On 27-28 November 2024, the workshop on volunteering and developing volunteering programs was held in Bitola, organised within the EU-funded project “EU Support for the Civil Society Resource Centre – Phase 2”.
This workshop was conducted as a follow-up activity to the online Training on volunteering, with the aim of deepening the understanding of the values of volunteering and strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations for managing volunteers.
Participants emphasized the importance of volunteering as a driver of positive social change. Through engaging volunteers, organisations receive support, while volunteers can gain new skills and strengthen their connection with the community.
When engaging volunteers, processes are crucial. For this purpose, an effective volunteer management cycle, resembling a project cycle, is established. This cycle provides insight into whether all phases are covered and how they influence one another.
Some organisations highlighted that they lack the time or resources to implement such a system. However, trainer Zlatko Talevski suggested an alternative option for organisations with limited resources—engaging volunteers to manage the cycle itself.
“Volunteers are our strength, and we must be cautious about how we establish this system in our organisations. All problems arise when we do not follow these steps,” stated the trainer Zlatko Talevski.
The most intense discussion occurred during the sessions on motivating volunteers. Participants shared personal experiences and practical advice. Kerim Bajrami from the association MRIKA, Kumanovo, highlighted a love for the environment and the community as key sources of motivation for volunteers. Meanwhile, Dragica Vučković from “Ecodrvodekor” shared that her journey in volunteer activism began as a simple hobby. “I started volunteering through a hobby back in the day. I believe anyone can find motivation, even in the idea of using their time meaningfully,” stated Dragica Vučković from Ecodrvodekor.
At the workshop, participants also received education on the legal aspects of volunteering. During the review of the Law on Volunteering, details were presented about who can serve as organisers of volunteer work. The law restricts the engagement of volunteers in private (for-profit) companies to prevent labor exploitation. Private companies can only engage interns who must be paid in accordance with the law. Organisers of volunteer work can include associations and foundations, religious communities and groups, state authorities, public institutions, units of local self-government, and the City of Skopje.
„Back in the day, many volunteer work campaigns were organised, which remain a positive memory for all of us. Many young people participated in these work campaigns and had the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop new skills, build contacts, and socialize,” shared Mavrodi Karpicharov from ZPP “Liras” Štip.
If you missed this workshop, we invite you to join the next event, “Let’s Talk About YOUTH AND VOLUNTEERING,” which will be held on 5th December 2024, in Štip, to mark International Volunteer Day. Register at the following link
The workshop was organised with the EU-funded project “EU Support to the Civil Society Resource Centre – Phase II”, implemented by the National Civil Society Development Foundation Civic Resource Centre, Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation, Media Plus Shtip and Association for Democratic Initiatives-ADI Gostivar.
