The programme is designed to empower youth and promote solidarity, aligning with broader EU strategies such as the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Democracy Action Plan. The document outlines specific policy priorities, including fostering inclusion and diversity, promoting environmental sustainability and climate goals, embracing digital transformation, and encouraging active participation in democratic life. It highlights the various grant management mechanisms, including calls for proposals, both general and specific, which are crucial for mobilizing projects and activities in line with the program’s objectives.

Our Main Highlights in Comparison With 2023

• DiscoverEU

•  Key Action 1 Mobility Projects Budget
• Sport Activities 

• Partnership for Cooperation in the field of youth

• Partnership for Cooperation: Small-Scale Partnership

• Priorities in the field of youth: budget

• Priorities in the field of sport: budget

• Key Action 2

• Youth Participation Activities

DOWNLOAD the 2024 European Solidarity Corps Annual Work Programme.

L'articolo 2024 Annual Work Programme | Highlights on the Differences With 2023 Edition proviene da Youth Networks.

The European Solidarity Corps, launched in 2016 and bolstered by a dedicated regulation in 2018, has become a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to solidarity and youth empowerment. With a budget exceeding EUR 1 billion for 2021-2027, the Corps has expanded its focus to include volunteering in humanitarian aid, addressing global challenges.

Boasting a quarter-million registered youth by 2020, the Corps goes beyond community impact. It equips participants with vital skills for navigating a dynamic world. Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy, the Corps is more than a volunteer initiative; it’s a bridge connecting youthful aspirations with global needs, fostering socially conscious and globally engaged citizens.

DOWNLOAD the 2024 European Solidarity Corps Annual Work Programme.

Empowering Youth Globally: The European Solidarity Corps and EU Youth Strategy

The European Solidarity Corps, a linchpin of the EU’s commitment to solidarity and youth empowerment, is strategically embedded within the framework of European cooperation in the youth field. At the heart of EU youth policy, the Corps aligns with the renewed Youth Strategy, emphasising active citizenship, solidarity, and positive change inspired by EU values and a shared European identity.

A pivotal aspect of the Youth Strategy is found in the ‘Connect’ priority area, where the Commission aims to expand mobility actions under the Corps. This entails not only bolstering mobility but also supporting implementation through robust policy cooperation and community-building activities. The indicative budget for the 2024 European Solidarity Corps work programme stands at EUR 145,000,000, a crucial financing decision per the regulations governing the Union’s general budget.

Policy Priorities and Strategic Focus

In its mission to empower young people and promote solidarity, the European Solidarity Corps outlines comprehensive policy priorities for the 2024 work programme. These priorities align with broader EU strategies such as the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Democracy Action Plan, emphasizing a gender equality perspective in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-25.

Inclusion and Diversity

The Corps actively addresses inclusion and diversity, promoting social inclusion, tolerance, human rights, and the value of differences. A comprehensive strategy supports organizations in reaching participants with fewer opportunities, ensuring equal access. The thematic SALTO Resource Centre for Inclusion and Diversity enhances the inclusive implementation of the programme.

Environmental Sustainability and Climate Goals

The Corps contributes to climate and biodiversity goals by prioritizing the green transition and promoting eco-friendly practices in projects. In line with the European Green Deal, the Corps supports initiatives for environmental conservation, awareness, and resilience to extreme weather events. The thematic green SALTO Resource Centre enhances the green dimension of the programme.

Digital Transformation

In response to the EU’s emphasis on digital leadership, the Corps aims to support Europeans in thriving in the digital age. Projects and activities focus on improving digital skills, fostering digital literacy, and understanding the risks and opportunities of digital technology. The thematic digital SALTO Resource Centre ensures high-quality and inclusive implementation of the digital dimension.

Participation in Democratic Life

At the core of the Corps is the promotion of European common values, civic engagement, and strengthening European identity. Activities aim to engage youth in democratic processes, including European elections, and uphold EU values and human rights. The thematic SALTO Resource Centre for Participation & Information supports high-quality and inclusive implementation.

Annual Policy Priorities: Addressing Urgent Needs

The 2024 work programme emphasizes specific annual policy priorities:

• Relief for Persons Fleeing Conflicts and Disasters

The Corps plays a crucial role in providing relief and assistance to those affected by armed conflicts and disasters. Recent events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, underscore the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.

• Fostering Positive Learning for Vulnerable Youth

The Corps supports learning outcomes for young people with fewer opportunities, aligning with the European Year of Skills and reinforcing the legacy of the European Year of Youth.

Broader Focus Areas: Health and Innovation

Beyond annual priorities, the Corps actively supports initiatives related to health and mental well-being, aligning with the HealthyLifeStyle4All. It also promotes innovation, mobilizing young people to contribute innovative solutions to societal challenges, such as rural depopulation and sustainable energy systems.

The European Solidarity Corps in 2024 emerges not only as a platform for youth engagement but as a dynamic force aligning with EU strategies, addressing pressing global issues, and nurturing a generation of socially conscious and innovative citizens.

Calls for Proposals: Guiding Participation

Calls for proposals, both general and specific, are issued by the Commission or the Executive Agency, aligning with Financial Regulation Article 189(1). The annual general call for proposals, accompanied by the Programme Guide, serves as a comprehensive resource outlining project objectives, requirements, and application procedures.

• Direct and Indirect Management: Diverse Implementation Channels

Actions are implemented through direct and indirect management. National Agencies handle indirect management, while direct management grants are awarded by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

• Flexible Grant Awarding: Swift Responses to Needs

Grant awards, including those without a formal call for proposals as permitted by Article 195 of the Financial Regulation, showcase the Corps’ adaptability in addressing emerging challenges.

• Navigating 2024 Initiatives: Future Calls and Grants

Part II of the work programme details upcoming calls for proposals and grants, providing clarity for potential beneficiaries. The selection criteria outlined in the Programme Guide will guide the evaluation and awarding process for all grants under the European Solidarity Corps.

L'articolo European Solidarity Corps 2024 Annual Work Programme proviene da Youth Networks.

The European Commission is committed to continuously improving its programs and ensuring the best experience for participants.

As part of this commitment, a User Satisfaction Survey has been launched for the Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and European Solidarity Corps programs.

In this article, we will explore the purpose of the survey, its importance, the areas it covers, how to participate, the impact of feedback, and the significance of individuals’ contributions in shaping the future of these initiatives.

Understanding the User Satisfaction Survey

The User Satisfaction Survey is a valuable tool designed to gather feedback and insights from individuals who have participated in or have been involved with the Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and European Solidarity Corps programs.

By collecting diverse perspectives, the survey aims to assess participants’ satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and gather suggestions for enhancing the overall experience.

The Importance of Your Feedback

By participating in the User Satisfaction Survey, individuals have the opportunity to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and provide constructive feedback. The input received through the survey plays a crucial role in shaping the future direction and effectiveness of the programs. It helps in identifying strengths, addressing challenges, and implementing improvements that can enhance the impact and quality of these initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and responsive to participants’ needs.

What the Survey Covers

The survey covers various aspects related to the Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and European Solidarity Corps programs. It may include questions about the application process, project implementation, support received, networking opportunities, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction.

Participants are encouraged to provide honest and detailed responses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their experiences. By addressing specific areas of interest, the survey aims to capture a holistic view of participants’ engagement.

How to Participate

To participate in the User Satisfaction Survey, individuals can visit the designated survey link provided in the article.

The survey is typically available for a specific period, so it is important to complete it within the given timeframe. Participants are encouraged to provide their feedback thoughtfully and thoroughly, as their insights will contribute to shaping the future of these programs. By actively engaging in the survey, participants become agents of change and advocates for program improvement.

The Impact of Your Feedback

The feedback gathered through the User Satisfaction Survey is carefully analysed and used to identify areas of improvement. It helps program administrators and policymakers understand the needs and expectations of participants, enabling them to enhance program structures, resources, and support mechanisms.

By actively participating in the survey, individuals play a vital role in influencing positive changes and ensuring that future participants have an even better experience. Each contribution helps shape the programs’ future, making them more inclusive, impactful, and responsive to the needs of participants.

Conclusion

The User Satisfaction Survey for the Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and European Solidarity Corps programs provides an invaluable opportunity for participants to share their experiences and contribute to the continuous improvement of these initiatives.

By providing honest and detailed feedback through the survey, individuals can help shape the future direction of these programs and ensure that they remain impactful and supportive for future participants.

Your feedback matters, and together we can build a more vibrant and effective European community of education, creativity, and solidarity!

Visit the survey and share your feedback!

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L'articolo We Value Your Opinion: User Satisfaction Survey for Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and European Solidarity Corps proviene da Youth Networks.

The International Solidarity Corps Training offers Quality Label experts a chance to expand their skills and competencies. This training course focuses on the Quality Label process and standards, catering exclusively to experts working in or for a National Agency or Regional SALTO.

Training Overview

In order to provide greater opportunities for Quality Label experts to enhance their skills and competencies, there are two registration options available:

1. Online Part Only: this option allows you to participate in the virtual training sessions and gain valuable knowledge remotely;
2. Full Course: Alternatively, you have the option to register for the full course, which includes the online phase, practice phase, and a residential training course in Luxembourg. If you plan to attend the full course, please also register for the training course in Luxembourg here.

Online Phase

The Online Introduction Phase, taking place from 19th to 21st June 2023, offers a flexible learning experience with three-hour morning sessions per day. Participants can join remotely from any location.

The Practice Online Phase runs from July to November 2023 and includes three optional online workshops focusing on program priorities. These workshops explore topics such as digital transformation, democratic participation, inclusion and diversity, and environmental protection and climate change. Benefits of the Online Introduction Phase:

1. Understanding Program Priorities: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the program’s priorities, including environmental protection, sustainable development, digital transformation, democratic participation, and diversity and inclusion.
2. Role Reflection and Sharing: Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their role as Quality Label experts and share their experiences with peers.
3. Supportive Community: The online introduction phase fosters a supportive community of Quality Label experts, providing peer support and opportunities for collaboration.

Following the online phase, participants will have the opportunity to attend a Residential Training Course from 7th to 11th November 2023 in Luxembourg. This immersive training experience provides a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning and networking with fellow professionals in the field. To secure your spot, make sure to submit your application by the deadline of 31st May 2023.

Read more:

SoliDARE 2023, Strengthening European Solidarity Corps Community

SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps

L'articolo Enhancing Quality Label Expertise: Solidarity Corps Training proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a project manager or youth leader involved in Solidarity Corps projects? Are you looking to build partnerships and connect with a community of like-minded professionals? If yes, SoliDARE – European Meeting for Organisations in the Solidarity Corps is the event for you!

Taking place in Prague, Czech Republic from 18-22 September 2023, SoliDARE aims to bring together representatives from organisations and informal groups active in the European Solidarity Corps. The event aims to continue building up the community of organisations in the program.

Overview of the Seminar

SoliDARE aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide space for networking and creation of future partnerships;
• Bring inspirations;
• Build a sense of membership for a Solidarity Corps program community.

The event will include inputs from experts, open space for participants, and space to exchange solutions to the challenges that organisations face in implementing actions supported by the Corps. The participants are expected to contribute to the program with their expectations, needs, and workshop proposals. The event will be a mixture between sharing experiences and community building for active organisations, informal groups, and young people.

The event is open to the following groups:

• Project managers of sending and hosting organisations in the Corps, having a Quality Label (all roles) and members of the teams managing the volunteering activities;
• Young people involved in managing solidarity projects (project coordinator or team member);
• NAs representatives;

The application deadline is 31 May 2023, and the date of selection is 19 June 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded professionals and build partnerships for your Solidarity Corps projects. Apply now for SoliDARE – European Meeting for Organisations in the Solidarity Corps!

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L'articolo SoliDARE 2023, Strengthening European Solidarity Corps Community proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you interested in incorporating young people into your international activities? Do you want to learn about funding opportunities for your local projects? Join the SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps: Activating Citizens – Municipalities/Local Authorities Making Use of the European Solidarity Corps.

The seminar will take place online on 13-20 June 2023 from 9:30 to 15:00 CET and is hosted by the Cyprus National Agency for E+ and ESC, the SALTO European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre, and the European Goes Local network. If you want to know more, keep reading!

Overview of the Seminar

The main aim of the seminar is to motivate and support municipalities to make use of the European Solidarity Corps Programme as a tool for social cohesion and solidarity. The seminar will explore how to bring sustainable added value to the local community by supporting the active engagement of young people in voluntary activities or solidarity projects.

The SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps will:

– Present the funding opportunities of the new European Solidarity Corps Programme 2021-2027 to demonstrate how the programme works in practice.

– Highlight inspiring examples from Cyprus, other European countries, and the partner regions that illustrate how municipalities and their youngsters can benefit from the European Solidarity Corps.

– Showcase how volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps can foster social innovation, inclusion and can lead to a sustainable added value in communities.

– Offer space for networking, exchange of good practices and counseling through group work sessions.

– Present other opportunities for municipalities such as Erasmus+ and CERV that want to strengthen their existing networks through involving the young generation will be part of the seminar as well.

Target Group and Application Procedure

This seminar is recommended for a diverse range of participants including youth workers, leaders and project managers, policy makers, as well as representatives from municipalities, local authorities and youth councils and clubs.

This Seminar is for 30 participants from Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries Austria, Belgium – DE, Belgium – FL, Belgium – FR, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia. If you’re interested in participating, you can submit your application until 23/05/2023. The deadline to apply is 23 May 2023.

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L'articolo SALTO Seminar on European Solidarity Corps proviene da Youth Networks.

JUGEND für Europa is organising a training course called TOSCA that will take place from June 12th to 16th, 2023 in Bonn, Germany. This training activity is designed to enhance the capacities of organisations that are actively involved in volunteering actions of the European Solidarity Corps, with the aim of ensuring quality and impact in their respective projects. 

Objectives of the TOSCA Training Course

The course will cover various topics, including:

• Foster understanding, awareness and commitment to core quality criteria of the European Solidarity Corps;
• Build up competencies on how to design and implement European Solidarity Corps projects with a view to quality;
• Ensure clarity and support on how the programme works formally: opportunities, guidelines, structures, priorities, rules, and procedures;
• Give space to participants to express burning issues and needs and offer support where possible;
• Foster a supportive community of organisations involved in the European Solidarity Corps;

Participants will also have to complete an obligatory online preparatory phase before attending the course, where they will form a community of learners and carry out initial assessments of their organisation, local community, and needs. The organisers have yet to determine the date for the online preparatory phase and meeting.

Eligibility Criteria for TOSCA Training Course

To be eligible for the training, applicants should meet the following requirements: being involved in the Volunteering Actions in European Solidarity Corps Programme; being connected to organisations/institutions holding a Quality Label for Volunteering; have a crucial role in providing high-quality activities, ensuring a positive impact of volunteering activities within their community, and creating learning opportunities within the organisation and for volunteers. The application deadline is 20 April 2023, you can visit the official SALTO website to find out more!

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SALTO EuroMed is working towards building the capacity of organisations in the South-Med region by offering various learning opportunities. The activities are as follows: 

• training courses;
• partnership building activities;
• on-spot visits;
• online courses;

These activities aim to provide organisations with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their programs and activities, making them more effective and impactful.

Now, let’s dig more into these activities!

Training Courses

SALTO EuroMed offers various training courses, including an Info Day about the European Solidarity Corps, short sessions about the program’s basic possibilities and functioning, and a training course for youth workers new in the European Solidarity Corps. These activities allow participants to learn more about the program and its offered possibilities, as well as its technicalities and practicalities. These courses are organised country by country, providing participants with a more focused and personalised learning experience. 

Here’s the 2023 calendar of the next Training Courses:

• Jordan: 21 – 24 May 2023, apply here by the 2nd of April
• Lebanon: 3 – 6 July 2023, apply here by the 7th of May
• Egypt: 15 – 19 September 2023, apply here by the 9th of July

On-Spot Visits

SALTO EuroMed conducts on-spot visits to monitor and support organisations. These visits aim to assess the organisation’s performance and provide recommendations for future projects. After the visit, the organisation receives a letter outlining the findings and recommendations.

Partnership Building Activities

Partnerships are a crucial feature of the European Solidarity Corps, and SALTO EuroMed acts as a bridge between organisations from the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, SALTO EuroMed organises or takes part in Contact Making Seminars or Partnership Building Activities regularly.

Online Self-Paced Courses on HOP

SALTO EuroMed is developing a series of online courses on HOP to support organisations in the region. These courses will be developed for both new and experienced organisations/youth workers.

Conclusion

SALTO EuroMed is committed to building the capacity of organisations in the South-Med region. By participating in its activities, organisations can improve their performance, increase their impact, and strengthen their partnerships.

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L'articolo Capacity Building for South-Med Organisations by SALTO EuroMed proviene da Youth Networks.

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a program that aims to promote solidarity and volunteering in Europe. It offers young people the opportunity to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities across the continent. To ensure the quality and impact of these projects, the ESC has launched TOSCA, a training course for organisations actively participating in volunteering actions. This article will provide an overview of TOSCA and its objectives and benefits.

Overview of the TOSCA Training Course

TOSCA is a training course designed for organisations actively participating in volunteering actions of the European Solidarity Corps. The course is recommended for: 

• youth workers; 
• trainers; 
• youth leaders; 
• youth project managers; 
• and volunteering mentors;

The training course aims to build the capacities of organisations involved in the European Solidarity Corps to design and implement projects with a view to quality. It fosters understanding, awareness, and commitment to the core quality criteria of the program. It provides clarity and support on how the program works formally and offers a space for participants to express their burning issues and needs.

When and Where TOSCA will take place

TOSCA will take place from 24-28 April 2023 in Kavala, Greece. Before the residential training course, there is a mandatory online preparatory phase from 03-17 April 2023, which includes an online meeting on 11th April (16:00-17:00 CET).

To make sure you’ll not miss this opportunity, apply by 12th of March 2023!

Conclusion

The TOSCA training course is a unique opportunity for organisations actively participating in volunteering actions of the European Solidarity Corps. It provides essential knowledge, skills, and tools to design and implement high-quality projects that make a real impact in the communities they serve. By participating in the course, you can increase your capacity and gain a better understanding of the core quality criteria of the program. So, if you’re an organisation that is committed to promoting solidarity and volunteering in Europe, sign up for TOSCA today and make a difference in your community!

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TOSCA: Building Quality and Impact in European Solidarity Corps Volunteering Actions

L'articolo TOSCA: Training and Support for Organisations in the European Solidarity Corps proviene da Youth Networks.

The TOSCA initiative is a comprehensive program designed to provide organisation support and enhance the capacity of entities that actively participate in Volunteering Actions of the European Solidarity Corps. Its ultimate goal is to ensure high-quality and impactful outcomes for the projects undertaken by these organisations. By providing a wide range of capacity-building activities, such as training sessions, coaching, and mentoring, TOSCA empowers these organizations to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate their volunteer projects.

In this article, we will discuss the objectives and benefits of TOSCA and how it ensures quality and impact in respective projects.

Objectives and Benefits of TOSCA

TOSCA fosters a supportive community for European Solidarity Corps, building project design and implementation competencies while providing clarity and support.

TOSCA’s goals and benefits are as follows:

• Increase understanding, awareness, and dedication to the European Solidarity Corps’ fundamental quality requirements;
• Develop skills in the planning and implementation of European Solidarity Corps initiatives with a focus on quality;
• Provide formal clarity and support for the program’s opportunities, guidelines, structures, priorities, regulations, and processes;
• Enable people to voice critical issues and requirements and provide assistance when possible;
• Create a supporting community of European Solidarity Corps organisations;

For more information about the topic, you can watch this video explaining what kind of approach TOSCA has in defining quality in European Solidarity Corps Volunteering activities.

Conclusion

TOSCA plays a vital role in supporting and building capacities in organisations to ensure quality and impact in respective projects. The program fosters a supportive community of organizations involved in the European Solidarity Corps, building competencies in designing and implementing quality projects, and ensuring clarity and support. By achieving its objectives, TOSCA ensures that the activities of the European Solidarity Corps are based on core values of solidarity and contribute positively to society.

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L'articolo TOSCA: Building Quality and Impact in European Solidarity Corps Volunteering Actions proviene da Youth Networks.