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This
project proposes to build networking among local CSOs as well as with
their EU counterparts on the thematic area of volunteer action. The
project aims to tackle this important problem in a strategic and
long-term manner. This will be achieved through two complementary forms:
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Creating and sustaining a CSO Volunteer Network which includes
partners both locally and internationally.
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Developing and maintaining a Volunteer Center acting as a leading
resource center for information and support on volunteerism,
including volunteer placement.
The CSO
Volunteer Network (the “Network”) was initially formed by the project
partners and is expanding its membership.
Additionally, an Advisory Group has been appointed from among the
Network members and other stakeholders to support the Volunteer Centre
in meeting its objectives.
An in-depth and focused study on volunteerism in Cyprus has been
conducted. This research aimed at compiling more concrete findings on
the local definitions of volunteerism and samples of local volunteer
action. The research results are seen as a foundational resource,
enlightening the rest of the project activities to be more effective.
The following project activities include the building of a local
supporting infrastructure and CSO capacity to support organized
volunteer action. Therefore under the project a Volunteer Center has
been established. The Volunteer Center will be the focal point for
networking and partnerships among local and international CSOs willing
and potentially capable to contribute to and benefit from local and/or
international volunteer work. The Volunteer Center will have as its main
objectives to promote, support, and celebrate volunteer work both
locally and globally. In order to reach its objectives, one of the
Center’s functions will consist of matching the supply/demand of CSOs
and potential volunteers as well as acting as a resource center on
issues related to volunteerism in Cyprus. The Center will create
opportunities for exchanges of volunteers, bringing Cypriots and
international volunteers to work with local CSOs, and sending Cypriots
abroad to volunteer internationally.
Once the Volunteer Center, once up and running, will start its main
function of serving as a venue to build capacity among Volunteer
Involving Organizations (VIOs) who want to benefit from volunteer
services. These capacity building activities will include:
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The
creation of a joint volunteer management training manual and
volunteer manifesto;
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Training courses on volunteer management to VIOs wanting to host
volunteers;
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Study tours for VIOs trained in volunteer management to relevant
European or international CSOs and networks; and
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Mentoring of VIOs by European or international partners.
Upon the
completion of the trainings, the volunteer managers will then begin to
develop their own volunteer programs for their VIO. The program
development process will be supported by international collaborations.
Volunteer managers will firstly participate in a study tour to relevant
European or international CSOs and networks to share knowledge and
information and initiate collaborations. The program of the study tour
will be based on the Coordinators’ contacts made during the experience
placement. The contacts built during the study tour will then visit the
VIOs at their locations to observe the volunteer program and act as
mentors to the volunteer managers. The long-term international
collaborations will sustain the project beyond completion.
Once sufficient infrastructure has been developed and both the Center
and VIO volunteer programs are ready to be launched, an awareness
raising campaign will be organized to inform local and global citizens
of the available opportunities to volunteer and mobilize them to take
volunteer action. The campaign will be designed through
inter-organizational brainstorming meetings among network members. As a
result of these meetings, in addition to expert input and relevant
workshops, an effective communication strategy will be finalized. The
campaign will utilize the resources of all Network members. The “Go
Volunteer!” campaign, as it will be called, will be implemented jointly,
and will aim to place 1000 volunteers at one of the host Network members
by the end date of the project. |
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