ADVOCACY & POLICY
Amplifying volunteer voices for environmental and social justice
Introduction
Advocacy was at the heart of Voices for Change. Throughout the project, volunteers, partner organisations and local communities shared their experiences, challenges and aspirations through research, dialogue and creative expression. These contributions informed a series of policy resources designed to strengthen International Voluntary Service and promote more inclusive, rights-based approaches to environmental and social justice.
The advocacy work developed through Voices for Change is grounded in community experiences and supported by participatory impact measurement, ensuring that local voices contribute to wider policy discussions at national, European and international levels.
Our Approach
The project’s advocacy process combined:
- Needs assessment and research
- Impact Measurement and Stories of Change
- Local community experiences
- Earth Artivist Training
- International dialogue and the Symposium
- Collaboration with volunteers, organisations and experts
Together, these activities shaped the project’s policy recommendations and advocacy resources.
Advocacy Resources
Explore the policy resources developed through Voices for Change
A rights-based framework promoting the recognition, protection and support of volunteers worldwide.
A visual summary of the Volunteer Rights Framework for organisations, volunteers and decision-makers.
Advocacy Strategy
The project’s final advocacy strategy bringing together the key recommendations and actions identified by the partnership.
From Local Voices to Policy Change
One of the strengths of Voices for Change was its commitment to ensuring that advocacy was informed by lived experiences rather than developed in isolation. Community stories collected through the Most Significant Change methodology, together with the experiences shared during Local Actions and international activities, helped shape the project’s recommendations and advocacy priorities.
This approach reflects the project’s commitment to a participatory and decolonial model of advocacy, where those most affected by environmental and social challenges contribute directly to the conversations that influence policy.
Continue Exploring
Advocacy is closely connected with other Voices for Change resources.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
