Policy and campaigns > European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion – CEV puts forward messages for 2010
EY 2010 NGO Coalition Network
The European Volunteer Centre forms part of the EY 2010 NGO Coalition network together with about 40 other organisations. The Coalition is being coordinated by EAPN (European Anti Poverty Network) and aims to ensure an active participation of social NGOs in the year and to advocate a strong political legacy from the Year
Shared political messages for 2010
In order to build a Europe for all and end poverty, the members of the NGO Coalition compiled shared political messages and are calling for:
1. A public debate on the causes of poverty and social exclusion,
2. Enhanced dialogue with people in poverty and anti-poverty NGOs,
3. A strong political legacy from 2010,
4. Funding to match the EU Commitments to fight poverty and social exclusion.
Read the NGO Coalition demands for 2010 in English / French
The direct active engagement of individuals through voluntary activities should be recognised and promoted as a significant contribution to the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Socially excluded groups are not only recipients of voluntary actions, but also active participants in volunteering. There shall be particular efforts to further develop this potential and empower vulnerable groups to actively engage in their communities.
Create an enabling environment for volunteering
In Europe, more than 100 million Europeans engage in voluntary activities. While 80% feel that voluntary activities are an important part of democratic life, 7 out of 10 Europeans do not volunteer. Stakeholders should feed into the efforts of creating an enabling environment for volunteering in order to make it accessible for all: The EU should develop a White Paper on Volunteering for a comprehensive policy agenda to promote, recognize and facilitate voluntary engagement of all citizens all over Europe.
Identify barriers to active engagement of the most vulnerable groups
Identify barriers to active involvement of citizens in volunteering, especially of marginalized and vulnerable groups: Research shows that the unemployed, people coming from minority ethnic groups and unskilled workers are underrepresented in the ‘volunteering force’ of Europe – while they could benefit hugely by their engagement.
Ensure synergies between EY 2010 and 2011 and possible 2012
Ensure synergies and coordination between the Year 2010, the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship 2011 and possible European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in 2012: Develop a policy agenda to promote volunteering in the field of the promotion of social inclusion and active ageing.
Read the CEV specific demands for 2010 in English
Visit the European Year 2010 website
Visit the European Year 2010 NGO Coalition Network website
