Over several days, I had the opportunity to attend, as a representative of Volies, an inspiring gathering with organizations from across the European Union working to promote volunteering: the 2025 Autumn Congress of the European Volunteer Centre (CEV), of which Volies has been a member for years.
The event brought together 53 delegations from different member countries, all united by a common purpose: to continue strengthening civic participation and the values that sustain Europe.
Volunteering and Active Citizenship: The Values that Sustain Europe
Throughout the sessions, essential topics were addressed, such as the role of volunteering in communities and its ability to foster connection between people and nations. Because when individuals get involved, bonds, empathy, and a sense of belonging grow stronger.
One of the central themes was the need to keep alive the founding values of Europe — among them, democracy. An attentive and committed citizenship, engaged with the needs of its surroundings and willing to collaborate beyond borders, is key to sustaining and strengthening these values.
Education and Volunteering: Learning in Community
Participants also shared experiences and results from projects related to education and service-learning, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.
Different models were discussed for extending this methodology to secondary education, opening new possibilities for volunteering to become part of the educational process.
Diversity and Inclusion: Volunteering that Transforms
Another key theme that resonated strongly was volunteering as a driver of inclusion and diversity. The active participation of individuals and social groups who are often seen only as recipients of actions — but who can also be protagonists of change — was highlighted.
Ensuring the right resources and conditions so that everyone can contribute from their own experience is essential for a fairer and more transformative form of volunteering.
Research studies presented at the Congress reinforced this idea: including marginalized groups and young people not only broadens the reach of volunteering but also strengthens a generation seeking to reconnect with others and find, in social commitment, a sense of identity and belonging.
A Space to Share, Learn, and Keep Building Networks
The event also included the General Assembly of the CEV and the renewal of its Board, with new representatives from various countries.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to participate in a session at the European Parliament, where proposals were presented to Members of Parliament to further promote the role of volunteering in European policies — with special emphasis on activities leading up to 2026, declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers.
Beyond debates and presentations, it was a space for learning and connection — a place to share perspectives, discover progress, compare realities, and continue weaving the network of organizations and individuals who believe in the power of volunteering to build a more participatory, empathetic, and engaged society.
