First Stakeholder Meeting Held in Patras

The first stakeholder meeting of the YESVolunteer project in Greece was hosted by the Region of Western Greece (RWG) at their premises in Patras, on September 26. Relevant key actors were informed by the project manager about the main objectives and specific elements of the project, and were asked to share ideas on key areas for stakeholder collaboration to enhance youth volunteering opportunities.

Youth volunteering is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, offering dual benefits: equipping young people with valuable skills while also addressing societal needs. In the Region of Western Greece, particularly in the Achaia regional unit, this potential is amplified by various volunteering initiatives, especially those linked to civil protection mechanisms. The meeting explored the landscape of youth volunteering in the region, emphasising its role in fostering growth and building resilient communities.

Participants

To ensure success and alignment with the regional policy, regional needs and objectives, a diverse group of stakeholders was engaged in this meeting representing various sectors, including government institutions, civil society organisations, private sector actors, and educational entities. Specifically, the participants in the meeting included:

• Representatives from the Region of Western Greece
• Civil Protection and Health Departments
• Volunteers’ Associations and Civil Society Groups
• University of Patras (Departments of Social Sciences, Public Administration, Engineering, and Education)
• Chambers of Commerce (Western Greece, Elis, and Aetolia-Acarnania)
• Public Employment Service (OAED)
• Regional and Local Media (including regional TV stations, newspapers, and online platforms)
• Emergency Services (Fire Departments and Police)

Conclusions

The meeting concluded with several key strategies identified for enhancing regional activities and improving regional policy, including:

• Design and development of volunteer programmes that equip young people with real, marketable skills.
• Identification of marginalised groups, such as youth from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds, to ensure they are specifically targeted for volunteer opportunities.
• Linking volunteering to employment outcomes by connecting volunteer programmes to future job opportunities in local businesses, civil protection, or social enterprises.
• Monitoring and evaluation of the project’s impact on both youth professional growth and the community.

This meeting represents an important step toward enhancing regional collaboration and promoting youth engagement in volunteerism in the Region of Western Greece. Efforts will continue to engage more key actors and beneficiaries in the near future.