It is not common to sit around a table to discuss. But when you can share projects and dreams, everything changes.
And that’s exactly what I experienced together with the Csv of Padua, Mayor Sergio Giordani, and Councilor Cristina Piva during the three years I chaired the Committee for the candidacy of Padua as European Capital of Volunteering 2020. It has been three years of initiatives, projects, and training proposals.
Today we are happy to celebrate the return of this title to our country. Trento, European Capital of Volunteering 2024, is extraordinary news and a great opportunity.
It is a unique opportunity to revitalize the incredible civic energy that represents Italian volunteering, with a history of achievements and testimonies that have transformed it into a mature and indispensable movement. Trento is the second city to win after Padua 2020.
For this reason, it is essential that volunteering is organized and committed not only to impact people’s lives but also to promote real change in the social, cultural, and political context. Volunteering must take care of our democracy and our development.
During the inauguration of Padua as the European Capital of Volunteering in 2020, we sent a clear message: we offer everyone the “volunteering glasses,” which allow us to see what others do not notice, to make decisions, and to light up a path that was once dark. Now it is up to Trento to offer these glasses: to promote a social state that does not accept the progressive dismantling of the social security and promotion system.
There cannot be only private assistance, in which only those with an income are guaranteed. In this sense, the entire Third sector can play an important role in collaboration and integration to innovate, anticipate, and experiment.
Glasses to promote volunteering that is mainly dedicated to creating new community relationships. In apartment buildings, people do not know each other, neighborhoods risk becoming only places of degradation or dormitories.
The elderly not only need healthcare and home care but also social interactions: participating in the city’s life, engaging culturally and politically. This applies to everyone: without new relationships of existential, economic, and political community.
Best wishes Trento Capital. I am sure you will make an extraordinary contribution.
*Head of Padua Capital Volunteering 2020 *Corriere della Sera is also on Whatsapp. Just click here to subscribe to the channel and stay updated.
* February 2, 2024 (edited on February 2, 2024 | 23:41) © REPRODUCTION RESERVED