Join us on 8 April 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM CEST for a powerful online panel discussion exploring the future of International Voluntary Service (IVS) and its role in advancing social and climate justice.
This event will focus on how IVS can strategically engage in policy-making, decolonisation, and advocacy for systemic change.
Date & Time: 8 April 2025, 9:00–10:30 AM CEST
Format: Online (Zoom) – Join here _ Meeting ID: 874 0087 7984 | Passcode: 099592
Meet the Panel
The panel will feature leading voices from the volunteering, policy, and research sectors:
Gabriella Civico – Director of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), expert on volunteering policies in Europe and global trends in civic engagement.
Barbara Eglitis – Representative of the European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre, with key insights on EU youth policy, funding mechanisms, and future directions for youth volunteering.
Helene Perold – Renowned Social Research Consultant, specialized in decolonisation and civic engagement, bringing critical reflections on power imbalances and global equity in IVS.
Patrick Okoyo Awino – Senior Hansard Reporter and Communication Specialist at CAK (Communications Authority of Kenya), focusing on the intersections of climate justice, “green colonialism,” and community-led conservation.
What to Expect
Through keynote interventions and an interactive discussion, the panel will:
Explore how IVS can gain stronger recognition in global and national policies.
Share practical advocacy strategies rooted in justice, inclusion, and decolonisation.
Address how IVS organisations can engage with policymakers while staying community-driven and impactful.
Provide tools and reflections on how IVS can challenge green colonialism and promote climate justice.
Offer a clear roadmap for advancing the 5 IVS Advocacy Asks to strengthen IVS as a movement.
Expected outcomes include:
- A deeper understanding of policy frameworks and how IVS can influence them.
- Concrete strategies for IVS advocacy and policy engagement.
- Clear links between IVS, decolonisation, climate justice, and social inclusion.
A collective vision for the future of IVS rooted in grassroots leadership.
This event is open to all volunteers, youth leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to making IVS a tool for systemic change. Don’t miss it!
More information? Here: Expert Panel: “Shaping the Future of IVS – Policy, Advocacy & Justice”
