The European Solidarity Corps is a European Union program that supports young people to participate in volunteering activities and projects with a social, cultural, environmental and community meaning. The program gives participants the opportunity to work on real causes, live in a different environment, develop skills and be part of initiatives that are important for local communities.
For the BRCK Association, the European Solidarity Corps is one of the most important programs in our work with young people and volunteers. For more than 13 years, the organization has been welcoming international volunteers in Bulgaria and developing projects related to youth participation, culture, media, ecology, local communities, non-formal education and active citizenship.
During this period, BRCK has welcomed over 100 long-term volunteers, as well as many participants in short-term volunteering activities. Volunteers have been involved in various initiatives – work with local communities, cultural events, environmental actions, media content, youth activities, events in small settlements, volunteer camps, trainings and international projects.
In our projects, volunteering is not just about helping with a specific activity. It is a process of learning, meeting people and cultures, sharing experiences and gradually building confidence. We strive for volunteers to have clear tasks, a supportive environment and the opportunity to develop their own ideas, while contributing to the community they are in.
BRCK works with both long-term and short-term volunteer formats. We have welcomed volunteers from different countries and have developed activities in urban and rural environments, including initiatives related to E-volution Media, Mindya Community, local cultural events, environmental activities, youth campaigns and working with partner organizations.
In addition to being a hosting organization, BRCK can send and support young people who want to get involved in national and international volunteering projects. This includes preparation before departure, assistance in choosing a suitable opportunity, communication with partner organizations and support during the participation process.
The organization has been awarded the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label. It certifies that the BRCC meets the standards of the program and can participate in volunteering activities as a hosting, supporting and coordinating organization. The quality mark is an important part of our work because it ensures that activities are planned and implemented with care for the participants, the community and partners.
As a coordinator of volunteering projects, the BRCK can develop, manage and support initiatives that connect young people, local organizations, community centers, NGOs, municipalities and international partners. Our experience shows that well-prepared volunteering can have a real impact – both on young people and on the places where they work.
The BRCK Association is open to partnerships under the European Solidarity Corps with organizations working in the fields of youth, culture, ecology, media, social inclusion, local development and civic participation. We believe that volunteering has the greatest meaning when it combines the personal development of participants with a concrete contribution to the community.
For young people, the European Solidarity Corps is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, work on meaningful topics, meet different people and discover new directions for themselves. For us as an organization, it is a way to build more open, active and connected communities – through real work, trust and long-term partnerships.