ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

The activities of YouNet Reggio Emilia are mainly carried out in the city of Reggio Emilia and its surrounding areas. The territory is characterized by a dynamic social reality, marked by significant immigration, the presence of young Italian and foreign students and workers, but also by an older local population and gaps in orientation and cultural integration services. It is precisely in response to these challenges that the association is committed to offering concrete opportunities for welcome, inclusion, and awareness, bringing together people from different cultures and backgrounds.

The main objective is to promote active citizenship, intercultural solidarity, and European mobility, creating a safe space for meeting, dialogue, and exchange. Activities are structured around two main areas:

• Reception and orientation – primarily aimed at young foreigners (exchange students, interns, asylum seekers) through support activities, city orientation, and intercultural initiatives.

• European awareness and multiculturalism – targeted at local youth, students, and volunteers, through workshops, awareness-raising activities, and promotion of European mobility opportunities.

The involvement of ESC volunteers adds significant value, as their international contribution enriches activities with new perspectives, approaches, and ideas. Using non-formal methodologies and a peer-to-peer approach, volunteers facilitate inclusion and integration processes, providing young people with tools to actively participate in community and democratic life. Furthermore, initiatives related to the environment and sustainability help fill gaps in awareness on these issues, in line with European priorities.

Volunteers will be actively involved in both youth-focused activities and communication and promotion efforts, gaining valuable skills in intercultural, educational, and digital fields. Their program will include an initial phase of familiarization with the context, shadowing staff and a tutor, followed by more autonomous participation in the management and delivery of activities.

Key tasks of volunteers include:

• Organizing city orientation activities using non-formal methodologies (city games, cultural visits)

• Supporting relationship-building between local and foreign youth through intercultural workshops and group activities

• Contributing to the creation of infopacks and welcome packs about the city and its services

• Facilitating cultural preparation workshops for students preparing for experiences abroad

• Participating in awareness-raising sessions on the environment and sustainability, promoting responsible lifestyles

• Supporting short language courses and cultural workshops for young asylum seekers

• Organizing and managing cultural activities such as language tandems, intercultural dinners, and community events

• Participating in information sessions about European opportunities (ESC, Erasmus+, training mobility) in collaboration with schools, municipalities, and youth centers

• Creating informational materials and digital content (flyers, social media posts, brochures), promoting activities and the ESC program

Volunteers will also be involved in digital visibility and promotion, gaining skills in social media management, graphic design, and communication. They will be encouraged to develop their own ideas for social and cultural projects for the local community, based on personal interests, skills, or prior experience, with ongoing guidance from the staff.

To enhance the learning experience, volunteers will attend Italian language courses using non-formal approaches and will use European tools such as Youthpass to reflect on acquired skills and make them visible and transferable.