We have just concluded another annual Technical Meeting of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations, held last week in Zrenjanin from February 17 to 23. This intense week was filled with great energy, dedicated work, a wealth of inspiring meetings, and the exchange of ideas and plans.
Annual Meeting of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations – First Time Held in Serbia
Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) has been a part of the Alliance for over two decades, and this year, for the first time, we had the honour of being the organizers and hosts of this significant meeting in Serbia! In Zrenjanin, 94 representatives from 55 member organizations, partners, and guest organizations from various parts of the world gathered to work together on improving volunteer programs.
Intensive Program and Key Themes
During the event, the C.L.I.C. Conference on long-term volunteering took place, focusing on key topics regarding the development of volunteer opportunities and the effects of volunteer work.
During the event, the C.L.I.C. Conference on long-term volunteering took place, focusing on key topics related to the growth of volunteer opportunities and the effects of volunteer work.
Throughout the Technical Meeting program, we exchanged plans for the 2025 International Voluntary workcamps, held 18 workshops on expanding the network and increasing the impact of camps on volunteers, leaders, and organizations, facilitated inspiring discussions, and started new partnerships that will contribute to strengthening the international volunteer network.
Volunteer Fair – A Step Closer to New Experiences
We also organized a Volunteer Fair, which left an exceptionally positive impression on the volunteers. It was an opportunity for interested participants to learn about the opportunities for the upcoming season through direct conversations with camp organizers. While some participants already had a clear vision of where they wanted to engage as volunteers, for others, this event served as a motivating spark to gain confidence and take their first steps into volunteering.
Multiculturalism in Action
Thanks to the warm hospitality and the richness of Zrenjanin’s local culture – a city where more than 20 different nationalities live together – participants had the chance to authentically experience intercultural exchange and feel the values of interculturality that the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations fosters in its work. We are especially grateful to our volunteers for their dedication, as well as to everyone who supported us and made it possible for participants from all over the world to feel the spirit of Serbia – the KUD Kolo Melenci, which guided us through our rich tradition with dance and song; the Toša Jovanović National Theatre for opening the oldest theatre hall for our guests; the Contemporary Gallery Zrenjanin; Zrenjanin National Museum; Zrenjanin Tourist Organization for presenting the city’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage; and, of course, the Secondary Agricultural School from Zrenjanin, with whom we have had a long-standing and excellent collaboration.
What’s Next?
The annual meeting of the Alliance was not only an opportunity for work and idea exchange but also for connecting, learning, and creating unforgettable memories. Ahead of us is a great year of volunteer adventures, joint projects, and new opportunities for collaboration – and we can’t wait to see volunteers in action, helping and making an impact on local communities around the globe! The camp season starts on March 3, and we invite you to visit our website https://mis.org.rs/ to learn more about volunteer programs across Europe and the world!
#alliancetm2025 #wearethealliance #workcamps #volonterskikampovi
