Empowering Communities through Volunteering
The Short Advanced Programme (SAP), "Empowering Communities through Volunteering” is coordinated by UBU and IPCA and aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on volunteering, examining its evolution, organizational models, and current forms of civic participation. The programme encourages students to explore diverse social contexts, both local and international, identify community needs, and contribute to the development of new volunteer initiatives.
In addition, the SAP includes a module focused on volunteer project design, where students will work on the key elements required to create realistic, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives. This process will be carried out in direct collaboration with associations and third-sector organizations, fostering a practical learning experience closely connected to real-world practice.
Finally, the programme seeks to involve participants in emerging opportunities within the RUN-EU alliance. The SAP serves as a foundational training experience for those who wish to become active leaders in the future volunteering initiatives that will be launched as part of the RUN-EU Volunteering Programme.
Students participating in the SAP will have priority access to the summer 2026 volunteering opportunities—an exciting chance to spend one or two weeks abroad in up to five different RUN-EU countries. These short-term experiences will include financial support for travel and accommodation, making it easier for students to explore new cultures, contribute to meaningful community projects, and develop valuable international skills. In addition, SAP participants will take part in organising promotional and mentoring activities connected to these opportunities, strengthening their leadership and teamwork experience.
Context:
One of the major challenges faced by contemporary societies is maintaining attention and commitment towards individuals who find themselves in situations of vulnerability or at risk of social exclusion. Over the past decades, various support systems and programmes have been developed to accompany these individuals, giving rise to multiple volunteering initiatives aimed at dedicating time and resources to those who need it most.
Within this framework, the third sector - made up of NGOs, associations, foundations, and charitable organizations - has assumed a central role, developing responses to emerging social needs and expanding the range of volunteer programmes and opportunities. At the same time, the educational value of volunteering has become increasingly evident: volunteering not only contributes to community wellbeing, but also represents a meaningful learning experience, where participants develop essential transversal skills for personal and professional life, such as empathy, teamwork, communication, and emotional management.
This recognition has supported a process of professionalization of volunteering, through which thousands of professionals have been trained to guide, coordinate, and deliver high-quality volunteer experiences. Likewise, a variety of local and international programmes specifically aimed at young people have gained visibility, including the Civil Service in several European countries and the European Solidarity Corps, which also collaborates with communities in the Global South.
However, in recent years, several third sector organizations have observed a decline in youth participation in volunteering, particularly among Generation Z. This group, which currently represents the majority of university students, tends to prioritise academic and professional development, often reducing the time dedicated to social engagement. For this reason, we believe that universities must play an active role in promoting volunteer experiences that are compatible with students’ academic commitments and aligned with their motivations, interests, and perspectives.
The programme aims to develop not only students’ knowledge of volunteering, but also a thoughtful and responsible approach to social engagement. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the ethical dimensions of volunteering and to understand how meaningful collaboration can foster inclusion and community wellbeing. It also strengthens key skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, preparing students to actively contribute to future volunteer initiatives. Overall, the SAP supports long-term, sustainable engagement in volunteering, aligned with both personal values and academic development
Students who complete the SAP will receive priority access to the volunteering opportunities developed within the RUN-EU alliance from summer 2026 onwards.
The program stands out for its strong connection between universities, third-sector organizations, and local communities, and for being co-designed with young people, rather than simply targeted at them. It combines a global perspective with local engagement, promoting forms of volunteering that are educational, sustainable, and capable of generating real social impact.
23rd of March 2026 to 11th of May 2026
English
To be defined by each home Institution.
University students from RUN-EU or partner institutions who are motivated to engage in volunteering and community service. Open to all academic backgrounds, participants should be ready to:
- Actively join online and face-to-face activities
- Collaborate with NGOs and community organizations
- Commit to the full programme duration
This programme is perfect for students eager to develop leadership, teamwork, and intercultural skills through hands-on volunteering experience.
Programme at a glance
1. Online Kick-Off (15 min)
2. SAP Overview (20 min)
3. Understanding Volunteering (30 min)
4. Break / Energizer (10 min)
5. Group Activity: Exploring Volunteering (25 min)
6. Task for Next Session (20 min)
1. Recap and Session Objectives (10 min)
2. Student Reflections on Mapping Local NGOs (20 min)
3. Small Group Presentations by Area of Interest (40 min)
4. Selection of an Emblematic Case for the Presence Week (35 min)
5. Wrap-Up and Pre-Burgos Preparation: Gathering Necessary Information (15 min)
Day 1 focuses on volunteering attitudes and teamwork, while Day 2 examines how Generation Z participates in volunteering and addresses challenges and conflict management. Day 3 highlights intercultural learning and insights from international volunteering projects. On Days 4 and 5, groups plan volunteer projects based on case studies. Using non-formal education methodologies—including participatory methods, role-playing, and visits to local organizations—students engage in collaboration, reflection, and the development of leadership skills for future volunteering initiatives.
Presence Week – On-site Schedule (09:30–13:30 & 15:00–17:00 CET)
Day 1
Volunteering Attitudes & Teamwork
Programme introduction and expectations, volunteering values, ice-breaking activities, team-building exercises, World Café on volunteering perspectives, group formation and initial reflection
Non-formal education, participatory activities, World Café methodology, guided reflection
Day 2
Youth Volunteering & Conflict Management
Generation Z and new participation patterns, challenges in volunteering contexts, conflict management and communication through role-playing, meetings and visits with NGOs and volunteers.
Communication workshops, role-playing, guest speakers, experiential learning
Day 3
Intercultural Learning & International Volunteering
Intercultural competence and stereotypes, national and international volunteering programmes, good practices from international projects, meetings and visits with NGOs and volunteers.
Intercultural workshops, role-playing, guest speakers, experiential learning
Day 4
Volunteer Project Design
Review of NGO mapping, needs analysis and definition of objectives, brainstorming and selection of activities, initial volunteer project design based on case studies
Collaborative project work, mentoring sessions, guided discussion, group work
Day 5
Project Finalisation & Presentation
Action plan development, communication and promotion strategy, evaluation and follow-up planning, final project presentations, feedback and future volunteering pathways
Project-based learning, peer feedback, reflection, presentations, mentoring
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Short Advanced Programme, learners will be able to:
Explain the core principles of volunteering and distinguish between different models of action and organizational approaches.
Collaborate with third-sector organizations to understand their priorities, needs, and operational challenges.
Analyse national and international volunteering programmes, comparing their aims, methods, and limitations.
Design feasible and socially impactful volunteer projects, assuming roles of leadership, coordination, or support within multicultural teams.
Integrate the motivations and needs of Generation Z into new forms of volunteer participation that are meaningful and compatible with academic life.
Reflect critically on the ethical dimensions of volunteering, recognising its role in promoting inclusion, social wellbeing, and responsible citizenship.
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on: compliant to the prerequisites, motivation and a balanced representation of the RUN-EU member institutions, order of submission.
Involved organisations and persons
AMYCOS ONG
- Álvaro Gonzalez Ibeas (Regional Stakeholder)
Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave
Partner Organisation- Paula Loureiro (Instructor)
- Teresa Dieguez (Instructor)
University of Burgos
Lead Organisation, Host Organisation- Alessandro Zuottolo (Lead Instructor)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674