Four different discussions dedicated to the topics “Volunteering in Europe: which main trends and new practices are emerging now and for the future?”, “How is the understanding of volunteering and activism changing in different countries?”, “How are the practices of engaging and motivating new volunteers changing in European NGOs?” and “How is student volunteering changing inside and outside universities?” successfully finished. Experts from Germany, Russia, Norway, the Netherlands, Croatia, Austria, France and Poland shared their experiences and perspectives on the trends in the field of volunteering.
December, 4th
Discussion “Volunteering in Europe: which main trends and new practices are emerging now and for the future?”

Speakers:
- Stian Slotterøy Johnsen, Frivillighet Norge, Norway
- Corinna Schüler, Kölner Freiwilligen Agentur, Germany
- Jelena Kamenko Mayer, DKolektiv, Croatia
- Marion Cloarec, Rempart, France
Moderators:
Natalia Kudryavtseva, German-Russian Meetings Centre, St. Petersburg
Discussion “How is the understanding of volunteering and activism changing in different countries?”
Speakers:
- Adriana Bascone, European Youth Energy Network, Austria
- Julia Perić, University of Osijek, Croatia
- Cedric Lecat, freelance trainer, Germany
- Dario Planert, former kulturweit-volunteer, Germany
Moderator:
Ivan Gutorov, Trava, Russia
Recordings of Saturday’s discussions are available HERE.
🟧 Photos from the first day — https://vk.cc/c95eGO
December, 5th
Discussion “How are the practices of engaging and motivating new volunteers changing in European NGOs?”

Speakers:
- Marit Postma, De Regenboog Groep, Netherlands
- Ewa Romanowska, Borussia, Poland
- Lucas Lerbech, Operation Dagsværk, Denmark
Moderator:
Elena Belokurova, Bridge It, Russia
📍Recordings of Sunday’s discussions are available HERE.
🟧 Photos from the second day: — https://vk.cc/c95eKD
December, 6th
Discussion “How is student volunteering changing inside and outside universities?”
Speakers:
- Jelena Kamenko Mayer, DKolektiv, Croatia
- Julia Perić, University of Osijek, Croatia
- Meike Bredendiek, University of Cologne, Germany
Moderator:
Daria Merkurieva, student of Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Recording of the University day is available HERE.
Also, on the days before and after the main discussions the following workshops took place:
December, 3rd
Public talk: From a one volunteer-buddy project to 1400 active volunteers throughout the organization (offline)
Speaker: Marit Postma, De Regenboog Groep, the Netherlands
Workshop: How can social responsibility of higher education institutions as Third Mission be embedded in the self-image of Higher Education Institutions? (online)
Speaker: Meike Bredendiek, University of Cologne, Germany
December, 5th
Workshop: Volunteering abroad – only for rich kids? (online)
Speakers: Dario Planert, Nele Harder, kulturweit, Germany
Workshop: Measuring the impact of volunteering on personal well-being and social inclusion (offline)
Speaker: Jelena Kamenko Mayer, DKolektiv, Croatia
Workshop: 1:1 Buddy Teams in the field of volunteering: experience of Kölner Freiwilligen Agentur, case of supporting volunteers who support refugees (online)
Speaker: Corinna Schüler, Kölner Freiwilligen Agentur, Germany
Workshop: The power of effective communication: about building your brand, art, storytelling, strategy & other superpowers for activism/volunteering/NGOs
Speaker: Adriana Bascone, European Youth Energy Network, Austria
December, 6th
Workshop: Service Learning: connecting community with HEI, experience of the University of Osijek
Speaker: Julia Perić, University of Osijek, Croatia