Germany: ESC: Volunteering in Münich

About the local hosting organization

Pi Youth Association, was established on 4th of March in 2014 (Pi=3,14), on 6 issues identified in line with the developments in Europe and in the world and the needs of the youth in our country, to help young people develop positive attitudes /behaviors for their capacity development, to contribute to their knowledge and skills, and to carry out studies for the solution of youth problems. Mission Topics 1) Youth Rights and Problems 2) Volunteering Hours 3) Technology-based Development 4) Healthy Living 5) Civil Society Capacity Building (only for youth organizations) 6) Social Media Analyses Pi Youth Association; in addition to the activities carried out regularly for its members and volunteers consisting of young people, it also organizes and implements national and international projects, and develops partnerships. Especially the young people who are disadvantaged socially, economically and geographically and under women, disabled and refugees classes, in a nutshell all individuals between the ages of 15-30 and living in Turkey are in the Pi Youth Association’s target group. In addition to its projects and activities, the association offers to young people various free opportunities under the Erasmus Plus program carry out by the EU. These include youth exchanges, voluntary activities etc. Pi Youth Association’s office team consists of 12 people including 4 professional employees, 2 parttime employees, 2 long term trainees and 4 office volunteers. There is also a volunteer team of local youth, with more than 100 active young people. The name of this volunteer team is Pixel Team. Pixel Team voluntarily supports all projects and activities of the Association. It consists of young people between the ages of 15-30 who regularly participate in the activities of the association and are trained in the culture of the association. Pi Youth Association is also a member of many national and international networks. National networks of which the Association is a member; Youth Organizations Forum (GOFor), National Youth Parliament (UGP) and TechSoup Turkey. International networks of which it is a member of; The Anna Lindh Foundation Euromed, Google for Nonprofits, Microsoft for Nonprofits and AMSED Member Network. Pi Youth Association is also a signatory of the UN Global Compact. Our Association is also an Eurodesk Contact Point. Pi Youth Association is a local and non-governmental youth organization that is active in national and international fields and can reach many young people. Social media accounts and website of the association are followed by many youngs. The Association has more than 25,000 followers on Facebook (2 pages both in Turkish and English)

Presentation of the programme

Volunteers will support different residential and social care projects for children, young people, adults, elderly people, and people with physical or mental disabilities in Munich. The project takes place in several living and support centres connected to organizations working in the fields of inclusion, rehabilitation, independent living, and social care. Volunteers will actively contribute to residents’ daily lives and support their participation in social and community activities. The tasks are based on the organizations’ current needs as well as the volunteers’ interests, motivation, and skills. The activities may include helping during breakfast and meals, accompanying residents in daily life, supporting leisure activities, assisting with walks and shopping, participating in creative or cultural activities, and supporting social interaction and communication. Depending on the placement, volunteers may also support children and young people with disabilities.

About the accomodation

Volunteers will live in shared accommodation provided by the hosting organizations. Usually, volunteers will have their own room while sharing common areas such as kitchen and bathroom with other volunteers or residents. Internet access is available in the accommodation. Food support is provided according to the hosting organization’s conditions, and volunteers may sometimes share meals with residents or staff during activities. Transportation is mainly organized through public transport, bicycles, or walking depending on the placement location and daily activities.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers will receive continuous support and mentoring throughout the project. They will participate in on-arrival training and midterm evaluation organized by the National Agency. In addition, hosting organizations provide practical guidance and internal training from experienced staff members. Volunteers will learn about inclusion, disability support, communication, teamwork, and social care through practical experience. Language learning opportunities and intercultural learning activities will also be available during the project.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for motivated, open-minded, and responsible young people who are interested in social inclusion and solidarity work. Volunteers should be able to work in a team, and show empathy and flexibility while supporting people with disabilities or elderly residents. Preferably, applicants should be nursing graduates or final-year nursing students.Deadline: