VOLU.M.E Diversity & Inclusion

We are offering youth workers, volunteering project coordinators, (support) staff of ESC hosting & sending organisations, mentors (to be) of volunteers, facilitators actively involved in ESC & other (international) volunteering projects and ex-volunteers the opportunity to join one or more of the following training activities:

• VOLU.M.E Diversity & Inclusion | 19.-25.01.2025 | Weimar (Germany)
• VOLU.M.E Diversity & Inclusion 2 | 23.-29.06.2025 | Lefkosia (Cyprus)

Rooted in the objectives of the "Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy," the European Commission’s "Implementing Decision - Framework of Inclusion Measures of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps 2021-27," and SALTO’s "Inclusion & Diversity Roadmap," the event “VOLU.M.E Diversity & Inclusion” aims to develop a shared understanding and take initial steps toward diversifying hosting and sending practices within the ESC. The specific focus is on making projects more inclusive, particularly for young people with disabilities. These include physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)

On the one hand, there are already organisations opening up to participants with disabilities and striving to take further concrete steps. On the other hand, there are organisations that are self-representing, work for and with young people with disabilities, or engage with diverse youth groups and are interested in creating inclusive projects with international partners.

We will provide an open space for sharing the work, experiences, challenges, successes, and failures of professionals. This will offer a chance to connect with potential partners for future international cooperation. Additionally, participants will receive information about inclusion opportunities within EU programs like the European Solidarity Corps. We will provide tools to empower and support the participation of young people with disabilities or health challenges, including financial resources within Key Actions, toolkits, and more. Experts will be available to answer questions and provide advice. Further sources of information will be identified and gathered throughout the events. The event will also serve as an opportunity to find partners and partner organizations for future international cooperation, especially within the European Solidarity Corps.

Aims and objectives

• To explore the European Solidarity Corps as a tool for designing inclusive projects, particularly for young people with disabilities or health challenges.
• To engage in self-assessment and share concrete information, experiences, and unresolved questions with other professionals.
• To create an open space for connecting with partner organizations for future international cooperation“ and exchange of good practices in working with volunteers with disabilities within and beyond the European Solidarity Corps.
• To enhance the personal and professional development of youth workers to better support vulnerable and/or disabled volunteers by equipping them with skills in empathy, assertiveness, non-discriminatory practices, and effective communication, while fostering self-reflection and understanding of youth needs.

Target group

The event is open to representatives (coordinators, educational staff, mentors, support personnel) from organizations with experience in both EVS and ESC projects with a focus on diversifying hosting and sending practices coming from Erasmus+ programme countries. Eligible participants include those who:

• Are open to collaborating with organizations working with young people with disabilities to involve them in international youth mobility projects within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps. This includes project / task managers / coordinators of organisations who would be willing to work with volunteers with disabilities.
• Organisations are mandatory to have a Quality Label 

Participants are also invited to attend the follow-up event, "VOLU.M.E Diversity & Inclusion 2", taking place from 23.-29. June 2025 in Lefkosia (Cyprus) rather by participating in the event or delegating another person from the same organisation.