In 2025, we ensured that volunteers could not only participate but also develop their skills and gain new experiences. Throughout the year, we held several training sessions and workshops that combined practical knowledge with a space for conversation, exchange of experiences, and collaborative work.
We kicked off with a workshop on Instagram and creating engaging social media content. Volunteers associated with the "Summer in the Backyard" project learned the basics of content planning, worked on a media plan, and learned how to share stories about their activities in an engaging and authentic way.
The next meeting focused on organizing concerts and events – including larger, mass-scale events. It was an opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at cultural events, discuss logistics, safety, and collaboration with artists, and ask questions of those involved in such projects on a daily basis.
In September, we focused on communication and relationships. During a workshop on the DISC personality model, participants learned about different communication styles, learned to better understand themselves and others, and practiced ways to deal with misunderstandings – both in volunteer activities and in everyday life.
We concluded the year with a training session on the role of volunteers in supporting cultural and environmental events. We discussed the tasks volunteers can perform, what to look out for during events, and how to work well as a team. All sessions were informal, practical, and addressed the real needs of the volunteers. For many, they were also the first step toward further involvement and implementing their own ideas.
The workshops were financed by the National Institute of Freedom – Centre for the Development of Civil Society as part of the Solidarity Corps – the Government Programme for the Support and Development of Long-Term Volunteering for 2018–2030.
