Voluntaria was born almost 10 years ago as a brainchild of a few very motivated YFU-ers, to serve as a type of “YES for volunteers”. In other words, just like the YES it is a large YFU event that marries educational and recreational purposes, except this time the target group is the volunteer community, rather than the exchange students. It is a place to engage with the global YFU network, rekindle old friendships, make new ones, learn, and share your knowledge with others, all while experiencing and strengthening the legendary YFU Spirit.
After 7 long years of silence, Voluntaria is coming back in style! Join us for a week-long adventure in the heart of Switzerland, where workshops, plenary sessions, and recreational activities will compete for your attention with the breathtaking scenery of the alpine foothills. In the 2024 edition, we will be focusing on the areas of volunteer well-being, self-care, preventing volunteer burnout, and supporting mental health within our community. We envision this event as full of laughter, valuable insights, wholesome discussions, coziness, movement, and mutual support. If this sounds like a good way to spend a portion of your summer, don’t keep us waiting and submit your application!
Einsiedeln, Switzerland
https://www.hotel-allegro.ch/de/
August 11th to 17th, 2024
To apply as a participant at Voluntaria 2024, fill in the application form here by April 3rd at the latest. All applications will be reviewed by the Voluntaria Core Team upon closing of the application period. Due to a limited number of spots, a selection process may be necessary where the overall diversity of the participant group (including national diversity, age, gender, YFU experience, etc) as well as application quality (such as motivation, ambition, and innovative ideas) will be taken into account. All applicants will be informed about the selection results via e-mail. Selected participants will receive follow-up communications with logistical details, information on accommodation, educational content, travel, etc.
🇪🇺 Participants traveling from Europe
All travel costs will be reimbursed within the reimbursement terms and conditions.
Upon selection, you will be asked to submit a participation fee of 50 Swiss francs, which you are encouraged to negotiate having covered by your National Organisation. Waivers of the participation fee may be granted on a case-by-case basis to those unable to cover it, upon personal request.
🌎 Participants traveling from outside Europe
50% of travel costs up to 800 euros will be reimbursed from the event budget. The remaining costs are to be covered by the participant and/or their sending organisation, depending on their individual agreement.
For global participants, we are offering an automatic participation fee waiver, due to the higher travel costs.