Volu.M.E & The Constellation
Building Quality in International Volunteering
In our projects and reports, we frequently refer to two key concepts: “Volu.M.E” and “The Constellation.”
These interconnected initiatives reflect over a decade of strategic work in training, cooperation, and quality development within international volunteering.
Since 2022, this work has been further strengthened through the Youth Accreditation (KA150) awarded to Politistiko Ergastiri Ayion Omoloyiton (Cyprus), EJBW (Germany), in collaboration with Pro Vobis (Romania).
Volu.M.E – Volunteer Management Enhanced
Volu.M.E (Volunteer Management Enhanced) was developed to respond to a growing need: supporting organizations and individuals in deepening their understanding and practice of Volunteer Management.
Designed primarily for organizations with prior experience in hosting or coordinating EVS/ESC projects, Volu.M.E focuses on advancing expertise through:
- Exchange of good practices and challenges
- Development of practical tools
- Strengthening competences in volunteer support systems
A central pillar of the initiative is mentoring, recognized as a key element in ensuring quality volunteer experiences.
A Long-Term Learning Approach
The first Volu.M.E activity took place in April 2014 in Lefkosia, Cyprus, followed by a seminar in March 2015. From the outset, the initiative adopted a long-term, structured approach, combining training courses and follow-up seminars within the same project framework.
By involving the same partner organizations—and often the same participants—this model fostered:
- Continuity and deeper learning
- Stronger cooperation between partners
- Sustainable development of competences
Growth, Recognition, and Impact
Over the past decade, Volu.M.E has evolved into a dynamic network of youth workers and organizations, united by shared values and learning goals.
This collaboration has led to the creation of numerous tools and resources tailored to grassroots organizations, including materials such as the “Treasure Box for Mentors” developed with Pro Vobis.
The initiative’s impact has been widely recognized:
- Cyprus National Agency supported a national TCA (Limassol, 2015)
- German National Agency supported a series of activities under EJBW (Weimar, 2017–2018), including:
- Volu.M.E Training Course – March 2018, Germany
- Volu.M.E Seminar – June 2018, Cyprus
Between 2014 and 2021, the partnership implemented 9 Erasmus+ KA1 training activities.
Following the introduction of Youth Accreditation in 2022, an additional 16 activities (2022–August 2025) have been carried out.
The consistently high number of applicants—and frequent returning participants—demonstrates both the relevance of the topics and the trust in the methodology. Key themes such as Volunteer Management, Mentoring, and Competence Development remain central to the programme.
The Constellation
Building on the success of Volu.M.E, and in response to the need for sustained, high-quality cooperation, a new initiative was launched: “The Constellation.”
Formally established in August 2024, The Constellation is an informal network of eight NGOs from Romania, Italy, France, Germany, and Cyprus. Its mission is to provide high-quality training opportunities for organizations implementing ESC and Erasmus+ projects.
A Collaborative and Strategic Model
The Constellation operates through a shared long-term strategy, based on common values, quality standards, and coordinated mobility activities.
Each training activity follows a collaborative structure:
- 2 Lead Trainers
- 1 Junior/Assistant Trainer
- 1 Support Staff Member
This rotational model ensures:
- Equal participation among partner organizations
- Balanced use of expertise
- Stronger collective impact
From Strategy to Practice
Training priorities are first defined collectively within the network, ensuring alignment with long-term goals. The assigned trainer team then develops the details of each activity, including:
- Content and methodology
- Tools and learning approaches
- Expected outcomes and evaluation methods
To support effective implementation, the network uses a range of practical tools, such as:
- Budget and cost-tracking templates
- Reimbursement systems
- Participant communication materials
Looking Ahead
The Constellation is actively planning new activities for 2025–2026, building on over 11 years of experience in international training and cooperation.
This ongoing work represents a proven model of good practice, contributing to the development of high-quality pathways in volunteering and youth work across Europe.
Partners
EJBW (Germany)
Politistiko Ergastiri Ayion Omoloyiton (Cyprus)
Pro Vobis (Romania)
Hors Pistes (France)
Esplora (Italy)
Team for Youth (Romania)
Centrul de Voluntariat Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
La Vibria (Spain)
Terzo Millennio (Italy)
