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Description
The main problem addressed by the project “Platform for Citizens” is the lack of access to adequate information about volunteering and its opportunities. The potential of the business is not sufficiently exploited: often internal company policies provide for volunteering opportunities, but these are not sufficiently implemented - the responsibility is left to the employees themselves. NGOs lack volunteer involvement and face negative public attitudes toward their target groups. This results in exclusion, and volunteering is one of the most effective ways to reduce it. The project has developed the Hands ON Connect platform (https://savaplatforma.lt/), an online tool that hosts an annual calendar of volunteering activities, making it easy for citizens to engage in volunteering. It is also an organizational management system that allows the user to manage and direct the flow of people and volunteering placements. Volunteers can see the activities they have completed and the time they have spent volunteering in their profile. During the project period, 550 citizens - young students/employees, young families, working people aged 40-65, businesses, NGOs - participated in volunteering activities. The project involved 346 employees of companies in volunteering, a total of 896 volunteers, who collectively generated at least 1215.5 hours of volunteering in 204 volunteering activities in regional parks, orphanages, aid for the disabled, the Food Bank, and other not-for-profit organizations. Through articles, podcasts and publications, project promoters have raised public awareness of volunteering and its opportunities, as well as quality volunteer management.
Summary of project results
Businesses and NGOs often fail to connect, missing the role of intermediary coordinator. The project aimed to address the problem of society''s low volunteering rates and negative attitudes towards non-profit organizations. Target groups of the project: young students/employees, young families, 40-65 years old working people, companies, NGOs.
Implemented activities: Adaptation of the Hands On Connect platform, which hosts an annual calendar of volunteer activities, ensuring easy involvement of residents in volunteering, as well as a management system for organizations. The project included training for companies, NGOs, the project team, events and an advertising campaign, and a communication plan was implemented.
Results: 550 citizens participated in voluntary activities during the project period. We included 346 company employees in volunteering, a total of 896 volunteers, who together created at least
1215.5 hours of volunteering in 204 volunteering activities. 90 NGOs have joined the Platform. The project’s overall importance is in strengthening civil society through volunteerism by connecting citizens, businesses and non-profit organizations with smart technologies.