What makes you feel safe? What is important for you?
What challenge inspired this recipe? During the volunteering journey there are many fields where the volunteers need to get integrated – home, work, organization , local community. One of the most important is to create a safe place for the volunteers while living together from the very beginning. It is also important in case of […]
On-boarding together
What challenge inspired this recipe? In the last 2 years we faced the challenge that it is very hard for us to start a long term volunteering group at the same time. Many factors cause it: last minute cancellation at the beginning or the project, long Visa process, someone leaving earlier or sent home earlier […]
Taking part in management / staff trainings
What challenge inspired this recipe? When volunteers arrive in a new country, they are understandably not aware of the local conditions, norms, or instructions when it comes to different kinds of emergency situations. Hence, to make sure that the volunteers are prepared for any kind of emergency, they should know what to do in those […]
Previous outgoing volunteers as mentors
What challenge inspired this recipe? Having a mentor during your volunteering project is incredibly valuable and beneficial for volunteers. A mentor provides volunteers with valuable guidance and direction throughout the volunteering project. We believe that having mentors who have also been volunteers themselves previously can offer added value, such as peer support for the incoming […]
Monthly meeting for incoming volunteers
What challenge inspired this recipe? Our office’s long term volunteers host monthly online meetings for the volunteers which projects we coordinate. The goal of monthly meetings is to make sure the long-term incoming volunteers are doing well in their projects and to make sure that they are informed about recent developments, organizational news, and upcoming […]
Inclusive language
What challenge inspired this recipe? As many volunteers with fewer opportunities come from different cultures and backgrounds it is important to incorporate inclusive language in work with ESC volunteers to help create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment which fosters better relationships and engagement. ✍️Allianssi Ingredients : Sources to learn more about language inclusivity. Step […]
Regular events for volunteers
What challenge inspired this recipe? Many volunteers have raised awareness about the positive sides of regular events for volunteers. Regular events bring volunteers together regularly, fostering a sense of community. Over time, volunteers get to know each other better, form friendships, and create a supportive network. It can also provide individuals with a sense of […]
House agreement
What challenge inspired this recipe? After settling in, volunteers have a bunch of new information to process. If they are already coming to a house with other volunteers they are going to be faced with already set rules and customs that the group is used to. While they are settling in, it is good to […]
Principles of non-violent communication
What challenge inspired this recipe? While it is good to talk, share and express during a conflict, it often backfires as in the state of fear, stress, sharing can come off as aggressive and instead of resolving the conflict it can make it even worse. The principles of non-violent communication can serve the volunteers as […]
Barnga game – you won, or did you?
What challenge inspired this recipe? All volunteers face a cultural shock when they arrive to a new project. They can potentially freeze and stick to familiar things which can often lead to a conflict on a cultural basis, as they are trying to set the bar of “normal” in the household. This game challenges their […]