VOLU.M.E – Why do it? Values in Volunteering is an international Erasmus+ training course exploring the values and motivations behind volunteering. Building on long-term experience from the European Voluntary Service (EVS) and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), the training creates a space for reflection, exchange and professional development for people working with volunteers.
The course aims to support participants in designing meaningful, value-based volunteering experiences and to strengthen a European community of practice among organisations and professionals involved in volunteering projects.
- Date: 27. June – 3. July 2026 (Saturday and Friday are travel days)
- Location: Lefkosia & Lysos, Cyprus
- Registration: https://forms.gle/zVCcXJVd8iuXRreC8
What will you learn and do
During the training, participants will:
- Develop a deeper individual and group understanding of values and their role in everyday youth work and volunteering practice
- Learn and apply methods that promote values awareness and communication within organisations and volunteer teams
- Explore tools and approaches that support quality and sustainability in volunteering activities
- Reflect on the role and impact of volunteering in their own organisations and local contexts
- Examine links between values, the ETS Competence Model for Youth Workers and the Mentoring Competence Framework
The training combines theory, reflection, peer learning and practical work, supporting participants in strengthening their capacity to design and manage meaningful volunteering projects.
Who Can Apply?
This training is aimed at youth workers, volunteer coordinators, mentors and NGO leaders (18+) from Erasmus+ Programme countries who:
- Are actively involved in youth work, volunteering or non-formal education
- Have experience working with long-term volunteers (minimum 2 months, local or international – preferably ESC)
- Are interested in reflecting on values and their influence on daily practice
- Are motivated to actively participate, share experiences and connect learning to their real work context
Participants with fewer opportunities are encouraged and supported to apply, as long as the learning connects to their current or upcoming work with volunteers.
A participation fee is required, depending on the participant’s individual situation:
- 50 € – reduced fee (students, unemployed participants, volunteers without own income)
- 75 € – regular fee (freelance youth workers, trainers, educators)
- 100 € – solidarity fee (participants in stable employment)
If the fee represents a barrier, participants are encouraged to contact the organisers to discuss individual solutions.
Practical Details
- Accommodation & Food: Accommodation, full board & activities will be provided by Politistiko Ergastiri Ayion Omoloyioton in Lefkosia as well as in Lysos village covered by the organisers
- Participation fee: see above.
- Travels: Travel costs will be reimbursed after the mobility, based on the cheapest eligible travel options (economy class flights, second-class trains, etc.) and in line with Erasmus+ distance-based rules. Participants are required to keep all tickets and original boarding passes and after the training hand them over to the organiser or send upon return home.
How to apply?
- Register for the training here: https://forms.gle/zVCcXJVd8iuXRreC8
- Wait for confirmation from ACTIVE Austria team and further instructions.
- Plan your travels and send us your travel plan for approval.
- Wait for confirmation of your travel plan and joint the event!