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CEV Members Job Shadowing in Brussels - 31 May - 4 June 2010
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CEV Members Job Shadowing - 2nd edition
31 May - 4 June 2010

For the second time, the CEV Secretariat in Brussels hosted a study visit for 7 representatives from CEV member organisations from 31st May to 4th June 2010. The visit aimed at giving an introduction to the work done by CEV at EU level, as well as an overview on EU funding opportunities and how these can be used best by volunteer organisations. During their stay,  the participants had the opportunity to visit their national representatives in the Parliament and the representatives from their region. Sessions on the various European programmes were led by experts from the European Commission and Regional Representations.

ACTIVITIES

The programme of the Job Shadowing included working sessions and presentations, as well as excursions. The focus has been on the various EU programmes in which CEV and its members participate. Presentations were given by experts in the fields of EU funding programmes:  
Lifelong Learning Programme - Ms Geraldine Libreau (European Commission/DG Education and Culture)
Youth in Action Programme - Ms Natasha Jovicic (EACEA - The Education, Audivisual and Culture Executive Agency)
Europe for Citizens Programme - Ms Cristina Camaiani (EACEA - The Education, Audivisual and Culture Executive Agency)
Structural Funds in Europe - Overview and possibilities for NGO-Participation - Mr Thomas Wobben (Director of the Representation of Saxony-Anhalt to the EU)
Other presentations included a workshop on Project Management by CEV Director Markus Held, as well as presentations on concrete project examples and programmes in which CEV participates. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to visit the European Commission, where they could improve their knowledge on the working- and decision-making processes of the European Union. The visit at the European Commmission was also an opportunity to be informed by Jutta Koenig-Georgiades from the DG Communication about the preparations for the European Year of Volunteering 2011 and to discuss and explore the role that volunteer organisations will play during the Year and how activities can be integrated.

One of the highlights of the Job Shadowing week was the visit to the Brussels-based volunteer centre and CEV member organisation Het Punt, where Ms Veerle Leroy, Director of Het Punt, informed the Job Shadowers about the daily workings of the organisation. Subsequently, the Job Shadowing group visited the local project Pacheco, for which Het Punt provides volunteers. Pacheco is a nursing home for the elderly and Het Punt volunteers are engaged in various activities, from offering cultural activities to help and care for the pensioners. The Job Shadowers valued the opportunity to find out about the reality of a Belgium volunteer centre and also to get in direct contact with volunteers involved in the project.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants came from the following  organisations: CESV Messina (Italy), Volunteering England (UK), CSV Napoli (Italy), CSV Marche (Italy), ProVobis (Romania), Volunteer Centres Ireland (Ireland) and  La Plateforme Francophone du Volontariat (Belgium).  During the week the participants could also share experiences and opinions with each other and exchange project ideas and plans. The Job Shadowers valued most the opportunity to meet people from different countries and the networking opportunities, as well as feeling the "European Spirit" and thinking outside the box.

 

An important aspect of the Job Shadowing has been the learning on how to address the European institutions, in particular the national representatives and the representatives of the different European regions. Participants met their Members of Parliament (MEPs), as well as representatives from their Regional Offices in Brussels to lobby successfully for fostering volunteering policies at the EU level. These meetings and experiences will be of help during the upcoming European Year of Volunteering 2011 and also in addressing authorities at local, regional and national level.

In general, the lessons learned on the various EU programmes and the experiences gained during the Job Shadowing  will prove useful in light of planned projects, not only during the upcoming European Year of Volunteering 2011, but also in future projects and cooperation.

Picture gallery

VOICES FROM THE PARTICIPANTS

"I learned about the steps involved in setting up a project at the European level and that although it may be a complicated venture, I would say that the job-shadowing programme provided me with confidence to undertake a project at the European level."
"I have a more clear idea on the possibilities of the programme. I am empowered and much interested on this area and on these opportunities. Meeting the other participants allowed me to share points of view and get new potential partners."
"A very good learning experience which introduces Europe and working across borders."
"It’s like a first step. I know that there’ ll be others, like a bridge that will connect my organisation to the rest."
 

 

 

 
 
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