France: ESC: Living Regeneration

About the local hosting organization

FPD was founded in 2009, thanks the Regional Governament which granted its foundation on the basis of the activities planned for the social development of the regional rural areas. It is a non-profit regional civil organization, made by young and senior people. It's mission is to promote and facilitate the development of rural areas of the Puglia Region, thanks to the implementation of projects concerning volunteering, youth, social inclusion, environment protection, sustainable development, promotion of the importance of biodiversity, organic farming, nature and sport and outdoor activities. FPD focuses its attention on European mobility, both for the personal development of its single members and for the growth of local partner organizations at International level. The main target group is youth under 35 y.o., but the organization also works with senior people. Both the categories have in common the fact they are made of disadvantaged people from rural areas. The young people are mainly NEET, which means FPD offers them several opportunities to learn, be trained and educated at local and European level in order to enrich their curricula and get more chances for their job-placement or self-employment. FPD cooperates with several Public and Private entities at all levels, such as: a) Municipality of Taurisano (IT) - FPD cooperates in the organization of local events in several fields (waste collection, Music festivals, youth participation in decision making processes, cultural activities, music events, photo exhibitions....); b) Province of Lecce (IT) – FPD had a project concerning young people's involvement in local initiatives concerning ecology and biological food, re-use of different materials and recycle of waste; c) Region of Puglia (IT) – FPD cooperates with its Region on projects concerning promotion of natural resources of rural areas; d) Several EU NGOs are partners in the implementation of Youth Exchanges, Youth and Democracy projects, Training Courses, seminars, workshops, volunteering activties in different fields. What is more, FPD is member of numerous European Networks financed by the Europe for Citizens Programme, for the valorization of the EU Cultural Heritage (tangible, intangible, digital and natural), the promotion of Youth Mobility for learning, training, working, studying and volunteering abroad, the active participation (mainly digital participation) at EU level of youth and seniors.

Presentation of the programme

Living Regeneration is a 4-month European Solidarity Corps volunteering experience at The Northern Lights, a regenerative community in rural France. We are currently looking for one volunteer with a particular focus on Social Connection & Communication: creating social media content, documenting community life, supporting local cultural events, Erasmus+ project writing and reporting, and developing educational toolkits and dissemination materials. We are looking for someone who enjoys storytelling, creativity and bringing people together purposefully. This is not an office-based communication role: you will be part of everyday community life and are expected to get your hands dirty alongside the team in agroecology, eco-construction, low-tech energy systems, cooking and shared tasks. A space to contribute your existing skills while developing new ones through learning by doing, solidarity and intercultural community life. Read the full InfoPack here: https://l1nk.dev/6sf7hcx 

About the accomodation

Volunteers are hosted at The Northern Lights’ 300-year-old farm of 22 hectres in Saint-Nizier-le-Bouchoux, with access to a shared kitchen, dining area, workspaces and other shared facilities. They are accomodated in an indoor dormitory with single private or shared rooms depending on availability. Meals are healthy, mostly organic and home-grown, with volunteers participating in cooking and communal tasks. The farm uses compost toilets, ecological showers and conscious water use. Travel costs are reimbursed according to ESC distance bands and eligible travel rules. Pick-up can be arranged from Saint-Amour or Fleurville-Pont-de-Vaux train stations.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers learn through hands-on practice, mentoring and skill-sharing within the community. Training includes regenerative agriculture, eco-construction, low-tech and energy systems, tool use and sustainable living. For this position, particular learning opportunities include social media and storytelling, Erasmus+ project writing, documentation, toolkit and educational material design, event organisation and community outreach. Volunteers are encouraged to share their own skills and develop personal initiatives, while reflecting on their learning and competences throughout the experience.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are currently looking for one motivated volunteer aged 18–30 to join the existing international team at The Northern Lights for approximately four months, with a particular focus on Social Connection & Communication.Deadline: