Si è tenuta a Bruxelles, venerdi 15 dicembre 2023, the Final Conference and Awards Ceremony  presso la European Economic and Social Committee

Date, time and Location: 15th December 2023 15:30 CET European Economic and Social Committee (Brussels, Belgium)

Guest speakers:

– Ismael Paez Civico – Moderator CESES – Belgium

– Doris Bandín Abad – Secretary General of SECOT – Spain

– Susanne Messner – Head of Department at SES – Germany

– Gianmaria Scapin – President of VSP odv – Italy

La Presidente del CEV – Centre for European Volunteering, Gabriella Civico, mentre consegna il premio per la miglior campagna di comunicazione e diffusione dei valori del volontariato “Senior di Professione” a Gianmaria Scapin, Presidente di VSP Italia.

The President of CEV – Centre for European Volunteering, Gabriella Civico, presented the award for the best communication campaign and dissemination of volunteer values “Senior Professionals” to Gianmaria Scapin, President of VSP, Italy.

SENT 2023 Final Conference and Award Ceremony Panel Discussion Empowering Change: Senior Expert Volunteering in the European Context Summary Panelists, representing diverse sectors and experiences, will discuss the unique value senior experts bring to initiatives ranging from business development to social and environmental projects.

The conversation will highlight the rich tapestry of skills and knowledge seniors offer, emphasizing the intergenerational exchange that occurs when seasoned professionals engage with local communities.

Key topics include the challenges and opportunities of harnessing senior expertise, the strategies for effective cross-border collaboration within the European volunteering landscape, and the ways in which these initiatives align with broader European goals for social inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development.

By fostering a dialogue on the significance of senior expert volunteering, the panel aims to inspire increased collaboration, resource-sharing, and the development of policies that support and amplify the impact of senior volunteers across Europe.

The discussion ultimately seeks to underscore the indispensable role of senior experts in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and interconnected European society.

Format of the Panel Moderated by: Ismael Paez Civico

The content of the panel discussion will orbit the guiding questions set for the guest speakers and the topic “Empowering Change: Senior Expert Volunteering in the European Context”.

It is encouraged to engage in dialogue with the interventions of the other guest speakers and find common points and policy recommendations in the field of gender equality, education and training, to further enhance international cooperation between senior volunteers and women in the global south.

We suggest keeping the conversation open, informal and free-flowing from the speakers side.

At the end of the panel there will be an open floor for questions from the participants and guests attending the event.

Guiding questions Motivation and Impact:

What motivated you to become involved in senior expert volunteering, and how has the experience influenced your perception of the societal impact that seasoned professionals can make?

Collaborative Approach: Considering the collaborative nature of senior expert volunteering organizations within the European context, how do you see the collective impact of these initiatives on addressing societal challenges?

Overcoming Challenges: Reflecting on your experiences, can you share an example of a challenge faced during a senior expert volunteering project and how it was overcome? What lessons were learned from this experience?

Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of senior expert volunteering in Europe

L’evento premiato “Active Ageing Seminar” si è tenuto presso l’ Arsenale della Pace – Sermig Turin – October 26th

Title: The Experience of Seniors: A Precious Resource for Young People

Objective: To discuss the importance of the experience of seniors and how it can be used to benefit young people.

Audience: This event is intended for anyone interested in the topic of senior volunteering or mentoring.

1 Introduction

• Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer.
• This experience can be used to benefit young people in a variety of ways.
• For example, seniors can provide mentorship, guidance, and support to young people.

2 Benefits of Senior Volunteering

• Seniors can stay active and engaged in their communities.
• They can use their skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of others.
• They can learn new things and meet new people.

3 Benefits of Mentoring

• Mentoring can help young people develop their skills and knowledge.
• It can provide young people with guidance and support.
• Mentoring can help young people build relationships and connect with others.

4 Types of Senior Volunteering

• There are many different ways that seniors can volunteer.
• Some common examples include:
  • Working with young people, such as mentoring or tutoring
  • Volunteering in schools or community organizations
  • Volunteering in their professional fields

5 How to Get Involved

• There are many resources available to help seniors get involved in volunteering.
• Some common resources include:
  • Local senior centers
  • Volunteer organizations
  • Online resources

6 Conclusion

• The experience of seniors is a valuable resource that can be used to benefit young people.
• There are many different ways that seniors can volunteer and mentor young people.
• Seniors who are interested in getting involved should contact their local senior center, volunteer organization, or online resource.

Call to action

• If you are a senior, consider volunteering or mentoring young people.
• Your experience and knowledge can make a difference in the lives of others.

Closing remarks

• Thank you for attending this event in Turin – Arsenale della Pace – SERMIG.
• I hope you learned something new about the importance of senior volunteering and mentoring.