REUSE4WILL

REUSE4WILL in Poland:

 Exploring the Role of

Volunteering in Addressing Civil Society Challenges

From 19 to 22 June 2026, the Municipality of Wieliszew, Poland, hosted the Second International Event of

the REUSE4WILL project, entitled “Volunteering Role in Challenges Facing Civil Society”, of which it is the

main Coordinator. The event brought together representatives of partner organisations, local authorities,

citizens, and volunteers from across Europe to reflect on the role that volunteering can play in

strengthening democracy, social cohesion, and environmental responsibility.

REUSE4WILL is a European Network of Towns project funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values

(CERV) Programme of the European Union. Building on the legacy of the previous 3WILL project,

REUSE4WILL seeks to promote active citizenship, volunteering, environmental awareness, and cooperation

among local communities across Europe.

The central activity of the meeting was the Volunteering Lab – Addressing Civil Society Challenges Through

Volunteering, an interactive workshop designed to encourage participants to exchange experiences and

jointly develop solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting contemporary societies.

Working in international groups, participants analysed challenges such as disinformation, declining civic

participation, social polarisation, and environmental concerns. Each group was tasked with designing a

volunteering initiative capable of addressing a selected challenge at local or European level. Through

brainstorming, discussion, and collaborative problem-solving, participants developed concrete proposals

aimed at promoting active citizenship, community engagement, democratic participation, and solidarity.

The workshop highlighted the importance of volunteering not only as a tool for helping others, but also as a

powerful mechanism for strengthening democratic resilience and empowering citizens to become active

contributors to their communities. The exchange of perspectives among participants from different

countries demonstrated that, despite cultural and geographical differences, European communities often

face similar challenges and can benefit greatly from sharing experiences and good practices.

Another important project activity was the Painting Workshop. Delegations were invited to create

paintings illustrating the role of volunteering in their countries, showcasing its importance, forms of

activity, and impact on local communities. The workshop combined creativity, reflection, and intercultural

dialogue, producing artworks that will remain on display at the Community and Cultural Centre in

Wieliszew throughout the summer of 2026.

Beyond the thematic activities, the event provided valuable opportunities for intercultural exchange and

networking. During the Welcome and Networking Meeting, participants introduced their delegations,

presented their national flags, and exchanged gifts and cultural souvenirs, strengthening the sense of

belonging to a wider European community.

A particularly significant moment took place during the Wieliszewskie Wianki Festival, where international

delegations joined local residents in celebrating cultural diversity and European cooperation. Participants

showcased traditions, regional products, and cultural heritage from their respective countries, while artistic

performances by guests from Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, and Poland contributed to creating a vibrant

atmosphere of mutual understanding and friendship.

The ceremonial presentation of the international delegations, carrying national and partner-town flags,

symbolised the unity of European communities working together towards common goals. The festival

demonstrated how cultural exchange can foster dialogue, inclusion, and stronger connections between

citizens from different backgrounds.

The Second International Event successfully contributed to the objectives of REUSE4WILL by strengthening

the project network, encouraging active citizenship, promoting volunteering, and raising awareness of the

societal challenges currently facing Europe. Most importantly, it reaffirmed that volunteering remains a key

driver of social cohesion, democratic participation, and community resilience.

The ideas, recommendations, and best practices generated during the event will continue to inform the

next stages of the project and support local initiatives across partner countries.

Next Stop: Cyprus – October 2026

The REUSE4WILL journey continues! Partners will meet again in Cyprus in October 2026 for the Third

International Event, where new activities, discussions, and exchanges will further explore the relationship

between volunteering, sustainability, and active citizenship.

Stay connected and follow REUSE4WILL for updates, results, and upcoming activities across Europe.

REUSE4WILL Kicks Off in Spain: First International Event in Herrera del Duque

REUSE4WILL officially launched its activities with the first international event held in Herrera del Duque (Spain), bringing together partners from across Europe for a dynamic and engaging start to this two-year journey focused on volunteering, sustainability, and reuse.

The event gathered representatives from partner organisations, local authorities, and citizens, fostering a strong sense of cooperation and shared purpose from the very beginning.

The meeting opened with the arrival of delegations and a welcome orientation, followed by the Official Opening Ceremony, where local authorities and the project coordinator introduced the vision and objectives of REUSE4WILL, the CERV programme and the funding acknowledgements.  The mayors signed the Guestbook of the municipality.

The first day concluded with a welcome dinner and networking session, offering participants the opportunity to get to know each other, present their organisations, and discover the local culture of Herrera del Duque.

The second day was dedicated to experiencing local traditions and community engagement. Participants took part in the “Rockrose in Bloom Festival”, a vibrant event showcasing local folklore, artisan markets, and active citizen participation and visited the Cerro Masatrigo Natural Monument

This immersive experience highlighted the importance of community involvement and local identity in promoting sustainable practices.

A key moment of the event was the presentation of the REUSE4WILL project and its connection to its predecessor, 3WILL, focusing on the evolution from civic engagement to environmental sustainability and reuse. The interactive workshop titled:
“REUSE4WILL: a 3WILL Prosecution – Volunteering Actions for Reusing” brought partners together in a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Through a speed presentation format, each organisation presented local initiatives related to volunteering and reuse, encouraging dialogue, inspiration, and the sharing of best practices. Participants also explored the work of the volunteer network of the La Siberia Biosphere Reserve, gaining insight into successful models of environmental engagement.

The event combined discussion with hands-on activities. One of the highlights was an outdoor environmental action, where participants cleaned a riverbank and collected and sorted recyclable materials to create a shared “Land Art” installation. This activity embodied the core values of the project, turning ideas into concrete action. Beyond the formal sessions, the event offered numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and relationship building, such as exchanges of reflections and gifts.

A special moment of community engagement was also represented by a friendly football match between local teams, reinforcing the spirit of inclusion and cooperation.

The first REUSE4WILL event successfully laid the foundations for a strong and collaborative European network, setting the tone for the upcoming activities across partner countries.

By combining volunteering, environmental awareness, and intercultural dialogue, the project aims to empower citizens and communities to actively contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive Europe.

Next stop: Wieliszew, Poland