EDRA: VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering is one of the basic expressions of human relationships. It is connected with people’s need to get involved in something and to feel that they are important for other people. Volunteering incorporates the values of solidarity, reciprocity, of mutual trust and empowerment, elements that play a major role to improve a person’s quality of life.

There are many different reasons why people take part in voluntary actions:

• They may want to “give back” something to society from their “emotional” or from their “material” surplus.
• They may want to play an active role in making a social change in their society that faces a variety of social and financial difficulties.
• They may want to gain some professional experience (and have a certificate for their voluntary work which may be useful for future employment)
• They may want to find a creative way to spend their time e.t.c.

Regardless of the reason why someone may want to participate in voluntary actions, volunteering is beyond a person’s attempt to achieve a goal. Volunteering, as a type of social behaviour, can create concrete bonds of trust and of social cohesion, and contributes both to an individual’s personal development and to a sense of a mutual identity and common future. Taking action as a volunteer can be the vehicle through which people unite their efforts for the achievement of a common goal and this is a common characteristic in any society. As a result, volunteering can have a radical effect on the lives of many different people in a national and global level.

Volunteering can be the expression of a person’s participation in their society: The values of participation, trust, solidarity and reciprocity are placed on the basis of active citizenship. In that sense, volunteering can act against atomism within the sphere of a global society. Nowadays, maybe more than ever, we can address the crucial need for action, solidarity and participation.

In this framework, a citizen can actively participate to resolve crucial problems, and this suggests a form of community participation. Voluntary action can be developed in different fields, with diversified content in comparison with traditional expressions of charity. Taking part in voluntary activities or programmes that respond to a society’s broad interest, can lead an individual and the whole society to contribute to social development, social cohesion and to the increase of social trust. Taking all these elements together, a great social participation can be achieved in our society.

  

Become a Volunteer now!

You can take part in one of EDRA’S many actions: the Mental Health rehabilitation Units, the Sheltered Apartments, the alternative therapeutic Centre Diadromi, Children’s Psycho-pedagogical centers, Children’s Cultural Club “EKFRASI”, and / or other various events!

Voluntary action offers opportunities for active participation, support to vulnerable social groups as well as personal development. K.S.D.E.O “EDRA”, through voluntary action, gives the opportunity to young professionals to experience real work conditions and at the same time to improve their professional skills.

“EDRA” recognises and rewards voluntary action:

• Each volunteer has the right to receive a certificate of their voluntary work.
• Each volunteer has the right to take part in EDRA’S events.
• Each volunteer has the right to participate in educational programmes which are organised or supported by the organisation (in Greece or abroad).
• Each volunteer receives a discount card as a member of K.S.D.E.O. EDRA which results in discounts in various stores and services in different areas of Athens.
• K.S.D.E.O. “EDRA” covers volunteers’ transportation expenses in order to provide their voluntary work.

If you want to become an EVS volunteer, contact us: 

Contact person: Elena Vagger

K.S.D.E.O. "EDRA" Dilou 14, 12134 Peristeri, Athens, GREECE
Phone: (+30) 210 5913 826 / 210 5762 861
Email: edra.evs@gmail.com