Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Volunteering and social inclusion Eurodiaconia seminar, March 3 –March 5, 2008 Cluj, Romania

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Structure of the input Meaning of diaconia and the values that determine our acting, position of diaconia in wider society, its mission in relation to meet the challenge of social exclusion Volunteering as a powerful tool to combat the social inclusion

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Meaning of diaconia Australian Roman Catholic New Testament scholar John Collins Diaconia does not mean money or humble service, but COMMUNICATION. Diaconia means the special communication of a deacon, whether man or woman. A deacon is mandated educator or mediator, a go – between, a messenger.

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Context analysis On the local and regional level it is important to draw a “social map”. It is also important to be aware of developments at the macro level because it influences nearly everything at the micro level. Modern societies are characterized by science, technology and economics. There is a growing division of lab our and most sectors of society are no longer led by religious values

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Global tendency poses new questions for diaconia Because of the influence of the European Union on economic and political developments, we should pay attention to the process of European integration. „To be to do“ : Churches should promote Europe as a community of values such as human dignity, justice, freedom, tolerance, participation and solidarity. They could overcome conflicts between individuals and groups working on reconciliation by using their extensive networks, providing opportunities to meet and learn from each other.

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Christian ethics is community The dignity of human being: the dignity of the human being follows from the idea of the human being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). For diaconal action it implies that persons who receive help are treated, not as objects, but as subjects. The right of access to resources: this notion of human dignity means that every human being has a right to access to the resources necessary for the dignified existence. The preferential option for the poor: this option follows from God’s especial love for those who are poor and socially excluded.

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Themes involving diaconia Poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, people with disabilities, sick people, elderly people, young people at risk, housing policies, crime, loneliness, prisoners, migrants, refuges, asylum seekers, discrimination and racism, extreme nationalism, human rights, addiction to drugs, gambling, violence, homelessness, ethnic minorities, disaster, relief, …

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Types of activities Being there for people, being present Empowerment of people Giving assistance, care Creating community/ offering hospitality Building up alliances with people who are in need, and with organizations, with the aim of improving their position Creating awareness of problems, within and outside of churches, influencing public opinion Influencing the culture of society Influencing politics and groups and organizations with influence and decision making power Reconciliation and building bridges between people living in conflicts

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Resources People Money Knowledge Experience Network Facilities Community Time Recognition

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Social inclusion and volunteering DisadvantageObjectives/ benefits of voluntary activity 1. Geographic disadvantage – people living in rural area - Access to new networks of people and information - Increasing possibilities of and access to new opportunities - Bringing new inspiration back to the sending/ original community 2. Disability : - physical disability - learning difficulty - Integration in mixed – ability projects to increase mutual understanding and tolerance - Enhanced self confidence, self worth

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Social inclusion and volunteering DisadvantageObjectives/ benefits of voluntary activity 3. Socio – economic disadvantage - people living in poverty - school drop – outs - substance abuse - offenders - homeless - long term unemployed - Enhanced self confidence, self worth - Acquiring skills and competences - Access to employment opportunities - Identifying different role models, different ways of life 4. Disadvantage linked to the ethnicity: -minorities -refugees, immigrants - Encourage pride in their own identity and cultural heritage - Possibility o be active in host community - Intercultural dialogue

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Social inclusion and volunteering DisadvantageObjectives/ benefits of voluntary activity 5. Demographic challenge - ageing population - Active ageing - Health benefits of volunteering - Transfer of experience and knowledge

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie What can governments or other stakeholders do to ensure that disadvantaged groups have equal opportunities to participate in meaningful volunteer activities? Governments could do most by financing innovative partnerships between: Local, regional and national government Organizations working in the special field of social exclusion Qualifications, education and training institutions Potentially between regional employment agencies, regional development agencies, banks, grant making organizations

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Partnership could result in successful project if the cooperation of following stakeholders will be fostered An organization who knows about volunteering and volunteer cycle An organization that knows the target group Local and regional authorities who on the one hand form parts of the social safety net and on the other play a very important role in the sustainability of the experience through easier access to the labour market or further education and training

Jana Adameová, Slezská Diakonie Thank you very much attention !