Kuprianowicz Presentation

2. 01 01 How How did myself myself in Greece? in Greece? did I I find find

3. Where did the idea for volunteering come from? Where did the idea for volunteering come from? It won’t be a lie if I tell you that I am a life-long enthusiast of volunteering and activity for local community. But one day I felt drained out – both at work and my volunteering activity. I needed a change in my life. Getting some distance and new perspective. I was thinking about it for a long time but couldn’t get a good idea. And then I saw an announcement about volunteering project in Greece with European Solidarity Corps. I thought I would be happy to change my daily work routine advantage of this time for observation of other work habits, cultural exchange and my English improvement. I thought: It is exactly what I need right now! I felt that it would be the best if I can share my experience to support people in their activation for community and moreover get new experiences and energy for myself. and take

4. Beginings Beginings First days were not really easy, because my organism was all the time tired and just like in a cold. But fortunately, our coordinator was really understanding to me and with time running I got more and more used to these Greek climate. But not only another air or weather were problematic in the beginning. It was more because everything around was new and sometimes not understandable. What is more – I was the only one volunteer in the beginning. On one hand for sure it was more challenging, because I was on myself. But on the other hand, it gave me an unique opportunity to immerse myself in Greek surrounding – culture, cuisine, voices, points of view and more.

5. It was much of new in the beginning, but after some time of adaptation and some time of getting to know the organisation, first discussions were coming out and first ideas were created in my head. It blew my mind. I got many new perspectives for things, that before were so obvious for me. When everyone around you see something the same way, you don’t have to think over it. But when you have to explain your point of view, you have to get clear with your opinion. Moreover, hearing another opinion, you see that nothing is obvious, mostly everything depends on perspective. That so opened my mind.

6. 02 02 What What was I was I responsible responsible for? for?

7. Research about topics from areas of interest of the organisation For example • Nurturing Energy • Open space • Woman cycle • Non-violent communication and active listening • David Holmgren’s 12 permaculture principles The biggest part of my work as a volunteer was an extended research about topics from various areas of interest of the organization. Topics, in particular, that emerged and were developed during the last activities of the organization. These were different - as well as from sustainability area, as from women empowerment or interpersonal relations.

8. Just making a research was not the end of the process. Later I had to prepare a post for fb to spread the information that I had found and give the opportunity for people to take advantage on my work. Sharing was one of the nicest work to do. I was also responsible for preparing some other posts for fb, as reports from events in which we participated and occasional posts. Facebook publishing

9. Part of my time took also networking for the organisation. It was mostly about meeting and building connection with people from other organisations, that can be very important for the cooperation in the future. But the most significant was the possibility to present the organisation during the meeting of organisations active in European Solidarity Corp’s projects in Athens. Networking work and presentation of the organisation in Athens

10. Especially in the beginning, because of getting to know the organisation and also because of the transition time (it was the period of the year change), a big part of time took discussions about mission and goals of the organisation, but also about the direction the organisation is heading. It let us to share the experience and work on better understanding on what the organisation is doing and in the end on the ideas for next year. Conceptual work

11. But the work was not only at the table. A big part of the experience was also cultural exchange that took place during preparing the meals, that we did interchangeably or during the holidays. Some thoughts about this exchange, similarities and differences, were reflected in fb posts, thanks to which they contributed to expanding this exchange to the recipients of the organisation. That was also about exchange of sustainable habits, “eco-culture”. We prepared some products from natural recipes, that were later donated to stakeholders of the organization. Cultural exchange

12. Preparing the place for Youth Exchange Last months of my volunteering were dedicated to preparing the place for Youth Exchange, that took place in the last week of my volunteering. It was really big variety of work to do, because we both worked in the garden and cleaned the living area and common space.

13. Last week of my volunteering was for Inclusive Youth Exchange that took place in Halkidiki. It was an exchange of Greek, Italian and Croatian Youth with and without special needs that was aimed to engage and coexist with one another through various activities. During the whole week we were all focused on organising, providing every day needs and joy. And we did it! It was a wonderful time of participants personal growth. Inclusive Youth Exchange

14. 03 03 What What about about „ „after after hours hours”? ”?

17. 04 04 W Which hich advantage advantage has has it give it given n to me to me? ?

18. Being in new situations also gave me the opportunity to discover myself and get new reflexions about who I am and how I feel about this. I was experiencing a lot of new feelings that were letting me to learn a lot about myself.

19. Moreover, I felt much space for expressing myself in new ways. I felt space for my creativity, which existence I haven’t even expected before. I learned some new skills: making graphics, editing videos… I practised also my English really much, because I didn’t have any other choice that to speak English… I felt that I am really developing in really new directions for me.