European Voluntary Service - EVS

(From www.sosforevs.org )

How it all works...

The European Voluntary Service (EVS) is part of the YOUTH programme, a European Union programme that promotes the mobility of young people through international activities with a non-formal education dimension such as youth exchanges, voluntary services, youth initiatives and training of youth workers.

EVS is one of the opportunities for young people to get actively involved in European project work. An EVS project gains from intercultural experience, it builds on a trans-national partnership between youth organisations and the volunteer. It promotes local project that is based on everybody’s commitment.

A partnership: volunteer, sending organisation and host organisation are the key partners of an EVS project. The willingness of close co-operation between these three is crucial for a successful experience.

A commitment: the partners involved in an EVS project expect from each other that they dedicate time and energy to the successful realisation of the project.

A local project: the host organisation is a non-profit organisation or local community, creating an EVS hosting project that benefits to the local community, within its area of intervention. An EVS project normally lasts from 6 to 12 months.

A win-win activity: EVS projects are characterised by a good balance between service to the hosting local community and learning opportunities for the volunteer. Both community and volunteer equally gain from the project activities.

An intercultural experience: a reciprocal learning process, where everybody would gain from getting to know each other’s culture. Moreover, it is also a challenge taking into account the fact that the volunteer will not only experience what is planned, but also the unpredictable.

You want to become an EVS volunteer?

If you are between 18 and 25 years old, willing to dedicate 6 to 12 months of your time contributing to a local a project and gaining personal development, and if you are enthusiastic and full of dynamism, you are the right candidate.

Or...

You are interested in EVS but due to your situation or background, 6 months are too much of a challenge? You might want to try the EVS short-term projects. This is open exclusively to "young people with less opportunities" and aims at giving them access to the YOUTH programme, and to EVS in particular. Projects have a duration from 3 weeks to 6 months, they involve individual or small groups of volunteers. EVS short-term projects are part of the "Inclusion Strategy", a specific priority within the YOUTH programme.

Before going any further, do not forget to ask yourself a few questions:

• What is your personal motivation? It will account for your inner drive while completing your project.
• What is the area in which you want to commit yourself? We all have personal interests in one... Be realistic and truthful to yourself. It is the best way to get to a successful experience.
• For how long are you ready to commit yourself in an EVS project, including the search for a project, the preparation, the administration, the training, the service, the follow-up? How much time do you have?

Where to do EVS - European Voluntary Service...

EVS is not an organisation, and EVS volunteers do not need to be members of any organisation. But EVS is part of the YOUTH programme of the European Union, and it is addressed to the young citizens in a certain group of countries, which have agreed to implement this programme.

Programme Countries

The European Voluntary Service takes place in all countries involved in the YOUTH programme. This includes the Member States of the European Union, the EEA/EFTA-countries and the so-called Associated Countries. Together they form the so-called Programme Countries.

Which are the Programme countries?

Countries, which can participate in all five Actions of the YOUTH programme, are called “Programme countries”.

There are YOUTH National Agencies in each of these countries, which offer support to organisations and volunteers. Most EVS projects receive information, training and financial support directly from the National Agencies in the countries where they take place.

Third Countries

Some EVS projects can take place in collaboration with partner regions of the European Union. Those are:

• The Mediterranean partner countries as part of the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Action Programme
• Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
• South Eastern Europe (SEE)
• Latin America

Click here for more details on YOUTH projects with Third Countries...

There are some rules...

For participating in activities within the YOUTH programme bear in mind that your country of residence can make a difference where you can do a European Voluntary Service project. YOUTH is a programme of the European Union, therefore volunteers from EU Member States can go to many different places. There are some restrictions for volunteers from pre-accession countries, Mediterranean partner countries and other third Countries.

Ask for advice…

Before getting serious with your search for a host project in these countries, we would advise you to get in touch with your National Agencies, your National Coordinators or with the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk for more information.

How to proceed?

Leaving your country to go and volunteer abroad is anything but improvisation!

Meeting new and different people is hopefully part of your motivation - so start with finding people who will help you make your EVS project come true.

1st step
Find a sending organisation that will assist you individually along the procedure, before, during and after your EVS. In case you do not know any EVS sending organisation in your country of residence contact your National Agency (if you live in a Programme country), your National Coordinator (if you live in a Euro-Med country) or international volunteer organisations. They provide you with contact details of potential sending organisations.

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Česká národní agentura "Mládež"
Czech National Agency Youth

Na Poříčí 12
CZ – 11530 Praha 1
Tel: (420 2) 24 87 22 80 / 84
Fax: (420 2) 24 87 22 80
E-mail: youth@youth.cz
Website: http://www.youth.cz

 2nd step
Co-operate closely with your sending organisation in order to develop details of your individual project. Start contacting potential host organisations through your sending organisation. Bear in mind that EVS is huge - with thousands of potential host organisations in most different areas of volunteer activity.

3rd step
Keep your fingers crossed and persevere in your search as the difficulty is not to find a suitable project, but to find a project ready to host you within the time limit you have planned. Keep in mind that preparing an EVS project takes time, both at administrative, organisational and personal level. Therefore, plan ahead, try to think of everything, stay motivated and it will work out for you

Ready to go? Found a project? Remember: it is only a start

After the initial euphoria has subsided, prepare yourself for the puzzle work to do for getting ready to leave. Contact former volunteers in your sending organisation to find out about their experiences. Figure out the administrative requirements both in your country of origin and in your hosting country (visa, residence permit, health insurance, etc.). Find more information on our section about volunteer mobility.

Get in touch with ex-volunteers associations. They are the experts. They would help you to get a better idea of the development of a project, what to expect or not, and so to better prepare yourself. Find more information on our section about ex-volunteers associations.

Participate in a pre-departure training co-ordinated by your sending organisation or National Agency. It is also a good opportunity to meet other volunteers ready to start their service.

Gather as much information as you can about the country you are going to. Initiate personal contacts in your host organisation.

Force yourself to go ahead…

Keep on asking questions... Asking questions is better than blaming people for not having the information you need.

Off you go – but remember...

EVS is not a job or an internship, nor a work placement, a humanitarian mission or a holiday period.

Language learning within the EVS is a consequence and shall not be the only reason for you to join.

Your sending organisation is still there to counsel and help you all along your EVS project.

Your host organisation will nominate a personal mentor for you. It can be very helpful to have somebody nearby, with a good understanding of your situation and ready to give personal advice and support.

It will sometimes be difficult – but who said it would be easy?

Communication brings common understanding, while lack of communication leads to false expectations and wrong interpretations. Take care that you and your partners ask the right questions and bring along the helpful answers.

To sum up…

Action 2 - European Voluntary Service (EVS)

An EVS project allows a young person to be a volunteer in another country for six to 12 months. EVS projects are an equal partnership between:

·         the sending organisation

·         the volunteer

·         the hosting organisation

EVS Projects cover a wide variety of themes, for example: environmental projects; heritage; community development; work with elderly people or children; and many more.

Who can take part?
Any young person aged between 18 and 25 can be a volunteer. Any non-profit-making organisation can be a host or a sending partner and benefit their own organisation and the community at large.

What are the Criteria and Features?

·         Volunteers must be 18 to 25 years old

·         Activities must be non-profit making and unpaid (for example, not job-substitution)

·         The project must take place in a country other than the home country of the volunteer

·         The project must last for six to 12 months; shorter-term projects are available to young people who may face difficulties.

Why send a volunteer?
Funding is available and volunteers will learn new skills and experiences, which they can pass on when they return. An EVS project creates a networking opportunity for organisations to build future projects. Any type of non-governmental organisation, association, local authority or non-profit-making body can send a volunteer.

Why host a volunteer?
By welcoming a volunteer, host projects can benefit from new ideas and introduce intercultural experiences to their projects and their communities. EVS projects create networking opportunities for organisations to build future projects.

Any type of non-governmental organisation, association, local authority, community initiative or non-profit making body can host a volunteer. Projects must first have a HEI (Hosting Expression of Interest) approved which will outline the tasks of the volunteer and their role in the project and the community.

Why become a volunteer?
Volunteers give their time and energy for a project that will benefit a local community in exchange for an opportunity to learn new skills and to make a valuable and tangible contribution to society. Volunteers will experience a different way of life in a new culture, perhaps learn a language and will certainly acquire life-skills that will be of benefit for the future.

What about EVS projects with Third and Euromed Countries?
There are various criteria and rules for projects within these geographic regions: if you are interested see the information sheet ‘Third Countries and Euromed’ or contact Léargas to discuss your ideas.

 Who are the partners in an EVS project?

An EVS project involves a partnership between three actors:

1.       a volunteer,

2.       a sending organisation,

3.       a host organisation.

One of the countries involved in an EVS project must be an EU Member State.

What are the partners’ obligations?

Volunteer

The EVS Action is open to all young people who are legally resident in a Programme country or in an eligible third country and are, in principle, aged between 18 and 25. Certain exceptions regarding the upper age-limit are allowed for young people with less opportunities, if justified, and are judged on a case-by-case basis.

Participation fees are not allowed. Volunteers’ travel costs, insurance, food, accommodation and a small allowance are covered by the grant from the YOUTH programme.

Volunteers give their time and efforts for a project benefiting the local community in exchange for an opportunity to practise their skills, acquire cultural and social skills, and build for their future. During their voluntary service, volunteers are responsible for the practical tasks assigned to them and have a general obligation to contribute to the host organisation and community.

All volunteers who have completed their EVS project are entitled to an EVS certificate signed by the Member of the European Commission responsible for the YOUTH programme. These certificates are distributed by the National Agencies or, in some cases, by the European Commission.

Sending organisation

European Voluntary Service involves a sending partner known as the "sending organisation". Any type of non-governmental organisation, an association, a local authority or any other non-profit-making local initiative can be a sending organisation. For a sending organisation, EVS offers an opportunity to establish a cooperation and to exchange experience with a partner in a Programme country.

The sending organisation is responsible for arranging the following:

• Preparation
  The preparation required includes helping the volunteer to find and contact a host organisation. In addition, volunteers need to be prepared for their stay abroad according to their individual needs (including possible visa requirements etc.). The sending organisation is obliged to make sure that the volunteer attends a pre-departure training session.
• Contact during voluntary service
  The sending organisation should keep in contact with the volunteer and with the host organisation during the project in order to avoid crises. It will also help organise follow-up after the volunteer’s return.
• Follow-up
  Volunteers should receive help with reintegrating into their home community. The sending organisation should give volunteers an opportunity to exchange and share their experiences and must also support them, e.g. by providing information about other possibilities within the YOUTH programme (especially Action 3 - Future Capital) and by helping them into further education, training or employment.
• Visa and insurance
  The sending organisation has a shared responsibility with the host organisation to arrange a visa for the volunteer. It is also the responsibility of the sending organisation to make sure that the volunteer’s contact details are sent to the insurance company contracted by the European Commission.

Host organisation

The basis for European Voluntary Service is the existence of a number of places where volunteers can do their voluntary service. These are called "host organisations". European Voluntary Service brings together a large number of different organisations, projects, local authorities and other initiatives. Their contribution to European Voluntary Service is essential. By welcoming a volunteer, a host organisation will bring new ideas and intercultural elements into its regular activities. It could also have an interesting exchange of experience with the sending organisation through the volunteer.

Any type of non-governmental organisation, an association, a local authority or any other non-profit-making local initiative can be a host organisation.

If you would like to participate in EVS as a host organisation, please note the following criteria:

• Learning opportunities
  Clear learning opportunities for the volunteer have to be identified.
• Job substitution
  The use of volunteers to replace paid employees is not allowed.
• Access to the host organisation
  Host organisations cannot specify that volunteers should be of a specific ethnic group, religion, sexual orientation or political opinion. They must be open to all young people and cannot impose any specific selection criteria such as previous qualifications, experience and more than basic language knowledge.
• Tasks
  Administrative and routine tasks may not exceed a reasonable percentage of the volunteer’s task. A volunteer cannot be solely responsible for the day to day care of individuals.

In office-based projects (e.g. at European youth organisations), the volunteer should have a specific set of tasks, preferably project-based, to carry out.

The host organisation is responsible for arranging the following:

• Task-related support
  Volunteers’ tasks should reflect their individual abilities and desires. Persons who are familiar with those tasks should guide them. The host organisation is also responsible for sending the volunteer to the mid-term meeting.
• Personal support
  To avoid and overcome any difficulties, either in volunteers’ personal lives or in their activities in the host organisation, sufficient personal support should be provided for volunteers. They should be given opportunities to integrate into the local community, to meet other young people, to socialise, to participate in leisure activities, etc. Contacts with other EVS volunteers should be encouraged whenever possible.
• Mentor
  Each host organisation must identify a mentor who is directly responsible for training, personal support and language training for the volunteer and to whom the volunteer can turn in case of problems. The mentor should not be the volunteer’s supervisor or another person involved in the volunteer's project.
• Language training
  Language skills have long-term benefits in addition to helping the volunteer to integrate into the host culture. The host organisation is responsible for arranging language learning opportunities.
• Accommodation
  The host organisation has to provide suitable accommodation for the volunteer.
• Food
  The host organisation is responsible for providing meals, or a food allowance, for the volunteer.
• Local transport
  The host organisation must provide means of local transport for the volunteer.
• Allowance
  The host organisation must pay an allowance to the volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis (the amount is included in the grant from the YOUTH programme).
• Visa
  The host organisation has a shared responsibility with the sending organisation to arrange a visa for the volunteer.

Coordinating organisation

An umbrella organisation which coordinates the work of a number of sending or host organisations in a country within a network is known as a national or regional "coordinating organisation". A coordinating organisation may have a considerable amount of voluntary work experience and belong to an efficient network, either at national, European or international level.

Its responsibilities may vary depending on the agreements it has concluded with the sending or host organisations. Its primary role is to form relationships with host organisations, and to coordinate, prepare and offer support to the volunteers it places in these organisations.

It undertakes to carry out all or some of the host or sending organisations’ administrative tasks. The budget item Contribution to the host activities or Contribution to the sending activities is then shared between the host, sending and coordinating organisations, according to the division of tasks and in agreement between the partners.

The coordinating organisation is principally responsible for ensuring that EVS philosophy and rules are complied with. It also has to provide training for volunteers or ensure they attend the training sessions organised by the National Agencies.

What training sessions are part of European Voluntary Service?

As EVS involves young volunteers staying in another country for long periods of time, it is of the utmost importance for adequate levels of training to be provided for them at all stages of the project.

It is the responsibility of the National Agencies to ensure that volunteers receive adequate pre-departure and on-arrival training and attend mid-term evaluation meetings. All volunteers must participate in these training sessions.

Pre-departure training

Pre-departure training gives volunteers an opportunity to talk about their expectations, develop their motivation and obtain information on their host country. They may also be able to meet and speak to ex-volunteers. Pre-departure training is compulsory for all volunteers.

On-arrival training

The objective of on-arrival training, which takes place upon arrival in the host country, is to introduce volunteers to their host country and their host environment, and to help them get to know each other. In some cases, on-arrival training might be organised by the host organisations themselves (minimum 5 EVS volunteers) in line with the guidelines provided by the European Commission.

Mid-term meeting

Mid-term meetings provide volunteers with an opportunity to evaluate their experience so far, in addition to meeting other volunteers from different projects throughout the host country. It should be noted that volunteers are obliged to attend these sessions.

How is a project financed?

Community financing of an EVS project is based on the principle of co-funding, with other public and/or private contributions. The total project cost cannot be covered by YOUTH alone. This means that contributions, in kind or in cash, from the sending and host organisations are necessary to cover the total cost of the project. The Community grant will cover some specific costs and contribute to the activity costs of the sending and host organisations.

Except for volunteers’ travel, allowance and exceptional costs, the Community contribution to activities is not directly linked to any specific costs and consists of fixed amounts and flat rates which do not have to be accounted for or justified. The maximum fixed amounts and flat rates are indicated in the User's Guide might vary depending on the Programme country. The organisations can use the Community contribution as they see fit, as long as they fulfil the obligations set out in the User's Guide.

Community financing is available for sending organisations, host organisations and, in some cases, coordinating organisations.

Sending organisations

Host organisations

•  Future Capital - What to do after EVS

You have just finished your EVS project and you want to apply what you have learned, further develop on your EVS experience? You want to give others the chance to "taste" some intercultural learning? You want to develop a local project? Then Future Capital is for you!

• What is Future Capital?

Future Capital is part of Action 3 of the YOUTH programme. It provides a funding possibility aiming at assisting and supporting ex-EVS volunteers in using and enhancing the value of the experience acquired during their voluntary service.

• What type of projects can Future Capital be?

You can present a project in all kinds of areas (social, environmental, cultural). The most important thing is for you to be creative and motivated. With Future Capital you can set up a professional activity, organise a specific event, or engage in personal development activities in relation to your EVS experience.

Please note that Future Capital cannot be used for university courses, and your project should not be a mere continuation of your previous EVS activity. It may be related, but it should be something clearly new.

• How to apply and who can apply?

• You have completed a long-term or short-term EVS project.
• You are resident in one of the Programme Countries.
• You should apply to Future Capital within two years after having completed your service.
• You submit a formal application to the YOUTH National Agencies in the country where the Future Capital project would take place.

Where can we have Future Capital projects?

A Future Capital project can only take place in a Programme country (not necessarily the one where you live). Future Capital projects cannot take place in any of the Third Countries.

 FAQ – Frequently asked questions on EVS

What is the age limit to participate in EVS?
The EVS is open to young people between 18 and 25 years. This means that volunteers have to be between 18 and 25 years old at the beginning of their voluntary activity. Flexibility can be applied to the upper age limit if the volunteer belongs to the priority target group of young people with fewer opportunities and if this is clearly demonstrated in the project application. For details please contact your National Agency.

Where can EVS projects take place?
The European Voluntary Service concerns all countries involved in the YOUTH programme. But there are some rules and conventions as to who can go where. For more information, click here.

Where do I get contact details of host organisations?
Contact details of potential host organisations are available in the password-protected database, which your sending organisation can enter. It is therefore necessary to collaborate with a sending organisation for making contact with potential host organisations. If living in a Third Country, volunteers can contact international NGOs and platforms to have more information about potential host projects.

Who can be my sending organisation?
EVS sending organisations are non-governmental organisations/associations, local/regional authorities or other non-profit initiatives active for example in areas of social, cultural, environmental, community or youth work. Some of the YOUTH National Agencies publish contact details of potential sending organisations in their country.

Do I need to know the language of my host country?
The selection of volunteers should not be made according to language skills, unless a basic knowledge is needed for a specific task. Linguistic support is provided during the EVS in order to ensure the volunteers’ integration.

Are the language courses compulsory?
The host organisation is responsible for the linguistic support of EVS volunteers. It is an integral part of any EVS project. Linguistic support should be appropriate to the volunteer needs and level, but the type of linguistic support may vary from formal language classes to more informal learning methods.

Do I need to have specific skills to take part in a EVS project?
The selection of volunteers should not be made according to the skills of the volunteers. EVS should be open to everybody. Nevertheless, a certain sensitivity or ability are sometimes mentioned as being a plus for specific tasks.

Will I get any training during my EVS project?
Sending and host organisations jointly assure the participation of their volunteers in a series of training events during an EVS project: pre-departure training, on-arrival training, mid-term evaluation and, if possible, a final evaluation session. Each type of training has several subjects useful or necessary to deal with before and during the service period: Basics of social engagement and voluntary work, intercultural learning, conflict resolution, group dynamics, rights and responsibilities, etc.

Would my parents or I lose any legal rights or national allowances taking part in an EVS project?
So far, taking part in an EVS project should not have any influence on legal rights. Certain allowances might not be cancelled, but rather suspended during the service period. National legislations differ from country to country. Many YOUTH National Agencies have gathered specified information on the legal status of EVS volunteers coming from or going to their countries: you can read such information in the Volunteer Mobility section.

Can I change project if anything goes wrong?
Quite a few things can of course go wrong during a voluntary service. Nothing and nobody is perfect. Misunderstandings or lack of communication can make a service period fail. Communication is however the key to solve a really difficult situation sometimes. Changing a project should be the last option, if nothing else works.

Can I withdraw from a project?
As for changing project, withdrawing from a project is to be seen as a truly exceptional measure, if nothing else works. Consider carefully the alternatives before taking a final decision. Then bear in mind: such a decision is not your private thing only. It involves all three partners of your EVS project: you as the volunteer, the sending organisation and the host organisation.

Is it possible to prolong a project?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to prolong an EVS project. However, if the expected results of the projects can only be achieved through a prolongation and if both the sending and hosting National Agencies agree on a prolongation up to twelve months, an exception can be made. A short-term EVS project (up to six months) might be prolonged once for the same volunteer.

When can I be sure that I will go?
There are several parties needed for the realisation of an EVS project. It is based on an agreement between volunteer, sending and host organisation. For the financial part National Agencies in the sending and the host country or, for some projects, the European Commission get involved. Sending and host organisation need to present grant applications, and financial support from the YOUTH programme is to be approved. Only then you can be sure that the project can take place. For this reason good communication between you, your sending organisation and your host organisation is essential.

Can my sending or host organisation ask me for financial contribution for my participation in an EVS-project?
Participation fees or financial contribution by the volunteer cannot be a condition to take part in an EVS project. This also includes any kind of deposits to get back after a completed project. Also bills for electricity, gas and water, as well as any taxes are the responsibility of the host organisation.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?
The European Commission published a document "Rights and Responsibilities of a Volunteer", which clarifies the role, the rights and the responsibilities of an EVS volunteer in mission. It corresponds to a second document "Rights and Responsibilities of the Host Organisations, Sending Organisations and Mentors" giving detailed information what you can expect from your partner organisations and your mentor during an EVS project period.

Who can help me with visa problems?
Both sending and host organisation have the responsibility to help you obtaining a visa, if needed. Participating in EVS does not exempt you from following the national visa regulations. It is important to know that there is a big difference in those regulations from country to country. Therefore your visa request might be denied or you might only receive a short-term tourist visa. In specific cases the European Commission can issue a letter and an explanatory note in order to support individual visa applications. Ask your sending organisation to contact the YOUTH National Agency for further support.

LINKS

http://www.youth.cz czech national agency so as to know what is the nearest sending organization.

www.sosforevs.org to find the project that interests you.

http://www3.socleoyouth.be/static/Bots/Youth/2002/R&R_volunteers_EN.pdf  rights and responsabilities of volunteers

 ___________________________________

YOUTH INFORMATION CENTRE
Husovo náměstí 4 – Zámek
512 51 Lomnice nad Popelkou - CZECH REPUBLIC
Tel. a fax.  +420 481 673 107, +420 604 528 279
E-mail: evs@place.cz
www.evs.place.cz