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SALTO EuroMed

SoliDARE is a dedicated space for organisations holding an European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Quality Label bringing together solidarity project leaders to meet, exchange experiences, and strengthen solidarity and resilience within the programme.

“This community-building event brought together practitioners from three partner regions and programme countries to highlight the vital role of volunteering and regional cooperation within the programme. In today’s changing world, SoliDARE serves as a platform to explore the importance of togetherness, resilience, and mental health,” said Pauline Giraudet, Project officer, SALTO EuroMed Resource Centre.

From “warm data” to trauma-informed youth work

According to Pauline Giraudet, such events are more than just another conference. They help practitioners in different regions explore practical and impactful ways to face challenges together. Participants led workshops and sessions on topics ranging from trauma-informed youth work and “warm data” to the science of mentoring, involving decision-makers and using AI. They also worked on developing a joint action plan and exchanged good practices.

“The event was built on co-creation and participation. Everyone shaped the content together. We aimed to inspire solidarity and resilience, strengthen the sense of belonging in the European Solidarity Corps community, and create space for meaningful connections and future partnerships,” she added. 

As a response to the proposed new framework for the next generation of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, participants of SoliDARE voiced several critical points they believe should be taken into consideration. Their message was clear:

• A strong youth chapter with a clearly defined budget is essential.
• Solidarity projects must remain a distinct action within the programme.
• Youth organisations require sustainable funding to support volunteering.
• The youth sector needs continued capacity building for civil society actors.
• The world needs fair and equal treatment for neighbouring countries.

Taking concrete steps forward

Building on these discussions, the SoliDARE community plans to launch a petition to gather wider support and initiate consultations across Europe, inviting organisations and youth leaders involved in solidarity projects to share their views and needs regarding the future of the programmes.

This was the fourth edition in a series of events designed to strengthen community building among organisations, solidarity project leaders, and other actors involved in the European Solidarity Corps. The event was preceded by two online preparatory meetings and will conclude with a follow-up session to share outcomes and plan next steps.

Between face-to-face gatherings, the SoliDARE community stays connected through a dedicated Facebook group, where participants exchange resources, ideas and opportunities, as well as through regular thematic online meet-ups.This ongoing exchange came to life through discussions, workshops and informal networking moments that encouraged participants to reflect on their experiences, explore new collaborations and deepen their understanding of solidarity in practice.

SoliDARE was organised in cooperation with the SALTO European Solidarity Corps & SALTO EuroMed Resource Centres and the Romanian National Agency (Agenția Națională pentru Programe Comunitare în Domeniul Educației și Formării Profesionale). The event is co-funded by the National Agencies of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania and Türkiye.