PEOPLE TO PEOPLE: VOLUNTEERING AND VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

The Volunteering and Volunteers Management People-to-People Programme Event took place in Tirana, Albania, on March 28-29, 2023. The primary objective of the event was to promote volunteering as a catalyst for social and economic development in the Western Balkans and Türkiye while addressing challenges related to recognition, support, and sustainability. Specific goals included delving into the reasons behind the low volunteering rates in these regions, identifying strategies for promoting volunteering at various levels, examining the legal framework for volunteering, and showcasing successful volunteer initiatives in the EU, Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Participants at the event included representatives from IPA Beneficiaries CSOs, governments engaged in volunteering initiatives, and experts from EU-based entities. The gathering facilitated a comprehensive exploration of successful volunteer initiatives, dissecting the contributing factors such as funding, capacity building, and community engagement. Additionally, the event served as a platform for networking and collaboration among volunteers, volunteer organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders. It aimed to foster cross-border exchange, enabling the sharing of ideas and best practices among individuals and entities actively involved in volunteering efforts in the Western Balkans and Türkiye.