Gdansk kicks off as European Volunteering Capital 2022

The Polish city plans to realize 100 thousand hours of voluntary activities this year

Yesterday, 18 January Gdansk gave the official start of its year as the European Capital of Volunteering 2022, outlining the most important priorities and events, as part of the programme. Among them is the establishment of 10 local volunteering centres and the launch of a volunteer card.

The priorities of Gdansk when it comes to volunteering

The involvement of Gdańsk residents in volunteering in all areas of social life has always been one of the highest in the country, as the city website suggests. On the one hand, the award is given for the activities carried out so far, and on the other hand, it is an impulse to undertake further activities in the field of volunteering. An important element of the competition is also sharing good practices with other municipalities.

“Volunteering is a manifestation of the deepest civic attitude. I am glad that we are inaugurating the European Capital of Volunteering here, in the European Solidarity Centre, a place that also teaches us how to be citizens. This is the content of volunteering that we want to instil in Gdańsk and Gdańsk residents in many fields,” said Mayor of Gdansk Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, as quoted on Gdansk.pl.

The slogan that will accompany the European Capital of Volunteering throughout the year is 'It doesn't work without us'. It was developed during workshops with the local community. As part of the European Capital of Volunteering Gdańsk 2022, activities will be carried out in 4 thematic areas:

• people and the environment,
• democratic and active society,
• active residents, well-organized volunteering,
• volunteering at schools and universities.

The main goals to be achieved this year are:

• 100,000 hours of voluntary activities for Gdańsk,
• 10 local volunteer centres will be established,
• launching the Gdańsk fund of the European Capital of Volunteering,
• launching the Gdańsk environmental fund,
• developing and launching a volunteer card,
• 1st Pomeranian volunteer campus,
• certification of the competencies of volunteers,
• certification of volunteer-friendly organizations,
• creation of an e-learning platform adapted for the visually impaired, deaf and migrants,
• First Pomeranian employee volunteering forum.

What is the European Capital of Volunteering?

The title of the European Capital of Volunteering has been awarded since 2013 by the European Volunteer Centre (CEV). The decision on which municipality will become the European Capital of Volunteering is made by an international jury consisting of key personalities related to volunteering representing civil society, the private sector, as well as European Union institutions. The winner is announced at a ceremony organized by the European Volunteer Centre and the current Capital City around 5 December each year, when the International Volunteer Day is celebrated.

The previous European Capitals of Volunteering are:

• Barcelona EVCapital 2014,
• Lisbon EVCapital 2015,
• London EVCapital 2016,
• Sligo EVCapital 2017,
• Aarhus EVCapital 2018,
• Kosice EVCapital 2019,
• Padua EVCapital 2020,
• Berlin EVCapital 2021.

On Sunday, 30 January, during the city celebrations of the 30th final of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, the keys to the city will be handed over to representatives of Gdańsk volunteers. On the website of the European Capital of Volunteering Gdańsk 2022 there is a calendar that will be constantly updated together with the local community.