www.europa.eu/volunteering

How can we address schools? The EYV2011 Tour is an exceptional opportunity for school children to be able to learn about the importance of volunteering and all the many different opportunities that exist. When addressing schools, it is essential to promote specific activities of the Tour that are relevant for schoolchildren and invite them to join the EYV2011 tour at these times. Remember to highlight the strengths of the EYV2011 Tour and why it is a great learning opportunity for schools.

Strengths of the EYV tour

The EYV2011 Tour is an opportunity for children to:

• Become involved in the European Year of Volunteering 2011

• Meet volunteers get to know their experiences – the children will have the opportunity to meet real volunteers, learn about their experiences and ask questions.

and understand the value of volunteering, not only for the volunteers, but also for society as a whole.

• Learn about volunteering opportunities in their city or country - children will be able to see the many different types of volunteering experiences that exist including sports, health, social care, culture, education, citizenship, personal safety and the environment.

• Encourage and recognize volunteers in their city and country for all their efforts and achievements. They could not only recognize but learn from them, be an example for them to follow.

• Learn about volunteering across Europe and be part of a European initiative that will cover 27 countries.

• Relate the EYV2011

Tour and EYV2011 with school initiatives. The European Year of Volunteering 2011 is an excellent opportunity for schools to organize activities related to the values of solidarity, friendship, empathy and peace.

www.europa.eu/volunteering

• In addition to visiting the EYV2011 Tour, schools can: research NGOs and organizations involving volunteers to learn more about their work, debate about the importance of volunteering, write stories about volunteers1

Some ideas for addressing and attracting schools:

, create collages and murals, write press reports about the EYV2011 Tour and their visit, invite volunteers to speak in classrooms, etc.

• Invite the schools to the EYV2011 Tour when there are activities that are especially attractive and relevant for schools children. Make sure that these activities are held during school hours, so that teachers can come with their students.

• Highlight the activities and topics that are especially interesting for school children.

• It is important that the Head Teacher at the school receive clear and interesting information about the event, so that they can communicate it to the rest of the teachers. To achieve this, you will have to identify the best way to reach the Head of the school or Teachers department.

• In addition to providing the schoolteachers with information, it is useful to send an official invitation through the appropriate institutional channels (such as the ministry, city hall or local educational department).

• Another way of promoting the event with teachers is to contact the local teacher and or school networks.

• When inviting schools, it is important to follow up with your invitation, answer all their questions, obtain confirmation and organize a schedule for their participation.

1 Stories and information about volunteers can be found on the EYV2010 website www.europa.eu/volunteering