IN MEDIA RESC - Stratoni

2. United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Thessaloniki, Greece working in the field of youth mobility, participation and facilitating youth awareness about social issues. It was founded in 2008 by the inception of a group of active young people who wanted to address the social issues which affect the youngsters in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Key areas of the organization’s activities concern the defense of human rights, the organization of youth related projects such as youth exchanges and training courses, the realization of local interventions, seminars and multimedia productions, as well as local and international volunteering projects, largely in the frame of European Solidarity Corps.

3. “IN MEDIA RESC: Inclusive Media and Actions Relying on the European Solidarity Corps” is an ESC Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas project that will bring volunteers from 7 different countries together in solidarity activities in Greece. Five volunteering groups involving a total of 84 volunteers, will implement activities aimed at responding to crucial societal priorities of European Solidarity Corps, in different parts of Northern Greece. This volunteering team will operate for 58 days, during July 8th - 3rd September 2025, in the village of Stratoni in the Aristotelis Municipality of Halkidiki region, supporting activities in other small communities of the area as well. The volunteering team will provide learning tools and support the youth of the region who face lack of opportunities, due to reasons such as geographical marginalization, opportunities, social and economic barriers. Volunteers will: limited work and participatory -Provide a series of workshops to boost local youngsters’ knowledge on media and other tools, helping them in their future professional and personal life. -Implement open cultural activities and events to boost local cultural life, promote inclusion and intercultural understanding. -Realise environmental activities to protect the area’s unique flora and fauna. -Create videos and other online output to promote their action and the region. In addition, the team will also organise a youth event on the occasion of International Youth Day on August 12 with activities for youth, providing visibility to the project, ESC and other EU opportunities. Agency : Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) Project number: 101179207

4. Welcome to the Municipality of Aristotle, a captivating region in northern Halkidiki named after the legendary philosopher Aristotle. This area offers a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness, making it a perfect destination for exploration and volunteering. Historical Heritage: Explore Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle, and visit Aristotle Park with its interactive exhibits celebrating his contributions to science and philosophy. Stunning Landscapes: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Athos, serene beaches along the Aegean Sea, and lush forests perfect for hiking and nature walks. Vibrant Culture: Experience local traditions through festivals, cuisine, and crafts. The region's warm hospitality and vibrant community life offer a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Community Features: Comprehensive Amenities: The municipality is well-equipped with essential services including medical facilities, schools, pharmacies, and supermarkets, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for residents and visitors.

5. Stratoni is a community of 1057 inhabitants in the Municipality of Aristotelis, situated on the northeastern coast of Halkidiki peninsula, in northern Greece. It is mainly famous for its mines as it is surrounded by mountains. Though most of seaside Halkidiki is flooded by tourists each year, Stratoni does not attract many of them, keeping a lower and more quiet profile during the summer. The village became known after colonies of endangered seahorses were found in its waters in 2007, which are unique in the Greek marine habitat and they are strongly protected by environmental and marine life associations.

6. Volunteers will have to be 18-30 years old and be genuinely interest in the project. Main aspect during selection will be their motivation to join and contribute in the activities. At least a basic English language level is required, for volunteers to have at least one communication language to be used in the field or in case of need or emergency. Volunteers need to be motivated about this topic. Having a background or knowledge in project’s topics would be a valuable asset, but not a pre- requisite. Volunteers need to also be ready to engage in some more “physical” tasks as part of the activities, as they would have to contribute in open activities in the communities, in places such as local parks, to implement beach cleanups and organise sports tournaments. Regarding the inclusion of people with fewer opportunities, USB will guarantee safety and support for the participation for youngsters facing obstacles, thanks to its long experience of working with people from socially vulnerable groups. Working program will be 4-6 hours per day, from Monday to Friday. In some cases, volunteers may be asked to work in weekends for some events, for example for the implementation of some event or workshop. If this happens, they will receive extra free days to use later on. Applicants should know that participation throughout the whole 58 days activity period of the team is mandatory. Note: The project is Volunteering Teams and does not exclude you from taking part in long-term or short term individual ESC in the future, and you’re also eligible if you took part in the past.

7. During the project, the support organization will provide accommodation at a two-floor seaside community center in Stratoni, which is designed for hosting training teams and furnished with the relevant equipment. It includes common spaces, a kitchen, bathrooms, internet connection, all electronic machines and a spacious green space, and it is a 1-minute walk to the beach. At the ground floor there is also a big recreational room. Each volunteer will share their bedroom with 5-6 more ESC volunteers on the ground floor and the volunteers will be responsible for their own meals. The second floor of the building may be occupied by other young participating who implement short term training and youth exchanges. The volunteers will receive individual food allowance and pocket money, at the beginning of each month, to cover their personal needs.

8. Participants are requested to bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if they are eligible to have it without charge. Cross-border participants will be registered in the HENNER insurance scheme, covering needs complementary to the EHIC. Registration of participant to the insurance is made by USB. A network of doctors and hospitals is already available in order to meet all their needs, including the most urgent. The Mentor is responsible for all their issues connected with health and insurance. Youthpass is the official recognition tool for non-formal & informal learning in youth projects. Through this, participants of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects can describe their implemented activities and learning outcomes they have earned through their participation in a project. Volunteers have to keep a diary of their activities and learning in order to f ill it properly at the end of their project. The Mentor is also responsible for the Youthpass and will support the volunteers throughout the reflection process.

9. USB is responsible for the practical arrangements of the project (accommodation, food, tickets, welcoming). The travel costs will be covered in full by the project, participants will be supported in preparing the travel both by USB and their sending organisation. They are thus kindly asked to find a convenient and sustainable option for their trip. The participants need to buy their tickets themselves and will get the refund as soon as possible when we receive their tickets and all necessary travel documents (online or physical in case of paper tickets, or boarding passes that are provided in physical form and not online). USB will provide a private bus for the transportation of volunteers from Thessaloniki to the activity location on the arrival day (8th of July). *For the volunteers coming from NON-EU countries the visa costs will be covered. !The volunteers MUST arrive on the date specified for the volunteering team: if volunteers arrive earlier, the organisation will try to support but cannot guarantee accommodation, and participants may need to cover expenses for accommodation.

10. United Societies of Balkans Website: www.usbngo.gr Email: volunteer@usbngo.gr usb.volunteerteams@gmail.com (2nd) Facebook: facebook.com/usbngo/ Twitter: twitter.com/usbngo Instagram: usb_ngo Address: Al. Delmouzou 8, 54643, Thessaloniki, Greece Phone: +30 2310215629