This guide follows the whole life of a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project, from the first idea to the alumni network. It is written for organisations and coordinators who host, support or lead ESC projects, and it turns programme rules into practical questions, checklists and role-based guidance.
How the guide is organised
The guide has 7 chapters and 36 phases. Each chapter answers one practical question: Is our organisation ready? Who are we working with? Can we really host this project? How do we find the right volunteers? Are people, papers and housing ready? How do we keep the experience safe and meaningful? What did we learn and what comes next?
Every phase has the same structure: an explanation of what the phase means, role perspectives (organisation, coordinator, mentor or supervisor, volunteer, community), differences by ESC model, short questions and answers, and documents for further reading.
The three ESC models
Long-term volunteering (usually 2 to 12 months) needs strong mentoring, stable accommodation, emotional support, task adaptation and future planning. Key phases: organisational readiness, project design, pre-departure, arrival, start of work, mentoring, mid-term review, closing and re-inclusion.
Short-term volunteering has less time to correct misunderstandings, so roles, expectations and logistics must be very clear before arrival. Key phases: clear project design, recruitment, preparation, arrival, task clarity and fast evaluation.
Volunteering teams (group volunteering) need stronger coordination and group management. Key phases: local activity need, group logistics, preparatory visit, shared timetable, safety, team facilitation, group reflection and community impact.
Five dimensions that run through every phase
- Quality: is the project safe, meaningful, realistic and aligned with ESC values?
- Support: does the volunteer know who helps with tasks, emotions, learning, crisis, administration and return?
- Learning: are learning goals discussed, tracked, reflected and documented through Youthpass or other tools?
- Inclusion: are barriers, accessibility, fewer opportunities, disability, language, money, mental health and cultural adaptation considered from the beginning?
- Evidence and improvement: does the organisation collect feedback and use it to improve future projects?
An important note
The guide combines the official ESC rules with practical findings from the EVoly and partner research (focus groups, interviews and field experience). Where a statement is a good practice or a research finding rather than an official ESC rule, treat it as such. The current European Solidarity Corps Guide is always the main reference. Learn more about the Quality Label and about volunteering for organisations on the European Youth Portal.
Start with Chapter 1 or browse all phases.