2nd Stakeholders Meeting – Western Greece Region
On March 31, 2025, the 2nd regional meeting of stakeholders was held inthe Region of Western Greece, within the framework of the YESVolunteer project of the INTERREG EUROPE Programme. The meeting was attended by representatives of voluntary organizations active in the region, mainly in civil protection issues, a representative of ECOGENIA, as well as executives of the Region of Western Greece.
The phenomenon of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), the opportunities offered by volunteering and yet the difficulties young people face in joining volunteering programs were the main topic of discussion. In addition, volunteer programs for young people related to climate and sustainability were presented.
Participants were invited to express their opinions and share their experiences. They were also invited to suggest ways and tools to improve the policy actions of the Region of Western Greece, in the context of strengthening voluntary services.
Thus, it is established that the added social value developed through volunteering contributes to the positive outcomes that arise for society from volunteer activities. Volunteering is not limited to the offering of time or resources, but contributes to various areas of society, such as solidarity, social inclusion, strengthening social cohesion, economic progress and, more generally, the creation of a positive social impact.
Representatives of the Region of Western Greece, accompanied by volunteers, will participate in the 3rd interregional meeting to be held in June in Riga, in order to exchange experiences and benefit from the presentation of good practices to other European communities.
The project is actively continuing for the next 2 years and aims to improve regional policies and services provided in the field of volunteering.