The Dutch ecovillage network GEN-NL is a network organisation of Dutch ecovillages and ecological communities. Ecovillages are communities where the villagers live sustainably with a low ecological footprint. The communities develop new ways of living together in harmony with each other and the environment. An ecovillage is an intentional or traditional community that is designed through locally owned, participatory processes re-generating social and natural environments. They focus and experiment in their own way on their contribution to the five dimensions of sustainability: ecology, economy, the social and the cultural aspects, all integrated into a holistic approach. We envision a world in which individuals and communities authentically shape their lives from their own strengths in a conscious, essentially sustainable and caring way for each other and the earth and thereby inspire others. GEN-NL has been active since 2013 and established as a foundation in 2015. It consists of around 70 community initiatives and ecovillages. Examples of members are Ecovillage Boekel, Aardehuizen Olst, Ecodorp Bergen, Ecodorp Zuiderveld in Nijmegen, Ecodorp Land van Aine in Ter Apel. The ecovillages actively promote environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviour among residents, raising the awareness about an environmental footprint within the capacity of the earth. Living together allows a more structural design and implementation of environmental consciousness, integrating sustainable practises, sharing and using sustainable means of transport. Our ecovillage Boekel in Brabant has won and is nominated for various sustainability awards. They provide solutions for all sustainable SDG’s in close cooperation with our environment. A recently founded ecocommunity initiative is Zuiderveld in Nijmegen who are working with housing associations) and sustainable architects. With 46 houses, they can accommodate more than 100 residents of different ages, family compositions and from (cultural) backgrounds. This is an urban ecovillage project in a new suburban Nijmegen area.. In GEN-NL we organise monthly webinars, network meetings and symposia. We contribute to festivals and social and sustainable activities. These activities are open for Dutch - and when in English - European participants, especially the online events. These activities will give the participants skills and experience in organising events, project management, outreach and public relations, use of IT-tools etc that they will be able use in their future steps in life. The aims of GEN-NL are: to provide support for existing and emerging initiatives; to participate in youth exchanges as tools to spread awareness; to do advocacy and to, (co-)organise research and education. We believe that with joining forces we have more capacity. Therfore we create synchronicities between the initiatives and ecovillages, and also with academic studies and or municipalities. We offer young people easily accessible opportunities to engage in activities, which could empower them to develop their professional and soft skills within communities while acquiring confidence, useful experience and competencies for their personal, educational, social, cultural, civic and professional development, which could contribute to their future employability. The members of the different communities actively take part in our network which makes us rich with a diversity of experience and experts on various fields. There are currently four active circles functioning in the realm our network. These circles are policy making, advocacy, outreach and research; networking and communication; and organisation. The board has 9 members supported by about 30 active volunteers, youth workers and learners. Since 2018 GEN-NL has Next GEN with actively involved young people in the organisation. They are also part of Next GEN-Europe. Two Dutch young people are in the European NextGEN board. NextGEN-NL aspires to unleash the passion, creativity, and action of young people, infuse it with the power of community and direct it towards co-creating a regenerative, peaceful and connective culture. Together they strive to empower, educate, connect, and inspire youth based on Ecovillage values and principles, to take collaborative action and participate in the ecovillage movement. Within GEN-NL they hold the role as connectors regarding youth themes and opportunities. Often they participate actively in social grassroots movements and represent GEN-NL in activities to build partnership. They organise online and live meetings for youth in The Netherlands who are interested in or connected to ecovillage lifestyles and sustainability. Within NextGEN NL we find a large part of our target group and at the same time do they contribute and increase our outreach to young people through their social media and active engagement on various communication channels.

This ESC opportunity is for EU residents/citizens under 30 interested in developing ecological and social skills and curious about the ecovillage movement. You will be living and working in Ecovillage Bergen and participate in various activities, from gardening to cooking and from building maintenance to event management. You will also contribute to the Dutch ecovillage network, GEN Netherlands, in a project activity of your choice. If you want to apply, please fill in the form via this link / https://forms.gle/1roAKP5MwyqzG3y47

This project is fully funded by the Erasmus+ program. Your accomodation will be in a youthhouse, as part of the Ecovillage Bergen. Food is mostly provided by our big garden, and by our organic store. We are vegantarian. Transport will be by bike, and is provided to you. Longer distance will be by public transport.

The Participant profile: Are you interested in exploring a sustainable lifestyle in a community? During this funded volunteering opportunity you will live and work in the dynamic ecovillage of Bergen and also contribute to the national Dutch ecovillage network. You will develop new competences, make friends and actively become part of a regenerative culture. We expect a positive commitment from you, open to all kinds of work-activities that involve our project. Your English is good, you are willing to immerse yourself in community life. Please ONLY apply via the application form / https://forms.gle/1roAKP5MwyqzG3y47
Deadline: 01/08/2025 00:00

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

• Training before and after the project
• Health insurance during your project
• round-trip travel reimbursement
• accommodation and food
• pocket money
• language course
• Return Week-end
• Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.