The mission of the European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps brings together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal challenges. It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop.

As a European Solidarity Corps participant, one agrees to uphold the following principles:

--> European Solidarity Corps participants embrace the values of solidarity, respect for human dignity and human rights, and believe in the promotion of a fair and equal society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and equality prevail;
--> European Solidarity Corps participants strive to enhance solidarity between people while respecting their cultures and their traditions, and aim to build a community of shared responsibilities and mutual support;
--> European Solidarity Corps participants are willing to make meaningful contributions to society and will show solidarity, cooperation, and mutual understanding;
--> European Solidarity Corps participants must not act in any way that could put others or themselves at risk of being harmed;
--> European Solidarity Corps participants must respect the rules, organizational structure, and practices that govern the hosting organization, bearing in mind also that this frame may be necessary to respect the personal health, safety, and dignity of individuals involved in the activity. European Solidarity Corps participants must also abide by the laws in force in the host country;
--> joining the European Solidarity Corps must always be the voluntary choice of a young person, and they are free to resign from the initiative. They have the right to refuse to accept any offer of a Corps placement without affecting their chance to receive other offers in the future;
--> the participation in the European Solidarity Corps does not involve the payment of any fee;
--> at the end of their placement, European Solidarity Corps participants are entitled to receive a European Solidarity Corps certificate, confirming their participation in the activity;
--> when accepting a placement for a volunteering activity, European Solidarity Corps participants will sign a Solidarity Contract with the participating organization, detailing the conditions of their activity, in line with the principles of the European Solidarity Corps Charter. For an occupational activity, the employment contract will serve a similar purpose;
--> prior to the start of the activity and during their deployment, European Solidarity Corps participants will receive clear information about the tasks they will carry out and, where appropriate, adequate training and linguistic support.

VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES under European Solidarity Corps

Individual volunteering lets young people participate in the daily work of organizations and lasts between 2 and 12 months, and in some cases, 2 weeks and up. Participants can volunteer abroad or in their country of residence for projects covering social inclusion, environment, culture, and more. Volunteering teams are groups of 10-40 young people from at least two different countries who volunteer together for a period of between 2 weeks and 2 months. The costs of accommodation and food are covered. Participants also receive a small allowance for personal expenses.

Volunteering teams are groups of 10-40 young people from at least two different countries who volunteer together for a period of between 2 weeks and 2 months. The costs of accommodation and food are covered. Participants also receive a small allowance for personal expenses.

Volunteering is NOT:

1. occasional, part-time volunteering;
2. an internship in an enterprise nor in a humanitarian organization or in an NGO
3. a recreational or a tourist activity
4. a language course abroad;
5. a paid job.

Volunteering proposes projects in different areas:

1. Culture;
2. International Mobility;
3. Sports;
4. Social care for the elderly, the disabled, and the immigrants;
5. Art;
6. Leisure;
7. Media and communications;
8. Environmental protection and education;
9. Rural development and development cooperation.

How to register?

https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en

European Solidarity Corps

https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en