On 5 April 2024, SMALL hosted an online workshop to find out more about volunteering schemes in mobility projects. Read all the insights from the workshop below!
In a world where mobility is often synonymous with efficiency and speed, there lies a quieter, yet impactful sector dedicated to addressing a different kind of need: combating loneliness. On 5 April 2024, SMALL hosted an online workshop on voluntarily-led mobility projects, revealing a rich tapestry of insights, challenges, and aspirations shared by individuals and organizations committed to enhancing social connectivity through community-driven initiatives.
SMALL pilots reveal all on their voluntary schemes
Saar Fivez, representing our De Fietsambassade pilot, emphasized a fundamental distinction in their approach. While their project addresses mobility issues for the elderly and temporarily immobile, the true essence of their endeavour transcends mere transport. Saar shared their vision centred on alleviating loneliness, recognising that many of their beneficiaries crave human connection more than they do mobility solutions. With 70 dedicated volunteers providing rides predominantly for short distances, De Fietsambassade aspires to serve 7500 rides by 2025, underscoring the magnitude of their ambition.
Jacqueline Scheidweiler, representing our Brest Métropole pilot, echoed a common concern among workshop participants: the constant challenge of recruiting and retaining volunteers. Faced with fluctuations in volunteer availability, Jacqueline pondered the optimal number of volunteers required for a reliable service. Drawing parallels with similar initiatives involving refugees, Jacqueline highlighted the regulatory and linguistic hurdles that can impede volunteer engagement, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to surmount these obstacles.
Isaura Lips, representing our Mpact pilot, Isaura shed light on the operational intricacies of their pilot, revealing that rides are predominantly facilitated by volunteers using their private vehicles across 240 municipalities. However, Isaura acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining oversight due to the decentralized nature of their organization. Challenges such as volunteer shortages and striking a balance between volunteer capacity and service demand underscored the nuanced nature of their endeavor.
Expert presentations: Volunteer Ireland and Netherlands' Volunteer Transport Knowledge Centre
Stuart Garland, from Volunteer Ireland, an Irish national volunteer development organisation, shared a presentation on 'Understanding volunteer engagement and opportunities in mobility'. Stuart underscored the transformative power of volunteering, portraying it not merely as a service but as a communal endeavour that fosters social cohesion and personal growth. By nurturing a culture of volunteerism through inclusive platforms and meaningful incentives, Stuart advocated for creating environments where individuals of all ages and backgrounds could converge, share experiences, and contribute to their communities.
Femke Nannes and Marieke Boon, from Kenniscentrum Vrijwilligersvervoer Nederland (The Netherlands' Volunteer Transport Knowledge Centre), also presented their organisation, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration in amplifying the impact of voluntarily-led initiatives. By establishing centralized hubs to connect organizations and municipalities, Femke showcased the collective strength of diverse stakeholders united by a common goal. Through strategic advocacy and creative promotion, Femke emphasized the importance of showcasing the human stories behind these initiatives, transcending mere logistical details to evoke empathy and support.
Conclusion: toward a connected future
The workshop on voluntarily-led mobility projects served as a testament to the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives in addressing social isolation and fostering inclusivity. As participants navigate the complexities of volunteer management, stakeholder collaboration, and service optimization, they remain bound by a shared commitment to harnessing the power of human connection. In an increasingly fragmented world, these initiatives offer a beacon of hope, reaffirming the enduring value of compassion, solidarity, and collective action in building a more connected and resilient society.
Stay tuned to our project as we keep working to making this happen!