Description of organisation

VulcanicaMente (VM) is a non-profit association founded in 2012 by four young women in Lecce, Puglia region, born as an open platform to offer opportunities in mobility, information, intercultural and intergenerational learning. Our aim is to develop and enrich our land starting with the youth, in order to create a generation of active European citizens.
VulcanicaMente aims:
- to create opportunities for human, social and cultural growth for young generations offering experiences in mobility, learning and information;
- to promote mutual understanding between the young generations in Europe and worldwide, enhancing cultural differences, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices;
- to promote active citizenship among young people in general, particularly European citizenship;
- to promote dialogue between generations aiming to enhance growth and mutual exchange;
- to foster the spirit of initiative and entrepreneurship, promoting creative thinking and positive action on a local, European and international level;
- to create a platform in order to facilitate the exchange of ideas, innovative experiences and information and encourage synergies that can contribute to the sustainable development of Salento.

VulcanicaMente team has 6 years’ experience in the European projects within different programs and actions: Erasmus+, Leonardo Da Vinci, Grundtvig, Youth in Action.
All the team members have worked or studied or volunteered abroad which gives added value to EU projects in terms of personal and professional experience.

ACTIVITIES
VulcanicaMente works at local and international level implementing local initiatives and European projects with teenagers, youngsters and young adults, including people with fewer opportunities.
Locally, VulcanicaMente realizes and promotes the following activities:
- workshops and seminars, info point on European opportunities and more in different contexts, i.e. in schools, universities and local events;
- educational activities with experiential and non-formal education methods: training courses, urban games, interactive workshops, language exchange tandem;
- language courses with non-formal education methods for teenagers, youngsters and young adults in Lecce and in less advantaged towns nearby;
- socialization activities devoted to spread opportunities, to create dialogue among different cultures and generations.
During the last years the organisation has been a pioneer in introducing Mindfulness in youth work . Thanks to local initiatives and European projects VulcanicaMente developed a meaningful experience in the sector spreading the values of "peace in peace out" in the local community and in Europe.

VulcanicaMente has developed as well a strong network at the local level, collaborating with other NGOs, students’ and erasmus organisations, high schools, local public bodies, i.e. Municipality of San Cesario di Lecce, of Lecce, of Caprarica, Chamber of Commerce of Lecce, Province of Lecce, Europe Direct del Salento, University of Salento. We use our network to empower youngsters and develop the local area.

Inclusion topics

This organisation is willing to involve volunteers who face situations which make their participation in activities more difficult, from the following categories for different types of project:

• Cultural differences
• Educational difficulties
• Geographical obstacles