solidarité proposal presentation - detail

CONTENTS• Introduction• Solidarité Background• The Solidarité Organigram• How Solidarité Could Work• Solidarité Projects• Questions• Answers• Strategy• How You Can Help• The Benefits, Advantages & Selling Points• Political and Policy Rationale• Political and Policy Reports and Speeches• Two Significant Factors• Resource Rationale• Reasons Solidarité Can Work• Volunteering• How Solidarité Could Operate• Final Points

INTRODUCTION

Solidarité is a Proposal for

inter-institutional

humanitarian & social awareness

activities for the staff and trainees

of the European Union Institutions.

The vision is for Solidarité

to be a joint inter-institutional

human resources programme of the

European Union Institutions which

combines corporate citizenship and

the facilitation of staff and trainees in

benevolent humanitarian and social activities.

Steps to reach this vision and alternatives are offered in the Proposal.

The Solidarité proposal encourages

staff and trainee involvement

in benevolent humanitarian & social activities

via staff training through community

engagement and in one’s free time.

Solidarité is about doing good deeds

to help others and making a positive

difference in our world.

It makes humanitarian and social actions accessible

It welcomes the contribution of each person’s skills and gifts

It engages with those less fortunate

It develops awareness, and

It fosters the spirit of social consciousness and action amongst the staff and trainees of the

European Institutions.

It facilitates and unites

staff and trainees of the European Union

Institutions to do good deeds to help others

and make a positive difference in our world –

believing that every small action makes a difference.

Solidarité …

“A union or harmony of interests, purposes, or sympathies among individuals in a group - fellowship of responsibilities and interests”

The Solidarité proposal mission is to support and provide opportunities for staff

and trainees of the EU Institutions to:

• Do practical humanitarian volunteer work in our communities

• Increase awareness of humanitarian and social issues, and

• Raise resources to help humanitarian and social problems

It would do this in 2 main ways:

1. Staff training through community engagement

2. Supporting and facilitating service in free time

Four Concrete Actions.

EropeanCommitee ofthe Regions,

.

Court ofAuditors...etc

.

EuropeanExternalAction

Service

Vacation Solidarité.

Staff voluntaryactivity on their

holidays

Plus many other positive actions ranging from supporting transition into active retirementto creating links with the Erasmus programme

DG Community Days.

A DG's staff & familiesinvited to volunteer

together on acommunity projecta few hours a year

.

EuropeanParliament

.

Councilof the

EuropeanUnion

Solidarité Volunteering.

.

Staff & Trainees involvedin positive socialactivities togetherin their own time

.

EuropeanCommission

.

EuropeanEconomicand SocialCommittee

Solidarité

Solidarité Days.

Staff training throughcommunity engagement

and helping others

As such, Solidarité would be

be operated from a secretariat

developed, owned and operated jointly

by the Commission, Council and Parliament

in a common and unified manner,

underpinned by policies and procedures.

• Lead civil and international society by example

• Provide significant contributions to staff morale and teamwork

and

• Have personal, professional, institutional, corporate responsibility and broader social benefits.

Solidarité would

Where Solidarité Exists

Solidarité could exist as an inter-institutional Secretariat in conjunction with the Human Resources /

Administration DGs of each Institution.

The Solidarité Code of Ethics

The practices, values and standards of behaviour required of all participants in performing activities.

Solidarité would assist those who have queries regarding the application and interpretation of the Mission Statement

and Code of Conduct.

SOLIDARITÉ BACKGROUND

Background

The program prepared for Solidarité was developed based on “Traineeship Solidarité”; an informal program inherited by new

Commission trainees each Traineeship period.

Traineeship Solidarité began on the 1998/99 Traineeship intake and since then (over twenty eight Traineeship periods)

it has carried out over seventy different types of Projects, some handed on from Traineeship to Traineeship, and has

raised hundreds of thousands of Euros for charity.

Commission en direct, no 120 du 25 février au 3 mars 1999

Commission en Direct, no 122

du 11 au 17 mars 1999

Commission en Direct, numéro 408 – 30.06 > 06.07.2006

Commission en Direct, numéro 565 - 23.07 > 09.09.2010

Traineeship Solidarité although operating at 20% of its potential has had public acclaim, longevity

and consistency – operating since 1998.

The Solidarité program proposed herein has developed the approaches, operations, past work,

regulations, transparency and checks and balances of Traineeship Solidarité and international best

practice and attempted to maintain the ethics and character of an interpersonal human resources

program.

Commissioner’s Involvement “Traineeship Solidarité” include

Commissioners Hans Van den Broek (External Relations)

Emma Bonino (ECHO and Consumer Affairs)

Poul Neilson (Development and ECHO)

Neil Kinnock (Administration)

Stavros Dimas (Environment)

Andris Piebalgs (Energy)

Jan Figel (Education and Culture)

Androulla Vassiliou (Education and Culture)

Also Presidents Manuel Barosso and Hans-Gert Poettering

and

Her Majesty, the Queen of the Belgium

© Alexandre Dang www.dang.be / courtesy www.solarsolidarity.org

http://www.dang.be/

http://www.solarsolidarity.org/

HOW SOLIDARITÉ COULD WORK

How Solidarité WorksExternal Action Service

.

Economic &Social Committee.

Committee of the Regions.

Court of Auditors... etc

Council of theEuropean Union

EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament

SolidaritéActivities

Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage

.Solidarité Secretariat

Under the Solidarité proposal:

Solidarité is a humanitarian activities and social awareness human resources program operated by the European Union Institutions. It facilitates and encourages the involvement of their staff and trainees in humanitarian and positive social activities through staff training and volunteering.

It facilitates formal staff training through community engagement and the involvement of staff and trainees in positive, benevolent humanitarian and social activities in their own time.

External Action Service.





EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament


Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage


Its Mission is to support and provide opportunities for the staff and trainees to:

• Do practical humanitarian volunteer work in our communities• Increase awareness of humanitarian and social issues, and• Raise resources to help humanitarian and social issues

The Solidarité Secretariat ( ) is an inter-institutional office that provides general coordination and an administration base for Solidarité.






EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament


Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage


Solidarité Secretariat

The Secretariat’s members ( ) are a team of EU Institution staff and trainees that have specific Responsibilities and Roles for the overall daily management and organisation of Solidarité.

They operate in conjunction with Institutional departments, rules and processes and use the Solidarité Regulations; the Solidarité Website; and the communications mechanisms and networks of the EU Institutions to help organise, maintain and promote Solidarité activities to staff and trainees.






EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament


Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage


Solidarité activities ( ) are accessible activities aiming to fulfil the Solidarité Mission. They involve socially and personally uplifting actions ranging from Units or individuals working together in soup kitchens, visiting the elderly and organising collections of unwanted clothes from EU Institution staff and giving them to the poor, to cleaning a forest or organising a film festival which raises awareness or resources for those in need - be they people that have stepped on landmines in Asia or refugees in Brussels.

They may involve:

Solidarité Days - staff training through community engagement

Solidarité Volunteering - ongoing voluntary activities of staff and trainees

DG Community Days - a DG inviting its staff to do a low-skill community project together for a few hours one Saturday per year, and,

Vacation Solidarité - staff voluntary activity at EU funded and other projects around the world whilst on vacation

Many Solidarité activities are organised in cooperation with Non Governmental Organisations or International Organisations.

Many Solidarité activities have a Project Leader. Project Leader roles (and Assistant Project Leader roles) are undertaken on a voluntary basis by any EU Institution staff and trainees who desire to manage and organise specific activities. The Project Leaders (and any Assistant Project Leaders) often run their activities with others as a Project Team. Activities are supported and assisted by the Secretariat.






EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament


Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage


Staff and trainees ( , ) from all the EU Institutions can share their ideas, time, skills and energy to be involved in humanitarian and positive social activities (be that for example, whilst on vacation in other countries volunteering at EU funded projects, helping organise the collection of clothes in the office for the poor, or simply donating any of their clothes).

Sometimes former staff and former trainees and family and friends can get involved in Solidarité activities.






EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament


Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage


The Secretariat is also responsible for the provision of information about Solidarité to new staff and to each new Traineeship of the EU Institutions.

The information to all new trainees ( ) organises involvement in Solidarité by each future Traineeship. Institution Traineeship Offices assist this liaison.

Traineeship

How Solidarité WorksExternal Action Service

.





EuropeanCommission

EuropeanParliament


Stage

Solidarité

Stage StagesStage


SOLIDARITÉ PROJECTS

The Cycle of Solidarité Projects/Activities

ORGANISE&

PROMOTETHE PROJECT

RECEIVE.

1. Project Guidelines 2. Access to Website 3. Other Electronic Files 4. Project Folder

SOLIDARITÉ SECRETARIAT

The Cycleof

SolidaritéProjects

NEW PROJECT LEADERS.

/ NEW TRAINEESHIP

UPDATE.

1. Project Guidelines 2. Solidarité Website 3. Other Electronic Files 4. Project Folder

Solidarité Projects, Activites, Promotions and funding Criteria

All Projects, volunteer work and humanitarian or social issues can be supported, carried out, funded or promoted by Solidarité if they are compatible with, and in accordance with:

i. The Solidarité Mission Statement, Philosophy and Regulations

ii. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

iii. The European Union Treaties

iv. EU Institution policies, activities or projects

v. Common sense and consensus at Solidarité Assembly Meetings

Solidarité undertakes Projects and activities to help others and make a positive difference in our world

representing the core values of the EU and corporate social responsibility,

run by or involving EU Institution staff and trainees both as part of formal staff training through

community engagement and in their own time.

Sometimes activities/projects are organised in cooperation with Non Governmental

Organisations or International Organisations.

Solidarité activities/projects range from the socially engaging, artistic and entertaining to the challenging,

confronting and sporting:

visiting the elderly

cycling or dancing together to raise awareness of a cause

organising or participating in a socially uplifting choir

working together in a soup kitchen or arranging collections of unwanted clothes from EU Institution staff and giving them to

the poor

Staff & trainees from all the EU Institutions may participate actively in Solidarité activities/projects

for example:

by assisting a soup kitchen or visiting the elderly as part of Solidarité staff training through community engagement

or by helping organise the collection of unwanted clothes in a Solidarité Project in their own time

in addition, they may simply contribute anytime they like

for example, by simply donating any of their unwanted clothes

ConvivialConvivialGet to know refugees, exchange ideas and opinions & have fun.

Convivial is a unique and social NGO co-managed by refugees supporting other refugees and asylum seekers offering friendship

& cultural exchange.

• Personally give friendship and support and help others rediscover a feeling of belonging

• ‘Café Philo’ is a monthly social gathering with a discussion theme

• Gather a Convivial football team to play with you in tournaments

• Conference on asylum and immigration issues

• Join the ‘House of Europe’ tent at Convivial’s International Refugee Day fête

Clothes / toys / book Collection

Clothes / toys / book Collection

Solidarité undertakes a collection of clothes and/or games and books from EU Institution buildings to give to the poor

(usually once a year).

Literally truckloads of clothes, books or toys have been collected in the past.

The items are either given away or sold at low prices and with the money gathered in the sales, different projects are

sponsored.

Le Petit ChateauLe Petit Chateau

• 'Dimanche en Vie' or 'Levende Zondag' - lots of activities or outings for the children!

• Teaching computer classes to adults

• Helping with homework, arts and crafts, picnics and games

• Organising outings and accompanying groups of people on excursions

Le Petit Château hosts about 800 refugees and asylum seekers.

Le Petit Chateau“Dimanches en Vie”

Le Petit Chateau“Dimanches en Vie”

Trips, circus shows, merry go rounds, break-dancing, collage making, pizza baking, roller skating, and smiles all

round!

• Organise Fair Trade awareness activities in the EU Institutions.

• Lobby for the introduction of fair trade products in the EU Institutions’ internal services (cafeterias, vending machines etc).

• Promoting Fair Trade Products

• Fair Trade Tea and Chocolate Tasting at several national parties

• Evening Conferences with External Speakers

Fair Trade ProjectFair Trade Project

Soup Kitchens & Elderly Soup Kitchens & Elderly HomesHomes

Provide a meal and friendship for the homeless and people of disadvantaged backgrounds.

The tasks involve helping to prepare the meal, setting the tables, serving the meal, and cleaning up etc.

Activities creates tangible individual, community and intra and inter unit, directorate, department and institution team-building, networking, strategic

planning, communication, professional development and organisational and leadership benefits.

For practical reasons, hands-on volunteer work is by and large focused on local communities in

the vicinity of those involved (unless specifically organised as otherwise),

awareness-raising and resource raising activities focus on both local and worldwide

interests.

Activities are designed to be accessible and work with clear objectives, in a transparent and practical

way and in a socially and financially responsible manner and may involve assisting a variety of

NGOs and International Organisations.

Most activities have a project leader who is a staff member or trainee, depending on the activity.

Project leader positions are filled on a voluntary basis by any EU Institution staff and trainees who desire to manage and organise specific Solidarité activities - whether they be projects undertaken by

volunteers as part of staff training through community engagement

or their free time.

Where activities are undertaken as part of staff training through community engagement they are

assisted and administered, or led by the Secretariat.

CloakroomsCloakroomsSolidarité may organise the cloakroom at relevant EU

Institution social functions, events and Trainee parties where possible to raise money and awareness for those in need.

Dance ClassesDance ClassesDance for a good cause…

Through your dancing you raise awareness and funds for a specific need,

…be that victims of landmines; and to raise awareness about the politics and causes of landmines - through simply getting people together to dance…

sign petitions, have a short presentation and simply help others – sound like a good reason to dance?!

• BeginnerBeginner

• IntermediateIntermediate

• AdvancedAdvanced

• Salsa Nights – Rock n Roll performancesSalsa Nights – Rock n Roll performances

Help us organise them or just come Help us organise them or just come along with friends and dancealong with friends and dance

Cooking classesCooking classesRaise money & awareness for specific causes through cooking!

1. Cooking Lessons : giving cooking lessons in people's homes (EU Officials)

2. Dinner Parties : cooking teams organising dinner parties for EU Officials

3. Cooking for Crises : Getting together and baking a large quantity of healthy cookies & cakes & selling them in response to humanitarian emergencies

All existing activities have a ‘Project Guideline’, which explains the Project and gives practical steps

for organising the Project.

Project Leaders update the Guideline so that it can be passed on to future Project Leaders for that Project.

Hence Guidelines are prepared and passed on, based on the expertise and experience of others – all within

a supportive system.

The Half Marathon The Half Marathon Train and participate un as a huge team for a cause.

Raise awareness and money for a cause through sponsorship on a per kilometre or total distance basis - ask friends, family, businesses and colleagues to sponsor you to complete the 20km in Brussels!

Walk or run, wear the shirt, promote a cause, push wheelchair-bound folks as part of a team.

Collect money and/or raise awareness of a cause if you like.

Organise a pre-event pasta night.

Improve your own health & well being!

Heroes for the cause!

The Solidarité PartyThe Solidarité PartyParty for a cause…

Having fun and helping people at the same time.

The idea is to use the party or event to raise awareness of and money for humanitarian and social issues and to raise the profile of Solidarité whilst

having a great time.

There is so much energy to socialise and to meet others in the EU Institutions that can be brought out for a unifying and community-building

purpose that promotes positive energy and happiness.

QUESTIONS

1. Is this proposal, which aims to touch, move and inspire both staff and the widest community and which has corporate social responsibility, staff morale and public relations benefits, a good idea?

2. Is it realistic?

3. What practically is the idea for such a proposal and is it well researched and high quality?

4. Can and should the Solidarité proposal ideas be part of the culture and social responsibility of the EU institutions in line with their founding values?

1. 1

2. 1

3. 1

4. 1

5. Can the Solidarité proposal ideas be an organised, emotionally uplifting and accountable part of a modern human resources program for staff and trainees of the EU Institutions?

6. Can and should the Solidarité proposal be part of the curriculum of the Traineeship programmes of the EU Institutions?

7. If a yes to the previous points, what are the steps to put it forth to be set up, owned and operated by the Institutions?

ANSWERS

The general response is that this is a very

good, value-adding and feasible idea,

provided that:

• There is a very good proposal researched and prepared; with sound practical and operational apparatus and content

• That the proposal can be scrutinised, adapted and developed by the Institutions for use accordingly

• There is excellent information - presenting the idea, and outlining the proposal’s content, purpose and benefits and providing suggested means through which to implement the program

• There is a team within the Institutions, to present the proposal, to strategically lead, advocate and push for it, and

• There is high level political support.

The Proposal prepared:

• Offers realistic and achievable steps

• Offers a range of alternatives

• Allows for potential political considerations for decision makers and,

• Identifies synergies with existing policy and priorities

The Proposal provides supporting evidence for clear and long-term benefits, spin-offs for others and opportunities for

diversification etc

The Proposal shows the value added at community, industry, political, environmental levels and, presents

benefits under existing circumstances

It translates community values into actions

The Proposal work towards the ‘common good’.

No previous attempt has been made of this nature at the EU Institutions

It considers what opposition might emerge and has attempted to prepare answers ready where possible

We have done research and attempted to apply it specifically to the EU Institutions for their benefit.

We are ready to present the key messages with supporting materials.

STRATEGY

1. Present a Proposal for Solidarité which includes a status, mandate, long-term structure and rules for its support and operation to the EU Institutions.

2. Lobby senior people in the EU Institutions and any significant individuals and organisations seeking

‘support for the idea of humanitarian activities and social awareness human resources activities for the staff and trainees of the EU Institutions and an inter-institutional Task Force to investigate the proposal.’

Get powerful, concrete support and commitment for Solidarité.

• 2• 1

3. Based on the proposals, for the Task Force to recommend a structure, practical rules and a list of necessary tasks for the support and operation of Solidarité ideas.

4. For the Institutions to review and take appropriate action for implementation in the services and with the each other based on these recommendations and to deliberate upon and adopt any rules as necessary.

Get support from across the political spectrum,including all Group Presidents in the European Parliament.

• 2• 1

The Proposal represents current research and new thinking in the field of modern human resources

programs to boost morale, image and productivity.

The Proposal has a Reference File of over 110 supporting documents of ready answers and

information fort the Task Force’s use.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

By being part of the team to formally present the Proposal

To make suggestions on the Proposal

To sign a letter of support

To gather more support

To share the proposal ideas

To lead a pilot activity

THE BENEFITS,

ADVANTAGES &

SELLING POINTS

Solidarité provides an effective way of deploying EU values and leadership within larger perspective of CSR and Institutional

responsibilities in way which:

1. Shows astute, responsive and far-sighted bureaucratic and political leadership

2. Creates and supports cross-sectional networks and reinventing ways of doing things

3. Allows Units and Directorates to work together across sectors and lines, sharing the resources, problems and the answers to them

4. Builds and shows inter-institutional cooperation

5. Adds political and practical credibility to the Institutions by representing a state-of-the-art management framework

7. Shows the EU Institutions can efficiently do symbolically and practically what they are suggesting for the world

8. Is positive for the external identity of the Institutions – giving positive public relations where the people in global institutions provide an example of the society and world the Institutions wish to shape and represent

9. Incorporates staff morale, addresses de-motivation and depression, and therefore boosts productivity

10. Broadens experience of staff and trainees, develops character and gives lives extra meaning through involvement in humanitarian and social activities.

11. Supports and creates healthy work-life balance: has spouse, family and friendship benefits and contributes to job satisfaction and team building; creating motivated, enthusiastic and fulfilled staff

12. Provides personal and professional development of leaders and policy makers in truly global institutions

B Barnes

Point 12: Research shows such involvement increases the feeling of value within individuals, their happiness, motivation and self awareness.The humane aspect in humans is fulfilled when they let the humane side of them speak and act…despite career success… if we don’t acknowledge that somehow we are not complete…

13. Concrete staff development, corporate social responsibility, community and civil governance benefits

14. Maintains humanity at the heart of the Institutions... trusting that this will increase people’s productivity

15. Brings the EU Institutions closer to the citizens because it is a project from within and by the people inside the institutions.

16. Visibly puts staff and trainees in touch with European citizens, experiencing and learning about the reality of life for many citizens

17. Brings ‘the compassionate and human face of Europe to marginalised groups’

18. Builds social capital

19. Addresses contemporary needs of work life balance and productivity – companies from IBM to car manufacturers are implementing such modern human resources programs

20. Builds partnerships between work, citizens and civil society and engages the trust of citizens

21. Is an internal and external example of multicultural international institutions leading the way hands on

22. Combines, unites and strengthens various one-off individual actions and group actions by staff and trainees and gives a common ground and opportunity to launch a concrete program embracing all such actions

23. Enhances and represents the fundamental EU values:

• Equality

• Respect for human dignity

• Respect for human rights

• Tolerance and non-discrimination and

• Mutual understanding between citizens from diverse cultural, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds.

• Positive contribution to the EU Institutions, staff, local communities, humanitarian concerns, and individuals.

• The many benefits of Employer Supported Volunteering Programs.

• Benefits for professional development.

Overall, the Solidarité proposal provides

• Benefits for personal development.

• A visible, unifying, integrating, inspiring, non-political, non-denominational, team-building and morale-building program.

• Leadership by example.

BENEFITS, ADVANTAGES AND SELLING POINTS OF SOLIDARITÉ

ELABORATED

1 Positive contribution to the European Union Institutions

• Self Esteem Benefits

• Political and Policy Benefits

• Accessibility Benefits

Self Esteem Benefits

1. Solidarité type activities are proven to have extremely positive impacts on those involved, especially for their self-esteem

2. Self esteem is one of the most important things anyone has because it affects everything they do

3. Institutions are as good as their people. The happier and more unified the staff; the better the work of the institution.

4. Improved overall staff morale and pride in the Institution leads to more productivity, cooperation and better staff retention

Political and Policy Benefits

1. Offers excellent preparation and example to other organisations of the European Year of Volunteering 2011

2. As per the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme 2007-2013; it brings the compassionate and human face of Europe to marginalised groups, engaging European citizens, and enhancing tolerance and mutual understanding between citizens from diverse cultural, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, potentially contributing to inter-cultural dialogue.

3. European Institutions will have a more meaningful and clear ‘face in the community’

4. European values will be fostered within local communities and projects

5. Develops solidarity and promotes tolerance among people; reinforcing social cohesion in the EU

6. Fosters mutual understanding between people from different countries

7. Provides non-formal and informal learning opportunities with a European dimension and opens up innovative opportunities in connection with active citizenship

8. As per the “Youth in Action” programme for 2007-2013, it (particularly for trainees) promotes young people’s active citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular

9. Few administration costs

10. Cost-effective staff development opportunities that help individuals develop a broad range of skills and increase in confidence

Accessibility Benefits

1. It satisfies proximity and accessibility criteria for involvement by providing easily accessible activities.

2. Ease of accessibility to an activity or information is one of the key factors in both people getting involved and the continuity and success of any activity, organisation or product.

2 Provides the many benefits of Staff Training Through Community

Engagement

service to others is a unifying, team-building and inspiring group action with staff and broad social benefits

Studies show that engaging in employee volunteering has many benefits for employers, employees, government and the community as a whole.

Benefits may include:

1. Increased pride in the Institutions and loyalty by staff

2. Better employee attendance, recruitment and retention

3. Boosted employee satisfaction, team building and innovation

4. Increased self-confidence, skill development and knowledge base of employees

5. Enhanced workplace relationships - unique opportunities for staff to work with people from different areas and levels of their Unit, Department or Institution

6. Team building - activity tailored to improve how different Units or teams work together

7. Improved staff morale, motivation, team spirit and initiative; a happier workplace environment

8. Enhanced reputation - provides a positive image for the Institutions

9. Improved visibility - heightened and positive recognition by citizens, other organisations etc

10. Wider community awareness about the Institution’s objectives

11. Transformed relationship between the Institutions and the local community

12. Social inclusion

13. Support of local community groups leads to strong staff engagement

14. Helps employees value the opportunity to support the community in which they live and work

15. Improved trust

3 Beneficial for Professional Development

1. Provides effective and meaningful network of energy, skills, contacts, communication and cooperation between staff and trainees of different Units, DGs and Institutions, and between the Institutions and other organisations

2. Great way to meet other people in other Units, DGs and Institutions and to enhance communication, understanding and cooperation

3. Such networks are productive and help to welcome new staff, new MEPs and their staff and new trainees

4. Enhances communication and cooperation between the Institutions themselves and between the Institutions and other organisations

5. Facilitates motivated, enthusiastic and fulfilled staff and trainees who would then contribute more in their offices and Units

6. Provides a positive role for retired officials and ex-trainees

7. Promotes a healthy work-life balance

9. Expands interests and opportunities and enhances networking, cooperation and interaction - key features for the effectiveness of an organisation.

As such, supporting Solidarité would help staff and trainees feel like they belong to something beyond their work or their particular Traineeship period: they would feel that they are practically connected to the voluntary community, social and humanitarian work and consciousness of the staff and trainees of the EU Institutions who have gone before them and who will come after them.

This is a key factor in positive association, belonging and commitment to an organisation or institution.

4 Beneficial for Personal Development

1. Unites people of uncommon backgrounds under common values

2. Positive for self esteem and staff morale and therefore overall productivity

3. Staff with a positive self-esteem is obviously beneficial for an organisation. Feeling good about one’s self means happier, more effective staff and a boost to overall staff morale in general. This is beneficial for productivity; a better Institution; a better Europe; a better world.

B Barnes

One of the most important things any individual can have is a positive self esteem because it affects every single thing they do. Helping others has been shown to be one of the single strongest ways to boost personal self esteem.

4. Individuals that help others are more content and are more likely to be contented workers

5. A way to gain new skills and build understanding and cooperation for humanitarian and social concerns

6. Provides a creative outlet and opportunity to de-stress and network with other staff and trainees in a meaningful way

7. Provides an easily accessible way for individuals to give something back to society

8. Provides a unique experience

9. Gives people the chance to get involved easily in activities outside the line of work of their DG or Institution

10. Expands interests and opportunities and enhances networking, cooperation and interaction - key features of effectiveness for an organisation.

As such, it helps staff and trainees feel like they belong to something beyond their work or their Traineeship period – being practically connected to: the community; to social and humanitarian work; and to the consciousness of the staff and trainees who have gone before them and who will come after them.

Positive association as such is a key factor for belonging and commitment to an organisation.

11. Provides practical individual involvement and ownership to share a common vision and to do something for that vision

12. One of the most frequent personal benefits that volunteers express is ‘a more balanced outlook on life’.

(As such, more and more European companies are mobilizing volunteer efforts and also letting employees plan volunteer programs at work.)

13. Provides opportunity for staff to merge their working life with interests outside work

14. Provides the possibility for family and friends to be involved and to cross the chasm between work life and home life

15. A person’s personal life is never unrelated to their professional life. Solidarité allows links between personal and professional life.

16. There is a beauty in involvement for both the receiver and the doer. It gives and offers a lot. The benefits not always measurable. Many believe it is worth it.

5 Broadens the experience of staff and trainees

1. Provides an extra element to work and traineeships

2. Expands interests and opportunities and enhances networking, cooperation and interaction, which are all key features for the effectiveness of an organisation.

3. Is an active and creative activity in line with the objectives of the European Union

4. Gives people the chance to get involved easily in activities outside the line of work of their DG or Institution

5. The Commission Traineeship alone is the longest running and one of the largest and most significant programmes of its kind in the world.

Trainee involvement in Solidarité is an opportunity for the administration to enshrine the legacy and promotion of humanitarian and social consciousness in one of the most unique and continuous leadership and policy making assemblies in the world. This opportunity is without parallel around the world.

B Barnes

“we must shape a Europe for future generations and capture the imagination and enthusiasm of our young people”. President Barroso, as President-designate, Plenary session of the European Parliament, November 2004.

6 Unifying ,integrating, inspiring, non-political and non-denominational

1. Demonstrates use of the skills and good-will of staff who work for hundreds of millions of European citizens (and beyond)

- thus representing, hands-on, small acts in line with the core values of the European Union, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all major world religions (tolerance, democracy, respect for human rights and peace).

2. May provide a spiritual dimension to the workplace for those that can benefit from this

3. Provides rewarding and stimulating opportunities to both help others and to bond and learn with one’s colleagues

4. Places such activity into the main-stream psyche by opening doors to and providing ownership of, these opportunities

5. Brings together the intelligence and talents of individuals from several disciplines and countries:

A powerful creative network capable of insight, goodwill and wisdom to an extent larger than the sum of its parts - beneficial for staff morale, individual morale and those in need

6. Unifies people and makes people happy

7 It leads by example

1. To European citizens, to European civil society, to European countries, to other International Organisations and to the world

2. What gets achieved has multiplier effects for promoting and living shared values

3. Is representative of the people and serves the greater purposes of the European Union

4. Is a service for and by the people running Europe - representing, hands-on, all the core values of the EU - it is an example of the values of the European Treaties in practice

5. Is therefore an enhancement to:

• the external identity of the EU Institution

• staff development and staff morale

• the development of future leaders and policy makers doing Traineeships at the EU Institutions

8 Social Capital

Solidarité action is a creative and mediating force that helps to build healthy, sustainable communities that

respect the dignity of all people.

It brings to life the noblest aspirations of humankind; the pursuit of peace, freedom, opportunity,

safety and justice for all people.

Such action is a fundamental building block of civil society.

Solidarité type action plays a crucial role across the European Union.

According to the Universal Declaration on Volunteering;

In this era of globalisation and continuous change, the world is becoming smaller, more interdependent and more complex.

Solidarité type action, either through individual or group action:

1. Sustains and strengthens human values of community, caring and serving

2. Complements but does not substitute for, responsible action by other sectors and the efforts of paid workers

3. Promotes family, community, national and global solidarity

4. Helps solve social, cultural, economic and environmental problems

5. Builds a more humane and just society through worldwide cooperation

6. Leads to the direct involvement of citizens in local development which can help to promote civil society and democracy

7. Empowers local groups to transform their lives through acquiring skills and competences gained from acting alongside others with diverse educations, skills and backgrounds

8. Is a response to the spiritual call to all people to serve.

9. Is a means of social inclusion and integration. It contributes to a cohesive society creating bonds of trust and solidarity and, thus, social capital.

10. Is one of the ways in which people of all nationalities, religions, socio-economic backgrounds and ages can contribute to positive change.

11. Is a tool to stimulate active and responsible European citizenship, which is central to European ideals and values of democracy, solidarity and participation.

12. Is a powerful source of reconciliation and reconstruction in divided societies

13. Provides informal and non-formal learning opportunities and is therefore an instrument in the life-long learning strategy within the European Union

14. Is a way of developing the corporate social responsibility agenda through the creation of innovative partnerships between businesses, public authorities and volunteer centres

15. Has a powerful effect of on the inclusion and empowerment of traditionally excluded social groups

POLITICAL AND POLICY RATIONALE

Solidarité has political, policy, resource and value-based rationale, justification,

precedent and background.

This section provides justification for taking this opportunity in terms of

corporate social responsibility (CSR) and volunteering precepts, reports, research and speeches espoused

by the Institutions since 1983.

Including such things as:

1. The European Parliament ‘Resolution on volunteering’ 1983

2. The Council of Europe Policy Recommendation on Social Cohesion and Quality of Life 1991

3. The European Commission ‘European Declaration of Enterprises against Exclusion’ 1994

4. The Communication of the Commission on Promoting the Role of Voluntary Organisations and Foundations in Europe 1997

5. The Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on Voluntary Organisations and Foundations in Europe 1998

6. The Treaty of Amsterdam, Declaration 38 on voluntary service activities 1999

7. The Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the role and contribution of civil society organisations in the building of Europe 1999

8. The Communication from the Commission ‘Towards a Europe of All Ages - Promoting Prosperity and Intergenerational Solidarity’ 1999

9. The Treaty of Nice 2000

10. The ‘Communication from the Commission Concerning Corporate Social Responsibility’ 2002

11. The ‘Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Voluntary Activity: its role in European Society and its Impact’ 2006

12. The European Parliament ‘Resolution on Corporate Social Responsibility: a new partnership’. 2007

13. The ‘Europe for Citizens programme’ 2007-2013

14. The European Parliament resolution on the role of volunteering in contributing to economic and social cohesion 2008

15. The European Parliament resolution on the ‘Renewed Social Agenda’ 2009

16. The European Parliament Resolution on active dialogue with citizens 2009

17. The proposal was supported in the European Economic and Social Committee opinion of the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship in the Communication on EU Policies and Volunteering in 2012.

18. The proposal ideas have been steadily shared throughout the EU Institutions and 20 successful pilot activities have been carried out.

19. Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) references

20. The European Year of Volunteering 2011

Other EU steps on CSR and volunteering can be seen in the Reference Document EU and International Volunteering Policy & Action in

the Volunteering Reference Folder of the Solidarité proposal.

POLITICAL AND POLICY REPORTS AND

SPEECHES

This section provides excerpts and quotes from political and policy reports and speeches by the EU

Institutions, on

THE EUROPEAN YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

LEADERSHIP AND FEELING EUROPE

EMPLOYER SUPPORTED VOLUNTEERING

INTER-INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION

MODERN HUMAN RESOURCES

THE EUROPEAN YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING

Commission media statement introducing the European Year of Volunteering, 2009

“For the Commission, volunteering is an active expression of civic participation

which strengthens common European values such as solidarity and social cohesion.

Volunteering has a great, but so far under-exploited, potential for the social and economic development of Europe.

The Commission expects that the European Year of Volunteering will lead to an increase in volunteering

and to greater awareness of its added value, and that it will highlight the link between voluntary engagement at local level and

its significance in the wider European context.”

Commission media statement introducing the European Year of Volunteering, 2009 cont’d

“The aim is to involve all levels – European, national, regional and local.”

2006 ‘Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Voluntary Activity: its role in

European Society and its Impact’

‘urges the European Commission to contribute to a strategy for strengthening the European dimension of

voluntary activity and recognised that volunteering should be supported by all levels of governments’.

The European Parliament Education and Culture Committee report ‘recognising and promoting cross-border voluntary activities in the EU’, June 2012:

66. Supports a formal examination of the ‘Solidarité proposal’ for an inter-institutional human resources programme in the EU institutions to facilitate the involvement of the institutions’ staff and trainees in volunteering, humanitarian and social activities, both as part of staff training and volunteering in their own time; 67. Highlights the fact that the proposed programme is cost saving and highly value-adding and would help to implement EU policies and programmes;

The Commission's short justification on the proposal for The European Year Of Volunteering:

It “should be implemented in close cooperation with the Member States, the EU Institutions and with civil society

organisations at the different levels.”

The European Parliament Resolution on active dialogue with citizens 2009

“Notes that a European Year on Volunteering would be an ideal opportunity for the EU institutions to

connect with citizens”

The European Parliament resolution on the ‘Renewed Social Agenda’

“Notes that a European Year of Volunteering would be an ideal opportunity for the EU to

connect with civil society organisations”

Part of President Barosso’s communication strategy

“…connecting with you by 'going local' …represents a move away from monologue, replacing it with genuine

dialogue between the institutions and the citizens”.

‘The Role of Volunteering in Contributing to Economic and Social Cohesion’ by the European

Parliament Regional Development Committee

“Promoting volunteering through Community policies, supporting voluntary action using EU funds, and

recognising and committing to voluntary activity at EU level helps to establish direct links between citizens, their

communities and the Union”

‘The Role of Volunteering in Contributing to Economic and Social Cohesion’ by the European

Parliament Regional Development Committee, cont’d

• Firms should help fund initiatives to promote and enhance volunteering, as part of their CSR strategies

• Volunteering contributes to building a European identity rooted in shared values of democracy, solidarity and participation

• Volunteering promotes mutual understanding between people in society and across Europe and stimulates active and responsible European citizenship - central to European ideals

The European Parliament resolution on the role of volunteering in contributing to economic and

social cohesion 2008

recognised the role of volunteering in the social inclusion of people and integration of communities

• Over 100 million Europeans volunteer

• Eurobarometer: almost 80% of people felt voluntary activities are an important part of democratic life in Europe. 2006

The ‘Manifesto on Volunteering in Europe’

"promoting a socially cohesive society, fostering meaningful learning policy or the development of an

active European citizenship".

“Volunteering… puts one of the most important European values – that of solidarity – into

action…(it) can help build communities and reduce alienation.”

“Volunteering promotes intergenerational solidarity, intercultural dialogue and social

cohesion, which are all part of the EU’s values and objectives as laid down in the Treaties.”

Marian Harkin MEP

“to strengthen the cohesion of the Union… We cannot talk about solidarity without ensuring

the social… cohesion of the Union.”European Voice, April 2005


1. Have placed greater emphasis on the links between voluntary actions, CSR and solutions to global concerns

2. Through intergovernmental institutions, global summits, and international partnerships, a range of legislation, resolutions and support for volunteering have emerged

3. The EU statement to the United Nations General Assembly on the “Outcome of the International Year of Volunteers and its follow up” 2002

“Voluntary work promotes social participation, active citizenship, and strengthens civil society. It can help maintain and improve society's stability and cohesion. Whatever its form, volunteering builds trust and solidarity. It has proven to be a means of reconciliation and reconstruction. When the underprivileged and the prosperous join together in voluntary activities, in novative partnerships can be created and bridges built between all sectors of society.”

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The ‘Communication from the Commission Concerning Corporate Social Responsibility, A Business Contribution to Sustainability’ 2002

outlined steps to integrate CSR in all EU policies

The European Parliament ‘Resolution on Corporate Social Responsibility’

underlined the importance of the EU-budget lines for projects such as those involving employee community engagement, and called on the European Commission

to fulfil its commitment to develop policies to encourage the staff of EU institutions to undertake

voluntary community engagement.

The Annual Report for 2012 on the Human Resources of the Secretariat and Staffing Policy

Report by the Secretary-General to the Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee

The Communication from the Commission, A Renewed EU Strategy 2011-14 for Corporate

Social ResponsibilityOctober 2011

The Communication from the Commission, Communication on EU Policies and

Volunteering: Recognising and Promoting Crossborder Voluntary Activities in the EU

September 2011

President Barroso, in a speech for CSR Europe, entitled “Putting Corporate Social Responsibility at

the Heart of our Vision”

said that corporate social responsibility is central to European policy, and in the global financial circumstances,

was even more crucial than ever.

“I want Europe to be a global leader in corporate social responsibility. A pole of excellence for the world. I want us to

lead by example – articulating a vision for business where profit is not the only goal.”

“I truly believe that corporate social responsibility is crucial for modern European enterprises seeking to meet today's

challenges.”

LEADERSHIP AND FEELING EUROPE

Addressing the ‘Renewed Social Agenda’ resolution

“It is my experience that more and more people are losing faith and trust in institutions. The EU represents a huge

institution and we have a massive responsibility to ensure that active dialogue is core to what we do.”

MEP Marian Harkin

The Europa site states:

“A feeling of belonging to the European Union will develop... through its tangible achievements and successes.

“A sense of belonging together and having a common destiny cannot be manufactured. It can only arise from a shared cultural awareness,

which is why Europe now needs to focus its attention not just on economics but also on education, citizenship and culture.”

“We are not bringing together states, we are uniting people”, said Jean Monnet in 1952.

Unifying people and “raising public awareness about the EU and involving citizens in its activities is still one of the greatest challenges

facing the EU institutions today.”

“People don't feel ‘Europe”

Irish musician and activist, Bono

Commission President Romano Prodi said his administration aimed

“To introduce an era of change, to make it stronger and more in touch with the citizens of Europe”.

He notably asked

“What are the consequences if the aims and actions of the organisations that built the EU’s historic and

singular achievements in the last half of the twentieth century are not believable in public opinion and

particularly to a younger generation?”

STAFF TRAINING THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Refered to in some reports as EMPLOYER SUPPORTED VOLUNTEERING

“Employer Supported Volunteering is one of the most tangible, effective and visible initiatives supporting a solid

and active CSR Programme.”

HUBU (Human Business). www.hu-bu.org

Supported by the Institutions and their administrations, ESV is an effective way of deploying

EU values and leadership within the larger perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility and

Institutional responsibilities.


The Solidarité proposal provides something common to the Institutions as an inter-institutional program where the

institutions are shown fully committed to working in partnership.

In his speech as President-designate to the Plenary Session of the European Parliament, José Manuel Barroso advocated

that Parliamentary support to the Commission gave ‘victory for European democracy’.

President Barosso confirmed that the Commission

“wants to have a close relationship with this Parliament; a Commission that with your support and partnership can drive

forward a European agenda that can make Europe matter to its citizens.”

“Whatever our priorities and objectives, we can do more by acting together than separately.”

There is “a responsibility… to work together; a responsibility to forge a relationship built on mutual respect and shared

confidence in Europe’s future; a responsibility to deliver results which make a difference to the lives of Europeans.”

MODERN HUMAN RESOURCES

The Treaty of Nice’s chapter on solidarity

brings together social and economic rights including 'the right to reconcile family life and professional life’, again a goal, in practice, of Solidarité in that family and friends

may partake in certain Solidarité activities.

‘In an age where corporations are pouring money into staff motivation courses, counselling and stress

management, the idea of feeling part of the whole rather than a clog in the machine, is surely a better way to

motivate and inspire people.’ Ricardo Semler, ‘Seven Day Weekend’

The shared purpose described in reports and speeches since 1983 need leaders and

administration to own it and shape it.

The idea of Solidarité has support.

The Solidarité proposal is something that needs to be tested.

It is an opportunity to forge a unique value-adding social model.

CONCLUSION TO POLITICAL AND POLICY REPORTS AND SPEECHES

The Solidarité Proposal is

That the EU Institutions formally endorse and incorporate the purpose, operations and activities of Solidarité cooperatively across jurisdictions under common

institutional rules, processes and guidelines and under the auspices of any relevant institutional bodies.

TWO SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

1. The Solidarité activities should be operated internally by the EU Institutions.

2. Ownership of Solidarité activities and freedom to develop projects creatively is possible by those involved.

1. Why should Solidarité exist within the EU Institutions?

1. People need to believe in their Institutions; true inspiration, encouragement and revival can occur in society when institutions of our national and international life lead the way.

2. “we must reconnect the Union with the people” President Barroso, Plenary Session of the European Parliament.

3. It provides confidence and integrity to the program.

4. Solidarité’s unique place and value as an idea and activity would not be developed and maintained operating outside the Institutions, as a non-governmental organisation for example, as it would remove Solidarité from the very people it is hoping to involve and the very reason it aims to exist.

5. Outside the Institutions it would be an external stakeholder like any other stakeholder

1. Why should Solidarité exist within the EU Institutions? Cont’d

6. Within the EU Institutions it would show EU leaders leading by example and provide exceptional rewards as a significant contributor to staff morale and public image

7. Within the EU Institutions it provides a positive experience (both personal and communal) of universal values and the satisfaction of key human drives

1. Why should Solidarité exist within the EU Institutions? Cont’d

2. Why ownership of Solidarité and freedom to develop projects creatively by those involved is important

1. Supporting and developing the Solidarité proposal ideas is significantly about developing a modern human resources policy that supports staff involvement in meaningful pursuits.

Social research tells us there are key psychologically and socially motivating factors as to why activities are successful and why we get involved in them. All of these motivating factors or ‘drives’ we believe are inherent, available and nurtured in the Solidarité structure - freedom and ownership are a big part of this.

2. There is arguably, a shortage of rewarding and stimulating opportunities afforded to both help others and to bond and learn with one’s colleagues.

Through common involvement, ownership and responsibility in Solidarité, staff morale at the Institutions (the biggest asset of an organisation) is boosted. What gets achieved as a result then has multiplier effects for both those helped and the helpers.

2. Why ownership of Solidarité and freedom to develop projects creatively by those involved is

important cont’d

3. “there is no question of volunteers on the one hand and professionals on the other. The two are not mutually exclusive: neither group can function without the help of the other. Both groups, professionals and volunteers, are part of the social model that Europe exemplifies, of civil society, in which the citizen too has an important voice. That is the famous partnership principle.”

Lambert van Nistelrooij, speaking on behalf of the Committee on Regional Development, during Parliamentary tabling of the Committee’s report, ‘The Role of Volunteering in Contributing to Economic and Social Cohesion’

2. Why ownership of Solidarité and freedom to develop projects creatively by those involved is

important cont’d

RESOURCE RATIONALE

The Proposals and steps require very few relative resources.

What they do require more significantly is the political will and the belief that supporting and developing Solidarité

is a good, and workable, idea.

Resources allocated to many other areas of EU Institution life include resources of:

1. Units dedicated to staff promotion and career services

2. The Central Staff Committees; the vicinity of 50 elected staff who work full time on staff conditions and statutory roles such as insurance and promotions

3. Employee Union Secretariats

4. The Parent’s Association

5. Former staff members in the Institutions

6. Training and professional development

7. ‘Away Days’

8. Cercles des Loisirs and clubs such as the EU Cycling Club.

9. Resources provided by the EU Institutions to the informal ASBLs within the Institutions (such as Europe Tier Monde, Femmes d’Europe and ADEK)

Of note; according to a report by the European Parliament Regional Development Committee, ‘The Role of Volunteering in Contributing to Economic and Social Cohesion’[1], “Volunteering is good for you, your community, your region's economic development and your national economy. It also helps build the ‘social capital’ that public policies need to succeed. Over 100 million EU citizens volunteer, and every €1 spent on supporting them generates a return of between €3 and €8 - a contribution that should appear in national accounts”.

[1]2007/2149(INI) A6-0070/2008, Regional P)olicy 22-04-2008, and media statement ‘Volunteering empowers you’ REF: 20080418IPR27072 and Plenary sessions, 26/02/2008, Committee on Regional DevelopmentIn the chair: Gerardo Galeote (EPP-ED, ES)

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/FindByProcnum.do?lang=en&procnum=INI/2007/2149

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A6-2008-0070&language=EN

REASONS SOLIDARITÉ CAN WORK

We live in an environment of information overload, time shortage and relatively low social morale…

it is common therefore, that people want to do things to help others but do not know what, or how to do it.

If people have ideas or a passing desire to do something, but think that it is too much work,

too far away, do not know where to start,

have their self-image negatively attached to what they do

or if they feel they have to take too many risks,

they will almost always not do it.

Beyond a fundamental drive to love and be loved and the primary physiological human needs to breathe, eat, drink

water and shelter and then, safety and security –

social research tells us that there are key psychologically and socially motivating factors deciding

why we behave as we do.

All of these motivating factors or ‘drives’ we believe are inherent, available and nurtured in the Solidarité structure.

This is a key reason we believe Solidarité can work.

1. To Bond

2. To Acquire and to ‘expand’

3. To Learn

Summarised, these motivating factors, or ‘drives’, are:

4. To Defend - values, others, self

5. To Belong - acceptance, encouragement

6. To be Acknowledged

7. To be involved Socially - friendship and exchange

8. To have Ownership - freedom, independence, power, expression in life

9. Accessibility - the time/distance ratio of activity

10. To have the power of an idea that matches their values

11. To have Support - a supportive infrastructure and critical numbers of others involved

12. Adventure

13. To Give - altruism, spiritual dimension

14. Other drives include: Status, Loyalty, Order and Organisation and Physical Activity

VOLUNTEERING

“In all its different forms, volunteering plays a crucial role across the European Union”

‘The Manifesto for Volunteering in Europe’ The European Volunteer Centre www.cev.be

‘The Manifesto for Volunteering in Europe’

Volunteering :

• Is a means of social inclusion and integration. It contributes to a cohesive society creating bonds of trust and solidarity and, thus, social capital.

• Is one of the ways in which people of all nationalities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds and ages can contribute to positive change.

• Can be a tool to stimulate active and responsible European citizenship, which is central to European ideals and values of democracy, solidarity and participation

• Is a powerful source of reconciliation and reconstruction in divided societies

• Provides informal and non-formal learning opportunities and is therefore a crucial instrument in the life-long learning strategy within the European Union

• Is an important component of the strategic objective of the European Union of becoming “…the most competitive and dynamic, knowledge-based economy in the world…” adopted by the Member States at the European Council in Lisbon 2000.

• Volunteering and the creation of innovative partnerships between businesses, public authorities and volunteer centres is a way of developing the corporate social responsibility agenda

• Is a real community investment and plays an important role in finding solutions to societal issues

• Volunteers help to improve the quantity and quality of services and to creatively develop new services. In this way volunteering can contribute to the creation of new employment opportunities.

• Has a powerful effect of on the inclusion and empowerment of traditionally excluded social groups

Volunteer action is a creative and mediating force that:

• Empowers people to exercise their rights as human beings and thus to improve their lives

• Hugely benefits the organisation from which the volunteers come

• Helps solve social, cultural, economic and environmental problems

• Builds a more humane and just society through worldwide cooperation

• Leads to the direct involvement of citizens in local development which can help to promote civil society and democracy

• Empowers local groups to transform their lives through acquiring skills and competences gained from volunteering and working alongside others with diverse educations, skills and backgrounds

• Is a response to the spiritual call to all people to serve, and

• Gives not-for-profit organisations the benefit of extra assistance provided by motivated and enthusiastic people who have volunteered their services and want to learn.

• Is unifying, generating cross-sectoral partnerships

• Contributes to social inclusion - it is good for the community

• Is a means of lifelong learning and greater employability

• Offers huge economic value

There has been a shift in motivation to be involved in volunteer work over the last three decades from altruistic

reasons to benefits to the individual themselves.

Many people consider their participation in ‘volunteer type’ activities to be as much a hobby as a volunteer activity.

One of the most frequent personal benefits of volunteering that volunteers express is ‘a more balanced outlook on life’.

Hence…“More and more European companies are mobilizing volunteer efforts and also letting employees plan

volunteer programs at work.” (Dr Marijke Steenbergen, executive director of ‘Civiq’, Netherlands)

Motivational Shift in volunteering

HOW SOLIDARITÉ COULD OPERATE

The vision of the Solidarité Proposal is inter-institutional activities of the European Union Institutions which combines corporate citizenship and the involvement of staff and

trainees in benevolent humanitarian and social activities.

It is a program which facilitates and unites staff and trainees of the EU Institutions to do good

deeds to help others and make a positive difference in our world - believing that every

small action makes a difference.

It makes humanitarian and social actions accessible, welcomes the contribution of each person’s skills and gifts, engages with those

less fortunate, develops awareness, and fosters the spirit of social consciousness and action at

the EU Institutions.

NOTE

The inter-institutional Solidarité program described herein does not exist.

A Proposal which attempts to provide a long-term structure and rules for its support and operation is

ready to present to the EU Institutions.

A program to run it has been prepared.

It is hoped that a formal inter-institutional Task Force can review the Proposal and Program and report to

the Institutions.

If you feel that this program is valuable, please support it.

As outlined in the Solidarité Proposal, the status of Solidarité would ideally

formally incorporate the following:

1. Solidarité is inter-institutional humanitarian activities and social awareness human resources activities for the staff and trainees of the European Union Institutions.

2. It is owned and operated jointly by the EU Institutions with the highest level of support, endorsement and involvement, and run as a formal inter-institutional service from an inter-institutional Secretariat; controlled by and answerable to the Administration of each Institution in a common and unified manner, underpinned by policies and procedures.

3. Its daily operations are managed by a Steering Committee with members from each of the Institutions.

4. It undertakes activities to help others and make a positive difference in our world representing the core values of the EU and corporate social responsibility, run by or involving EU Institution staff and trainees both as part of a formal staff training through community engagement programme and in their spare time.

5. Solidarité activities range from the socially engaging, artistic and entertaining to the challenging, confronting and sporting: visiting the elderly; cycling together to raise awareness of a cause; organising or participating in a socially uplifting choir; working together in a soup kitchen or arranging collections of unwanted clothes from EU Institution staff and giving them to the poor.

Sometimes activities are organised in cooperation with Non Governmental Organisations or International Organisations.

Staff & trainees from all the EU Institutions may participate actively in Solidarité activities (for example, by assisting a soup kitchen or visiting the elderly as part of Solidarité staff training through community engagement or by helping organise the collection of unwanted clothes in a Solidarité Project in their own time) in addition, they may simply contribute to the Projects anytime they like (for example, by simply donating any of their unwanted clothes).

6. Project activity creates tangible intra and inter unit, directorate, department and institution team-building, networking, strategic planning, communication, professional development and organisational and leadership benefits to employees, Units, Departments and the Institutions.

7. Solidarité uses the communications mechanisms and networks of the EU Institutions in order to network, distribute information and to assist organisation.

8. It has a formal link to the Traineeship programs of the EU Institutions.

9. It serves the greater purposes of the European Union and is deeply instilled with the core values of the EU. It aligns with EU Treaties, universal values, corporate citizenship, social ethics and institutional principles of reform, concern for good governance, transparency and proximity to citizens.

10. Solidarité belongs to every current staff member and trainee of the EU Institutions. It is not a Non-Governmental Organisation, it is not a political group and it is not formally aligned with any organisation outside the EU Institutions.

11. It supports and provides easily accessible opportunities for the staff and trainees of the EU Institutions (and as appropriate, retired staff, former trainees, family and friends) to combine their energies to do simple good deeds to help others and make a positive difference to our world. It encourages the use of each person’s skills and gifts for this purpose, under the principle that every small action makes a difference in more ways than one. It is an idea, structure and activity based on altruism and friendship which tries to make ourselves better people and the world a better place.

12. Through supporting and helping to provide the above opportunities, Solidarité also hopes to foster a spirit of humanitarian and social consciousness and action within and amongst the leaders and policy-makers gathered at the EU Institutions.

13. It entails constructive corporate social responsibility returns for the Institutions and society at large, is an important component of the professional, social and personal development of staff and trainees and provides positive human resources outcomes.

14. Solidarité aims to set an example; contribute to social capital, social cohesion and community engagement; have personal, professional, staff morale, institutional, corporate responsibility and broader social benefits; and continually inspire, represent and serve the purposes of the European Union, its values and citizens.

15. It is guided by the Solidarité Regulations and the Solidarité Mission Statement.

A significant dimension of this status is the fact that Solidarité’s values are inter-linked and representative of the values of the European Union and that it entails staff

and trainees of the EU Institutions representing, promoting and living - ‘hands-on’ - the core values, the

social responsibility and the goodwill which creates global peace and solidarity and which built the

European Union.

It is a corporate social responsibility initiative which is also considered to be an idea and activity profitable to the development of current and potential future leaders

and policy makers working at or undertaking Traineeships at the EU Institutions.

As such, beyond the humanitarian and social contribution it provides for those in need, Solidarité is an

integral part of the life and culture of the European Union Institutions.

FINAL POINTS

• Solidarité activities would entail a light structure within current organisational structures

• It would be an expression of CSR as advocated by the Institutions themselves

• It would cater to a multitude of CSR factors ranging from staff morale to involving a transition path for retirees into active retirement

• The corporate social responsibility potential of the activities could include an emphasis on activities in quieter workload periods or indeed in times of stress

• There is room for coordination flexibility within each institution

• There is room for an emphasis on training, team building and doing something stimulating together to improve interaction, leadership, management and interpersonal skills

• It could allow participation days for older employees to step into active retirement and involvement in terms of civic governance in their communities

• It could allow ‘release time’ to individuals for approved activity (similar to unions giving release time), ESV Community Leave and Vacation Leave, the list goes on - the goal is to find the methods, roles and functions to suit the institutions.

• It would provide a support to staff social clubs within the Institutions engaged in fundraising and or community work

• It would represents, ‘hands-on’, the social responsibility behind the values specified in the European Constitution

• It would give a human touch to work for staff

• The EU Institutions and their staff help to shape the policies and lives of people in Europe and around the world

People need to believe in their Institutions. Solidarité provides excellent visibility of the very people shaping policies affecting hundreds of millions of people, uniting and doing small acts to make a difference through their own choice.

• It would be an example to other international Institutions

• It would have significant public relations benefits

• It would create opportunities for project participation with key organisations or stakeholders

• It would create opportunities for family and community participation

Michel Platini, President of UEFA, football’s European governing body, gave a fine parallel example of the Solidarité benefits at

the celebrations of the EU’s 50th birthday.

The best of European football was on show in Manchester when a European All Stars team met Manchester United in a friendly

match. All proceeds from the event went to a charity. Platini said:

“Football brings people together. In a continent so proud of its cultural diversity, football offers a common language. It helps to integrate different communities. At its best, our sport conveys

some of Europe's basic values: the rule of law, respect for others, freedom of expression, teamwork and solidarity.”

Solidarité aims for the same benefits and more, that Michel Platini outlined for football.

Through Solidarité, the Institutions can internally create and encourage human resource activities which in turn

gives a personal, and public, demonstration of the Institution’s interests, thoughts, priorities and values.

For More Information

David Barnes +32 (0)471 630 581

+61 (0)406 585 848

[email protected]

Patricia Camisao +32 (0)479 269 658

[email protected]

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