Reuse, Repair, Rebuild: Volunteering for Circular Economy and Inclusion in Insieme
INSIEME SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA SOCIALE A R.L.
VICENZA, Italy
Description
This long-term European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project offers two volunteers the opportunity to support Insieme, a social cooperative in Vicenza, Italy, promoting social inclusion, the circular economy, and environmental sustainability. From October 2026 to June 2027, volunteers will work around 30 hours per week, supporting people from vulnerable backgrounds while contributing to second-hand shops, bike repair, the cooperative café, waste collection and textile reuse services, environmental education in schools, and digital communication. Tasks may include customer service, repairing bicycles, preparing food and drinks, sorting reusable items, assisting educational workshops, and promoting ESC opportunities. Volunteers always work in a multicultural team under staff guidance.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers will be hosted in shared apartments in Vicenza. The apartments are well connected by public transport. Bedrooms will be shared, with gender separation ensured. Each volunteer will receive:
- A monthly allowance of 150€ for personal expenses
- ESC pocket money of 6€ per day
- Round-trip international travel covered according to the ESC distance bands (211€ for 10–499 km; 309€ for 500–1999 km)
- A bicycle and public transport tickets for local mobility
- Coverage of any visa-related costs, if applicable
- Possibility to eat lunch for free in cooperative
Training during the activity
- On-arrival training (1 week)
- Mid-term evaluation (4 days)
- Italian language course (3 hours per week)
- Workshops on social and environmental topics
- Training on being a European volunteer
- Introduction to the third sector in Italy, including what it means to be part of a cooperative
Participant profile
We are looking for open-minded, proactive, and motivated volunteers who are eager to experience life in a social cooperative committed to inclusion, sustainability, and circular economy. The ideal candidate is curious about social work and environmental topics, and ready to get involved both manually and relationally.
Previous experience in volunteering, social work, or environmental education is welcome but not required. What matters most is a hands-on attitude, the willingness to learn, to work in a team, and to contribute to the cooperative’s mission with empathy and flexibility. The candidate should be motivated to spend 9 months in a foreign country, interested in circular economy and social inclusion, and able to adapt to a new environment. A basic knowledge of Italian or at least of English is required to facilitate communication and integration. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project.
Activity dates
From 01/10/2026 to 01/07/2027
Activity location
VIA DALLA SCOLA 255, VICENZA, Italy
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia
Activity topics
Social challenges
Environment and natural protection
Health and wellbeing
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 01/10/2026 17:00
Project code
2026-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000402378