welcoming refugees as volunteers.

A workshop setting was chosen in which a refugee that has had experience with volunteering shared his story and directed the discussion about it. This way as much interaction as possible was gained and as many people as possible to join the initiative were engaged. 

The topic – refugees as volunteers, providing care for locals – is quite rare at this point and as such is innovative. The method of a workshop is, off course, well known and had proven its value.

The workshop was disseminated throughout social media (websites, Facebook and Twitter accounts of Vrijwilligersacademie Amsterdam and University), and amongst the wide network of the University and Vrijwilligersacademie Amsterdam. 

• 26 participants took part at the workshop.
• Contacts were made with different volunteering organisations to make more use of the combination of volunteering between refugees and locals, on different levels. 
• Numerous continuous local volunteering initiatives anticipated and will be implemented after the project ends.
• As the outcome of the workshop the solutions to the question "So how can we enable voluntary work for newcomers and refugees?" were provided: offer a guideline how to volunteer; explain the concept of voluntary work during the lessons at schools; focus on voluntary work for groups, not only individuals; use social media and create a ‘newcomers database.’ 

Invitation to the workshop >>>

Overview of workshop results (with useful links and photos) >>>

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FAIR was held in Kaunas, Lithuania on 14 October, 2015 and took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (A. Mickevičiaus g. 37, Kaunas)

Initiated and organised by V-CODE project leading partner - Municipal Training Center at Kaunas University of Technology.

The main purpose of the Civic Engagement Fair was to create a possibility for citizens to learn about different local volunteer initiatives and to invite fair participants to join them as volunteers. The Fair was organised in Kaunas and was a part of a major event “SocHuMen Days” – the annual event of the Faculty engaging students, academic members and city citizens in Faculty activities. Being part of this event it was a possibility to attract more audience. And the purpose was to spread the idea of volunteering at the Faculty, to reveal the impacts of volunteering for a volunteer and for the society, and to encourage Faculty students and academicians to actively involve in volunteering initiatives.

Lithuanian Civic Engagement Fair was held in Kaunas on 14/10/2015 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (A. Mickevičiaus str. 37, Kaunas). The main purpose of the Fair was to create a possibility for citizens to learn about different local volunteer initiatives and to inspire, to create an event at which organisations involving volunteers are able to advertise and market what they do and to engage new volunteers. The aim was also to spread the idea of volunteering at the Faculty, to reveal the impacts and benefits of volunteering for a volunteer and for the society, and to encourage Faculty students and academicians to actively involve in volunteering initiatives. The Fair was organised in Kaunas and was a part of a major event “SocHuMen'ų Dienos” – the annual event of the Faculty engaging students, academic members and City citizens into Faculty activities. Being part of this event it was a possibility to attract more audience.

Kaunas City organisations were invited to present themselves and their initiatives, to share experiences and opportunities for voluntary engagement. Different type organisations took part at this Fair – international and local NGOs, public institutions and organisations, museums, and libraries. The fair provided space and platform for organisations to present themselves, to engage new volunteers and to learn about each other at their stands. Presentations and speeches were made to raise awareness and promote benefits of volunteering, to spread good practice examples and share experiences.

Fair participants represented different segments of the society: volunteering managers, members of different NGOs, members of local communities, students, representatives of local public institutions and citizens. Different type of activities were proposed for the participants, they even had a possibility to do voluntary work donating blood during the event. More than 30 participants expressed their willingness to volunteer in a certain organisation or initiative. There was active involvement of faculty students – future social educators and their university teachers. The Fair provided opportunity to present initiatives and build contacts among voluntary organizations for further joint initiatives. While organising this event project coordinator Municipal Training Centre and Faculty members established new links and partnerships with NGOs, libraries and museums in Kaunas City. A collaboration agreement with a voluntary organisation „Actio Catholica Patria“ (A.C.Patria, www.patria.lt) – direct involvement of this organisation was a great added-value for other project activities and results.

It is a good start and need to be developed and spread more widely, in cooperation with other faculties of the University, with other Universities, NGOs and public institutions in Kaunas City. To spread this idea across Lithuania and highlight possibilities for university students and school students to spend their time meaningfully. In the context of Lithuania undoubtedly it could be considered as "best practice" as there is no practice yet to promote volunteering at universities at this scale and engage students and academic members in volunteering activities. Information about upcoming event was widely spread through Facebook accounts and events of Municipal Training Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Faculty student representation office, directly during the deanery and department meetings of the Faculty. Also through involved NGOs channels. Event posters were made, programs and flyers were delivered among students and lecturers. Information was published in the student lifestyle magazine “Njuspeipis”. A great job did some university teachers who spread this information visiting other lectures and directly informing students about upcoming event. 

PHOTOS from the event >>

PROGRAMME  of the event: 13-15 October agenda; 14 October agenda

POSTER of the VOLUNTYEAR initiative >>> 

FACEBOOK event of the Fair >>

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FAIR was held on October 30, 2015, from 10:00 to 16:30 in Riga, Aspazijas Boulevard 5, UL Faculty of Economics and Management, hall on the 3rd floor (University of Latvia).

This event was an excellent opportunity for the volunteering organisations of Latvia to present their activity to a wider audience as well as probably attract new members. At the same time, it was a good possibility for the participants, UL Faculty of Economics and Management students, teaching staff and wider audience to learn more about the volunteering organizations and gain new contacts for further cooperation.

Latvian Civic Engagement Fair took place on 30/10/2015 at the lobby of the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Latvia (from 10:00 to 16:30, Aspazijas Boulevard 5, Riga). As it was anticipated in the project application the Civic Engagement Fair was organised for citizens to learn about different local volunteer initiatives in Latvia. 

8 different NGOs (volunteering organisations) participated in the Civic Engagement Fair representing also different social groups or segments of the society (e.g. youth, general public, business orientation) and different active citizenship engagement profiles – Erasmus Student Network Riga organisation promoting students` mobility and cultural awareness and integration, DEMOLA Latvia/IT Cluster and JCI Latvia promoting youth education and practical cooperation with business sector, the Samaritan Association of Latvia and Latvian Red Cross promoting active citizenship and general public good, AIESEC Latvia, creative association “TREPES” (eng: STAIRS), organisation “Go Beyond” promoting active citizenship and personal, professional development of youth.

Lectures were organised during the Fair. One of the local aims of the event was to break the myth of volunteering being a `thing` for young people only and this was successfully achieved by inviting general public good and business cooperation orientated volunteering organisations where age aspect is of no concern such as the Samaritan Association of Latvia, Latvian Red Cross, DEMOLA Latvia/IT Cluster and JCI Latvia, as well as by promoting the event through press releases, social media presence and on national radio broadcast and television that well resulted in Fairs` audience being people of different age, too. The conference part of the Fair was devoted to exploration of experiences and perspectives of voluntary work in Latvia.

According to the feedback by the very participants, the NGOs, of the Civic Engagement Fair at the University of Latvia one of the main benefits for them, apart from promoting their activities to general public, was also a chance to get to know better other volunteering organisations in Latvia and share their experiences in many similar dimensions of their work, e.g. recruiting members, administrative issues, fundraising, cooperation with industry and other.

Overall the Civic Engagement Fair at the University of Latvia was a very successful event that brought together organisations and people interested in volunteering activities, facilitated and contributed to the public discussion about the growing topicality of active citizenship through volunteering as well as created a networking platform for the development of further cooperation among volunteering organisations, general public and academic environment.

As for the indirect impact, the Civic Engagement Fair facilitated and contributed to the public discussion about the growing topicality of active citizenship through volunteering by targeted communication with volunteering organizations, public virtual appearances in social media and through press release as well as through presence on national radio broadcast and television to reach wide circles of general public. The estimated number of audience reached through indirect impact most likely reached several thousand people.

University of Latvia has attracted more than 20 volunteers for the organisation of the Civic Engagement Fair later engaged in organising local volunteering initiative. More than 60 participants of general public, including students, seniors and representatives from different regional municipalities of Latvia that visited the Fair.

Project`s planned and implemented activities as well as its` results are being and will be disseminated to a wider general public through communication with volunteering organizations, public virtual appearances (at least 15 times in total) in social media (at least nine times e.g. on the Facebook, Twitter, Draugiem.lv), through press releases (at least four times e.g. on WEB pages and news portals) as well as through presence on national radio broadcast and television before the Civic Engagement Fair (from October 9 till October 30, 2015). The information is being disseminated in English, Latvian and Russian languages. 

The Civic Engagement Fair at the University of Latvia was itself an innovative approach mainly due to the fact that it brought together the main and impactful actors of the organized civil society – NGOs (volunteering organizations), academic environment, representatives from different regional municipalities of Latvia and the general public that visited the Fair. As a result the Fair can undoubtedly be considered as `good practice` for facilitation and contribution to the public discussion about the growing topicality of active citizenship through volunteering. 

Contact presons - project coordinators Romāns Putāns (t.29442854, Šis el.pašto adresas yra apsaugotas nuo šiukšlių. Jums reikia įgalinti JavaScript, kad peržiūrėti jį.) and Olga Stariņeca ( Šis el.pašto adresas yra apsaugotas nuo šiukšlių. Jums reikia įgalinti JavaScript, kad peržiūrėti jį.).

PHOTOS from the event >> 

PROGRAMME of the event >>

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FAIR was held in Tropea, Calabria, Italy on 24 October, 2015.

Initiated and organised by V-CODE project partner - Istituto Culturale Relazioni Euromediterranee ICRE  (Institute of Mediterranean Culture)

Italian Civic Volunteering Fair took part on 24/10/2015 in Tropea. The event started with the conference entitled: "Volunteering: World Heritage" held at the Deocesano Museum of Tropea. At the same time the stands were opened in the city square Piazza Vittorio Veneto (Tropea) of voluntary associations and more. The day was enlivened by practical demonstrations and musical, cultural, gastronomic and ludic events. 

The ICRE (Institute for Cultural Relations Euromediterranee) in organising the volunteer fair has decided to aim at young people, bringing them closer to the world of volunteering and instilling in them a commitment to help those in need. To achieve this objective ICRE organised a conference entitled "Volunteering: World Heritage", inviting various personalities with different skills, who have brought their experiences to make them known to the participating people. The event was a mix of different formats, passing from the formal (meeting) to the fair in the square where alternated visits to the stands of voluntary associations and musical, artistic and ludic moments.

For the success of the event ICRE implemented several distinct actions. The various meetings with all members of ICRE were fundamental. During these meetings overall organisation of the event and the task assignments were established. Once clarified the objectives the most suitable tools for the achievement of them, considering the available resources, were identified. A particular attention was paid to the choice of location where the event was held, which fell on the town of Tropea for its artistic and natural beauty, and the Diocesan Museum, very prestigious location where the conference was held. This cozy, comfortable and equipped and beautiful location represented the idea that ICRE wanted to communicate to the public. Established the location, ICRE started to take various contacts. The first one was with the Mayor of Tropea, to explain why ICRE wanted to organize this event and to obtain the various permits. Another very important contact was the association CSV of Vibo Valentia (Centro Servizi per il Volontariato), that was very useful to identify and invite the voluntary associations to participate to the event. The next step was to choose the speakers involved in the conference. The choice fell on people engaged in social activity and especially with a strong charisma, who can entertain the audience. At this point it was turned on the publicity of the event, printing posters and banners and distributing leaflets throughout the province of Vibo Valentia. Another very important step was the involvement of the schools of Vibo Valentia and Tropea, taking contact with the various school principals and by making sure that the students attended the event, also taking care of the transport. Local businessmen were contacted who wanted to donate their products for the charity sale that ICRE did in the square during the event. The students of the Istituto Alberghiero of Tropea have actively participated in the event preparing sweets that were sold. The proceeds of these sales were donated to charity. ICRE involved local artists who had contributed to the success of the event in the square with music, dancing (giants), painting exhibitions etc. Lunch for the present project partners, the organizers and the speakers was organised, too. ICRE has also set the event that this would bring together many different people, but united by a common interest, the Volunteer.

The Volunteer Fair was an event very complex, articulate and challenging. It required a strong capacity for planning, a lot of creativity, management skills and attitudes to coordinate different situations. Very often the focus, for the success of the event, is exclusively on the availability of economic resources overlooking the fact that the success depends on a set of factors equally important. A careful analysis has been a central part for the success of the event.

ICRE has achieved its goals through: the involvement of local voluntary associations; the acquisition of new volunteers for local initiatives; the actions of pressure on local politicians; the spreading the values of volunteering in schools; the sharing of experiences dedicated to volunteering for a greater understanding of the guiding principles; the promotion and dissemination through social networks, email, Facebook, local newspapers, photos, movies, cd.

The ICRE (Institute for Cultural Relations Euromediterranee) in organising the volunteer fair has decided to aim at young people, bringing them closer to the world of volunteering and instilling in them a commitment to help those in need. To achieve this objective ICRE organised a conference entitled "Volunteering: World Heritage", inviting various personalities with different skills, who have brought their experiences to make them known to the participating people. The event was a mix of different formats, passing from the formal (meeting) to the fair in the square where alternated visits to the stands of voluntary associations and musical, artistic and ludic moments.

For the success of the event ICRE implemented several distinct actions. The various meetings with all members of ICRE were fundamental. During these meetings overall organisation of the event and the task assignments were established. Once clarified the objectives the most suitable tools for the achievement of them, considering the available resources, were identified. A particular attention was paid to the choice of location where the event was held, which fell on the town of Tropea for its artistic and natural beauty, and the Diocesan Museum, very prestigious location where the conference was held. This cozy, comfortable and equipped and beautiful location represented the idea that ICRE wanted to communicate to the public. Established the location, ICRE started to take various contacts. The first one was with the Mayor of Tropea, to explain why ICRE wanted to organize this event and to obtain the various permits. Another very important contact was the association CSV of Vibo Valentia (Centro Servizi per il Volontariato), that was very useful to identify and invite the voluntary associations to participate to the event. The next step was to choose the speakers involved in the conference. The choice fell on people engaged in social activity and especially with a strong charisma, who can entertain the audience. At this point it was turned on the publicity of the event, printing posters and banners and distributing leaflets throughout the province of Vibo Valentia. Another very important step was the involvement of the schools of Vibo Valentia and Tropea, taking contact with the various school principals and by making sure that the students attended the event, also taking care of the transport. Local businessmen were contacted who wanted to donate their products for the charity sale that ICRE did in the square during the event. The students of the Istituto Alberghiero of Tropea have actively participated in the event preparing sweets that were sold. The proceeds of these sales were donated to charity. ICRE involved local artists who had contributed to the success of the event in the square with music, dancing (giants), painting exhibitions etc. Lunch for the present project partners, the organizers and the speakers was organised, too. ICRE has also set the event that this would bring together many different people, but united by a common interest, the Volunteer.

The Volunteer Fair was an event very complex, articulate and challenging. It required a strong capacity for planning, a lot of creativity, management skills and attitudes to coordinate different situations. Very often the focus, for the success of the event, is exclusively on the availability of economic resources overlooking the fact that the success depends on a set of factors equally important. A careful analysis has been a central part for the success of the event.

ICRE has achieved its goals through: the involvement of local voluntary associations; the acquisition of new volunteers for local initiatives; the actions of pressure on local politicians; the spreading the values of volunteering in schools; the sharing of experiences dedicated to volunteering for a greater understanding of the guiding principles; the promotion and dissemination through social networks, email, Facebook, local newspapers, photos, movies, cd.

The Volunteering fair is having a positive and extended impact on groups who participated, both on those who have worked in the social for a long time and those have other purposes and that for the first time have approached the world of volunteering. Of course the initiative has given and will continue to bear fruit in the future by developing more and more cooperation networks and aggregating different groups for a common purpose. Also who never approached the volunteering, after the participation at the event, has become more sensitive to the topic, taking an active part.

The fair has given an impulse for the realisation of other similar events later, such as the manifestation of schools of Tropea organised on 14.12.2015. The students involved public authorities, voluntary associations and not only the citizens in the problems of the school and of the area.

This iniative had innovative aspects, never occurred before in the area, with the involvement of different groups and people but united by a single purpose. It has also proved to be a "good practice" to unite and raise the people. Many of them were calling ICRE long after the event to ask questions and offer cooperation for a possible future event.

Although some time already passed after the demonstration the matter topic is alive and present in the citizenship, who has become aware and has adopted the principles of the volunteering. ICRE with the fair has given the input (the actual results will be seen by the time). 

232 participants took part at the event. Participants learned more about the voluntary work benefits for themselves and the society.

Around 20 organisations took part at the event and at the stands organised in the city square presented themselves engaging new volunteers and building networks among participating organisations. Lectures were made presenting practices, needs and advantages of volunteering. New volunteer were recruited while preparing for the event and during the fair. More than 30 participants expressed their willingness to volunteer in a certain organisation or initiative signing their agreements.  The fair has given an impulse for the realisation of other similar events later in the region.As the process of project evaluation a survey was made after the Fair to evaluate the success of the project. The data was used then for the whole project evaluation. 

The event began at 9:30am with the conference entitled: "Volunteering: World Heritage" held at the Deocesano Museum of Tropea. At the same time there were opened stands in Piazza Vittorio Veneto (Tropea) of voluntary associations and more. The day was enlivened by practical demonstrations and musical, cultural, gastronomic and ludic events.

PROGRAM

9:30 - The conference “VOLUNTEERING - HERITAGE OF HUMANITY” at the Diocesan Museum of Tropea.

Introductory speeches:

Roberto Garzulli, President of CSV (Center of Volunteering Service)

Anna Purita, President of ICRE (Institute of Mediterranean Culture)

Speakers:

1. Giuseppe Fiorillo, Priest: Association "Free" (deals with legality in the territory).

2. Giovanni Barberio, President of Association "UIC" (Italian Blind Union, responsible for the region).

3. Cosmo Gallizzi, President Association "Solidarity of the Municipality of Limbadi" (they deal with the problems of vulnerable groups of an area targeted by the mafia).

4. Torre Francesco, Doctor of ASP in Vibo Valentia and President of Association "Voice of Silece", (integration of disabled people into work).

Honorable guests:

Giovanni Bruno, Prefect of Province of Vibo Valentia

Michele Mirabello, Councelor of Calabria Region

Giuseppe Rodolico, Mayor of Tropea

Beatrice Lento, Scool Director at Tropea

Ignazio Toraldo, French Pastor Cathedral Tropea

Dario Martinelli, Director of International Semiotics Institute, Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania)

12:00 The end of the conference in the square of Vittorio Veneto

13:30 Lunch

15:00 Starts the Fair of Volunteering organizations in the square Vittorio Veneto. All participating NGO's will present, demonstrate their activities. At the same time there will be traditional calabrian games, music, songs, folk dances and of course food.

18.00 End of the Fair

PHOTOS from the event >>>

POSTER of the event >>>

ARTICLE published in the newspaper after the event >>>

FACEBOOK event of the Fair >>>