In April 27 and 28, I had the opportunity to participate in the INNOvolunteering conference in Nancy and Metz. The project brought together young volunteers and participants from different countries to discuss volunteering, inclusion, European identity, and community impact.
The conference included workshops, discussions, intercultural activities, and public presentations. During the sessions, we reflected on their volunteering experiences, exchanged ideas about solidarity and youth engagement, and explored how volunteering can create positive social change.
First our day was in Nancy and it had the most interesting parts of the programme was the discussion about European identity and civic engagement. All of us shared their perspectives on Europe, mobility, inclusion, and the role of young people in building stronger communities. These activities also helped improve public speaking and teamwork skills.
Another one of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was its strong focus on solidarity with Ukraine and support for Ukrainian refugees. Throughout the programme, many discussions and speeches addressed the challenges faced by displaced people and emphasized the importance of support, inclusion, and international cooperation during difficult times.
We had the opportunity to meet and communicate with public figures actively involved in supporting Ukraine, including representatives of the European Parliament, members of parliament, and local authorities. Listening to their speeches and personal reflections made the experience feel especially powerful and emotional. They spoke not only about political responsibility, but also about the human side of solidarity — the importance of empathy, civic engagement, and standing together as a united European community in times of crisis.
Some moments during these discussions were truly unforgettable and left many of us speechless. Hearing real stories, experiences, and perspectives from people directly involved in supporting refugees helped me better understand the importance of volunteering, social involvement, and international unity. These conversations inspired me to think more deeply about how young people can contribute to creating a more supportive and inclusive society.
Another valuable experience in this day was participating in discussions during the First Round Table, where young participants shared ideas and perspectives on youth involvement, solidarity initiatives, and the importance of creating spaces for collaboration between young people across Europe. Beyond the official sessions, the event also provided a great opportunity to meet inspiring people, exchange experiences, and build connections with organizations and volunteers working toward similar goals.
The programme was not only educational but also cultural. On our second day in Metz, we had the opportunity to explore the city, discover its local heritage, and spend more time together through informal exchanges and group activities. The atmosphere throughout the day was very friendly and inclusive, which made it easy for everyone to communicate openly, share experiences, and connect with participants from different countries and backgrounds.
An important part of the day was getting to know each other’s organisations better. We spoke about the projects and initiatives we are involved in, the communities we represent, and the reasons why we chose to participate in the programmes. It was very interesting to learn how different organisations across Europe work with young people, support volunteering, and create positive social impact in their local communities. These conversations helped us exchange ideas, inspire one another, and better understand the value of international cooperation.
The organisers also prepared several physical and team-building activities that made the experience even more interactive and enjoyable. These activities encouraged collaboration, communication, and teamwork while also helping participants feel more comfortable with one another. Beyond the educational part of the programme, these moments created a stronger sense of connection and community among all participants.
Another memorable aspect of the day was the opportunity to discover French culture through local food. The organisation gave us the chance to try several popular French dishes and specialties, which made the cultural experience even more authentic and enjoyable. Sharing meals together also created space for informal conversations and helped strengthen the bonds between participants.
We also continued learning about communication and visibility in volunteering. The sessions focused on storytelling, documenting activities, and promoting youth initiatives through media and social platforms. To make the experience more practical and engaging, the organisers prepared interview questions about our personal experiences during the project and filmed some of the participants while they shared their reflections and impressions. This activity showed us how important communication is in volunteering and how sharing personal stories can inspire more young people to become involved in social initiatives.
Overall, the INNOvolunteering programme was an inspiring experience that helped develop intercultural competence, communication skills, confidence, and motivation for future volunteering activities. It was also a great opportunity to meet new people, exchange cultures, and become part of an international community.