From 7 to 11 of September the European Parliament will host the Youth Convention on Volunteering as part of the 2011 European Year of volunteering. The convention, promoted by the European Youth Forum will celebrate volunteering by raising awareness amongst institutions, the civil society organisations and the larger public of the contribution of volunteers in the development of the societies in which they live.

The reason that this event came about is that the EU Institutions recognised volunteering as an active expression of civic participation from youths which strengthens common European values such as solidarity and social cohesion attaining a mutual understanding between people in society and across Europe.

According to a survey conducted by the EFC in 2010 the benefits that foundations may receive from the European Year is a more streamlined operating environment due to improved policy’s and renewed interest in volunteering. Enhanced cooperation may be another benefit for foundations that may lead to better knowledge of the voluntary sector which can strengthen the infrastructure of voluntary work and therefore implementing special training programmes and professional development.

Background

Under the slogan: "Volunteer! Make a difference", the European Year aims to raise awareness, celebrate volunteers’ efforts, encourage others to join in and address the challenges they face in today’s environment.

In support of these goals the promotion of the exchange of good practices between Member States' authorities and volunteering organisations will be encouraged, as well as encouraging new Europe-wide networking initiatives to promote cross-border exchanges among volunteer organisations and other sectors, especially with businesses. There will also be many exhibitions to bring Europe closer to volunteers and volunteers closer in society.

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