What is the European solidarity corps?

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union initiative that provides young people aged 18 to 30 with opportunities to engage in solidarity activities across Europe. These activities aim to address societal challenges, support communities, and promote social inclusion.

Participants can take part in various projects, including:

• Volunteering: Undertaking unpaid placements in areas such as education, health, environmental protection, and culture. These projects typically last from 2 to 12 months and are designed to benefit communities while providing participants with valuable experience.
• Solidarity Projects: Groups of young people initiate and implement projects at the local level, addressing specific challenges within their communities. These projects foster a sense of initiative and responsibility among participants.
• Humanitarian Aid Volunteering: Engaging in activities that support vulnerable populations and respond to humanitarian crises, both within Europe and beyond. This strand is open to individuals up to 35 years old.

The ESC covers expenses related to accommodation, travel, insurance, and provides participants with a subsistence allowance, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder involvement.

By participating in the European Solidarity Corps, young people contribute to building a more inclusive society, gain valuable skills, and enhance their employability, all while promoting solidarity and cooperation across Europe.

How to participate in the ESC

To participate in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), follow these steps:

1. Registration: Sign up on the European Youth Portal by creating a profile that outlines your interests, skills, and preferred areas of engagement.
2. Finding a Sending Organization: Identify a recognized sending organization in your country that can assist with your application and preparation. A list of such organizations is available in the public database of accredited organizations.
3. Searching for Projects: Utilize the ESC database to discover projects that align with your interests. You can apply directly to these projects or be contacted by organizations seeking participants with your profile.
4. Application Process: Once you’ve identified a suitable project, submit your application as per the guidelines provided by the hosting organization. Your sending organization can offer support during this phase.
5. Preparation and Training: Upon acceptance, you’ll receive training to prepare for your role. This includes cultural preparation, language support, and logistical arrangements.
6. Participation: Engage in the project, contributing to community initiatives and gaining valuable experience. Throughout your service, you’ll have access to support and resources to ensure a meaningful experience.
7. Certification: After completing your service, you’ll receive a certificate acknowledging your participation, which can enhance your future employment prospects.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: Generally, individuals aged 18 to 30 are eligible to participate. For humanitarian aid projects, the age limit extends up to 35 years.
• Residency: You must legally reside in an EU Member State or a partner country.

By following these steps, you can embark on a rewarding journey with the European Solidarity Corps, contributing to meaningful projects across Europe.

How to support the ESC

Even if you are no longer eligible to directly participate in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), there are several ways to support the program and contribute to solidarity and community building in Europe:

1. Mentoring and Coaching:
   Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring young volunteers. Providing guidance can help them navigate challenges and achieve their goals during their projects.
2. Organizing Solidarity Projects:
   Initiate or support local solidarity initiatives aligned with the ESC’s objectives. This can involve collaborating with local organizations or communities to address social challenges and strengthen cohesion.
3. Promoting and Raising Awareness:
   Raise awareness about the importance of solidarity and volunteering by organizing informational events, being active on social media, or giving talks at educational institutions. This can inspire more young people to join the ESC.
4. Donations and Financial Support:
   Support organizations running ESC projects by donating funds or providing resources. Your contributions can help expand the reach and impact of these initiatives.
5. Networking:
   Join networks or communities dedicated to the ESC’s mission. By sharing ideas and resources, you can help further develop and strengthen the solidarity movement in Europe.

By engaging in these ways, you can support the mission of the European Solidarity Corps and contribute to promoting solidarity and social cohesion across Europe, even if you can no longer participate directly.

Who is the IJGD

The International Youth Community Services (ijgd) is one of the oldest and largest organizations for international youth work in Germany. Since 1949, this non-profit association has been organizing voluntary services and work camps to provide young people with opportunities to engage socially and gain intercultural experiences.

In the context of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), ijgd plays a significant role as both a sending and hosting organization. It coordinates and supports projects that enable young people to contribute to various social, cultural, and environmental initiatives. These include placements in kindergartens, schools, environmental projects, and cultural institutions.

ijgd supports volunteers throughout the entire process:

1. Preparation:
   Advising and assisting in the selection of suitable projects, as well as handling administrative tasks.
2. Accompaniment:
   Organizing seminars and training sessions to prepare volunteers for their placements and foster intercultural exchange.
3. Follow-Up:
   Reflecting on the experiences gained and supporting personal and professional development afterward.

Through its collaboration with the ESC, ijgd helps fulfill the program’s goals by enabling young people to experience solidarity, acquire new skills, and contribute to strengthening European unity.

How to support the IJGD and me?

If you like what I do in this ESC project and what the IJGD does you can support us by donating. if you do decide do support us I need your name, adress, the amount of the donation, is it a one time or monthly donation and when you want to donate. Also if the amount is 200€ or more you can get a donation receipt.

If you want to contact me you can write me an e-mail: contact@julholsch.de
Every thing is written down on the following pdf which you can download:

Sources

1. Europäisches Solidaritätskorps (ESK):
   • Official Website: solidaritaetskorps.de
   • European Youth Portal: youth.europa.eu
   • Information on Volunteering: youth.europa.eu
   • Wikipedia Entry: de.wikipedia.org
2. Internationale Jugendgemeinschaftsdienste (ijgd):
   • Official Website: ijgd.de
   • European Youth Portal Organization Profile: youth.europa.eu
   • Instagram Profile: instagram.com
   • Organization Information: wusgermany.de
   • NEVSO Profile: nevso.eu
   • weltwaerts.de Profile: weltwaerts.de
3. Additional Information on ESK:
   • Rausvonzuhaus.de: rausvonzuhaus.de
   • OeAD – Österreichischer Austauschdienst: solidaritaetskorps.oead.at
   • Solidaritätskorps Liechtenstein: solidaritaetskorps.li

These sources provide comprehensive information about the European Solidarity Corps and the role of ijgd within the program.

Text was created with the help of AI:
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