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From 19 to 22 June 2026, the Municipality of Wieliszew, Poland, hosted the Second International Event of the REUSE4WILL project, entitled “Volunteering Role in Challenges Facing Civil Society”, of which it is the main Coordinator. The event brought together representatives of partner organisations, local authorities, citizens, and volunteers from across Europe to reflect on the role that volunteering can play in strengthening democracy, social cohesion, and environmental responsibility.
REUSE4WILL is a European Network of Towns project funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme of the European Union. Building on the legacy of the previous 3WILL project, REUSE4WILL seeks to promote active citizenship, volunteering, environmental awareness, and cooperation among local communities across Europe.
The central activity of the meeting was the Volunteering Lab – Addressing Civil Society Challenges Through Volunteering, an interactive workshop designed to encourage participants to exchange experiences and jointly develop solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting contemporary societies.
Working in international groups, participants analysed challenges such as disinformation, declining civic participation, social polarisation, and environmental concerns. Each group was tasked with designing a volunteering initiative capable of addressing a selected challenge at local or European level. Through brainstorming, discussion, and collaborative problem-solving, participants developed concrete proposals aimed at promoting active citizenship, community engagement, democratic participation, and solidarity.
The workshop highlighted the importance of volunteering not only as a tool for helping others, but also as a powerful mechanism for strengthening democratic resilience and empowering citizens to become active contributors to their communities. The exchange of perspectives among participants from different countries demonstrated that, despite cultural and geographical differences, European communities often face similar challenges and can benefit greatly from sharing experiences and good practices.
Another important project activity was the Painting Workshop. Delegations were invited to create paintings illustrating the role of volunteering in their countries, showcasing its importance, forms of activity, and impact on local communities. The workshop combined creativity, reflection, and intercultural dialogue, producing artworks that will remain on display at the Community and Cultural Centre in Wieliszew throughout the summer of 2026.
Beyond the thematic activities, the event provided valuable opportunities for intercultural exchange and networking. During the Welcome and Networking Meeting, participants introduced their delegations, presented their national flags, and exchanged gifts and cultural souvenirs, strengthening the sense of belonging to a wider European community.
A particularly significant moment took place during the Wieliszewskie Wianki Festival, where international delegations joined local residents in celebrating cultural diversity and European cooperation. Participants showcased traditions, regional products, and cultural heritage from their respective countries, while artistic performances by guests from Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, and Poland contributed to creating a vibrant atmosphere of mutual understanding and friendship.
The ceremonial presentation of the international delegations, carrying national and partner-town flags, symbolised the unity of European communities working together towards common goals. The festival demonstrated how cultural exchange can foster dialogue, inclusion, and stronger connections between citizens from different backgrounds.
The Second International Event successfully contributed to the objectives of REUSE4WILL by strengthening the project network, encouraging active citizenship, promoting volunteering, and raising awareness of the societal challenges currently facing Europe. Most importantly, it reaffirmed that volunteering remains a key driver of social cohesion, democratic participation, and community resilience.
The ideas, recommendations, and best practices generated during the event will continue to inform the next stages of the project and support local initiatives across partner countries.
Next Stop: Cyprus – October 2026
The REUSE4WILL journey continues! Partners will meet again in Cyprus in October 2026 for the Third International Event, where new activities, discussions, and exchanges will further explore the relationship between volunteering, sustainability, and active citizenship.
Stay connected and follow REUSE4WILL for updates, results, and upcoming activities across Europe.
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