Scenario 27 — Volunteering and social engagement: how to start, volunteers’ rights, micro-projects (180’)

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

Format: in-person

Time: 180’

Group: 15–20

Age: 18–30

Note: this is an educational workshop, not legal advice. The rules of volunteering cooperation, insurance and documents may vary between organizations and change. Decisions should be verified in official sources and with the volunteering coordinator. We work with fictional data.

1. Overall objective and session logic

Objective: participants know how to start volunteering in Poland, understand volunteers’ rights and obligations and the role of the organization, can match their skills to tasks, develop a small social micro‑project (goal, beneficiaries, actions, risks, communication), know the basics of ethics/safeguarding and create a 30‑day plan.

Logic: volunteering map → rights and obligations → role matching (profile) → micro‑project (canvas + schedule) → ethics and safety → communication and documentation → 30‑day plan.

Final outputs: 1) WOL1 — Volunteering map (areas, roles, organizations), 2) WOL2 — Rights and obligations (A3 checklist), 3) WOL3 — My volunteer profile (skills/resources/availability), 4) WOL4 — Volunteer code (8 group rules), 5) WOL5 — Micro‑project canvas (SMART goal → actions → resources → risks → indicators), 6) WOL6 — Schedule and role split (light Gantt), 7) WOL7 — Communication and consents (GDPR/media/storytelling), 8) WOL8 — Volunteer journal / time sheet (template), 9) WOL9 — 30‑day plan (3 steps + NGO contacts), 10) WOL‑R — Outcomes assessment rubric.

2. Learning outcomes (knowledge • skills • attitudes)

Knowledge: volunteering areas (education, culture, humanitarian aid, health, environment, sport, events), the role of the coordinator and organization, general elements of a volunteering agreement and the basics of insurance/accident cover/OHS (at the level of the idea), data and image protection rules.
Skills:

matches an offer to their profile and availability (WOL3),

creates a team code of rules (WOL4),

designs a micro‑project (WOL5–WOL6) and plans communication (WOL7),

keeps a journal/time sheet (WOL8),

prepares a 30‑day plan (WOL9).
Attitudes: responsibility, respect for boundaries, well‑being, cooperation, responding to violence/discrimination (the 5D bystander model).

3. Organisational parameters

Room: U‑shape + 4 tables; 2 flipcharts; projector; timer; sticky notes.

Materials (A4/A3, 1/person): WOL1–WOL9, WOL‑R; role cards for skits; mock-ups of a volunteering application form (fictional).

Evaluation: Mentimeter PRE/POST (3 questions – section 4) + WOL‑R rubric.

4. Mentimeter — questions (PRE and POST)

“I know how to start volunteering and who to message.”

“I understand rights and obligations and the rules of safety/consents.”

“I can plan a micro‑project and I have a 30‑day plan.”

5. Detailed agenda (180’)

Time blocks and instructions from the document.

Time & block	Content / instructions
0–12’ Opening and rules (12’)	Goal: safe collaboration. Instructions: goal/outputs; group contract: voluntary participation, confidentiality, the right to take a break; we do not disclose beneficiaries’/organizations’ data; the trainer does not provide legal advice—only shows checklists and pathways. Hand out WOL1–WOL9.
12–20’ Icebreaker “My why” (8’)	Goal: name motivations and concerns. Instructions: in pairs: finish the sentences “I want to help because…”, “I’m worried that…”. Collect the top 5 motivations and 5 concerns on a flipchart.
20–28’ Mentimeter PRE (8’)	—
28–60’ MODULE 1 — Volunteering map + rights/obligations (32’)	Goal: understand the framework and boundaries. Materials: WOL1, WOL2. Instructions (mini-input 12’): areas of activity; one-off vs long-term; the coordinator’s role; what an organization cannot require without an agreement/trainings; documents (agreement, task scope, supervisor, OHS/GDPR trainings, insurance—check local rules). Exercise 1 (10’): in groups of four, WOL2 checklist: mark “must-have” before starting (e.g., supervisor, task description, training, consents, protective equipment/clothing, cost reimbursement if applicable). Exercise 2 (10’): create an 8-point code (to be transferred to WOL4). Criterion: WOL2 filled in + draft 8 rules for WOL4.
60–90’ MODULE 2 — My volunteer profile (role matching) (30’)	Goal: choose tasks consciously. Materials: WOL3, sample postings (fictional). Instructions: WOL3 — profile: skills (languages, IT, education, event support, logistics), experience, boundaries (health/time), availability (days/hours), preferred target groups. Matching: match 3 postings to your profile; write questions to the coordinator (supervision, trainings, location, clothing, cost reimbursement, identity verification). Exercise (15’): “speed-matching” – 3 rounds of 4 min: choose a posting → match tasks → write 2 questions and 1 boundary condition. Criterion: completed WOL3 + 3 matches and questions.
90–100’ BREAK (10’)	—
100–135’ MODULE 3 — Social micro‑project (canvas + schedule) (35’)	Goal: turn motivation into action. Materials: WOL5 (canvas), WOL6 (schedule). Instructions: WOL5 — canvas: Problem/“why” → Beneficiaries and benefits → SMART goal → Actions → Resources (people/place/materials) → Partners → Risks and Plan B → Outcome indicators (2–3). WOL6 — schedule: milestones (Week 1–4), responsible persons, materials checklist, consents/GDPR, safety. Exercise (20’): in 3–4-person teams design 1 micro‑project/4 weeks (e.g., “language club”, “bike workshop”, “book drive”). Criterion: complete WOL5–WOL6 with at least 2 indicators and a Plan B.
135–155’ MODULE 4 — Ethics, safety, well‑being (20’)	Goal: act safely and respectfully. Materials: WOL4 (code), case cards. Instructions: Boundaries and safeguarding: working with children/people in crisis; consents for image/data; do not publish photos of sensitive places without consent; organizational confidentiality; what to do when someone discloses violence—path to coordinator/services. Volunteer well‑being: mini routine 1‑2‑3 (breath–grounding–movement), the right to supervision/debrief, burnout warning signs. 5D bystander intervention: Direct, Delegate, Document, Distract, Delay – choose safely. Exercise (10’): in threes work through 2 cases (e.g., privacy breach in social media, boundaries of after-hours contact) → write decisions and “I-message/DESC” statements. Criterion: coherent WOL4 code (8 rules) + decisions for cases.
155–172’ MODULE 5 — Communication and documentation (17’)	Goal: professional contact and a record of actions. Materials: WOL7, WOL8, application form mock-up. Instructions: WOL7 — communication: consents (image/data), GDPR information clauses (at the level of the idea), a simple visibility plan for the micro‑project (1 post/week, photos with consent, thanking partners). WOL8 — journal/time sheet: date, task, hours, coordinator’s signature; for certificates/references. Contacting the coordinator: a short email/message (goal, availability, questions). Exercise (8’): fill in WOL7 (2 channels + consent plan) and the first entry in WOL8 (fictional). Criterion: completed WOL7 + first entry in WOL8.
172–178’ Mentimeter POST + 30‑day plan (6’)	Goal: wrap-up and implementation. Instructions: POST (the same 3 questions). On WOL9 write 3 steps/30 days (e.g., “I will apply to 2 NGOs”, “I will have a meeting with the coordinator”, “I will launch a micro‑project pilot for 10 people”).
178–180’ Closing (2’)	Instructions: take photos of flipcharts and cards (without sensitive data); info about the trainer’s office hours after the session (organizational support).

9. Printouts (ready-to-use content)

A4 print-ready items (1/person). Click “Print” to print the selected item.

WOL1

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL1 — Volunteering map (areas/roles/organizations)

Area → example tasks → required trainings/consents → risks → coordinator contact.

Co-Funded by the European Union

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.

WOL2

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL2 — Rights and obligations (checklist)

Must-have before starting: agreement; supervisor/coordinator; task scope; trainings (OHS/GDPR/sector-specific); cost reimbursement rules; consents; insurance (if provided by the organization); protective equipment/clothing.
Volunteer obligations: punctuality, confidentiality, safety, communicating changes, respecting boundaries, documenting hours.

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL3

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL3 — My volunteer profile

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL4

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL4 — Volunteer code (8 rules)

1)… 2)… 3)… 4)… 5)… 6)… 7)… 8)…
Team signatures.

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL5

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL5 — Micro‑project canvas

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL6

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL6 — Schedule and role split (light Gantt)

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL7

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL7 — Communication and consents (GDPR/media/storytelling)

Channels (offline/online) | Image/data consents | Information clauses (idea) | Visibility plan (min. 1 post/week) | Thank partners.

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL8

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL8 — Volunteer journal / Time sheet

Date | Task | Hours | Notes | Coordinator signature.

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL9

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL9 — 30‑day plan (3 steps + contacts)

Step 1 (within 7 days) | Step 2 (within 14 days) | Step 3 (within 30 days) | Contacts: NGO/coordinator/mentor.

Co-Funded by the European Union

WOL‑R

BNB4UR package • Group: 18–30 years • 180 minutes • 15–20 people • Language: Polish • Format: in-person

WOL‑R — Assessment rubric (0–2 points/criterion, max 10)

Profile and matching (WOL3)
Code and safety (WOL4)
Canvas + schedule (WOL5–WOL6)
Communication/consents (WOL7)
30‑day plan + journal (WOL9–WOL8)
Interpretation: 0–3 beginner; 4–7 solid; 8–10 ready.

Co-Funded by the European Union

Additional materials (created based on the scenario)

Mock-ups and support cards referenced in the scenario — fictional data for practice.

ADD1_POSTINGS

Additional materials • fictional data

Volunteer posting mock‑ups (3 examples — fictional data)

Posting 1: Language club • Tasks: facilitate conversation 1×/week • Requirements: PL/EN/UA welcome • Place: library • Contact: coordinator@ngo.pl
Posting 2: City event • Tasks: logistics, registration, crowd guidance • Requirements: availability on Saturday • We provide: OHS briefing, badge • Contact: volunteering@ngo.pl
Posting 3: Book drive • Tasks: sorting, packing, communication • Requirements: basic physical fitness • Hours: 2× 3h • Contact: books@ngo.pl
Questions for the coordinator (checklist): task scope, supervisor, trainings, photo/data consents, cost reimbursement, clothing/equipment, insurance (is it provided?).

Co-Funded by the European Union

ADD2_FORM

Additional materials • fictional data

Volunteer application form mock‑up (fictional)

1) Full name: ____________________________
2) Email / phone: ____________________________
3) Preferred contact language: PL / EN / UA / other: ____
4) Availability (days/hours): ____________________
5) Areas of interest: education / culture / health / environment / sport / events / humanitarian aid
6) Skills & resources (e.g., languages, IT, driving license): ________________________________________________
7) Boundaries & needs (e.g., working with children? field work?): __________________________________________
8) Consents (idea): consent to process contact data; consent/decline for publishing image — signature: __________

Co-Funded by the European Union

ADD3_CASES

Additional materials • fictional data

Case cards for exercises (ethics, safety, well‑being)

Case A: Someone posts participants’ photos without consent on social media. What do you do and how do you communicate it?
Case B: The coordinator messages after hours and expects an immediate reply. How do you set boundaries?
Case C: A discriminatory comment appears. How do you respond (the 5D model)?
Case D: You feel overloaded. How do you ask for support/debrief and adjust the task scope?

Co-Funded by the European Union

ADD4_EMAIL

Additional materials • fictional data

Message template to the coordinator (A2–B2, plain language)

Subject: Volunteering application — [Your name]
Hello,
My name is ________ and I would like to start volunteering with your organization.
I am available: ________ (days/hours). My skills: ________.
I am interested in tasks such as: ________.
I have a few questions: 1) who will be my coordinator? 2) is there training and OHS/GDPR rules? 3) what are the rules for photos?
Thank you and I look forward to your reply.
Best regards, ________ • phone/email: ________

Co-Funded by the European Union

ADD5_CANVAS

Additional materials • fictional data

Quick micro‑project canvas (to fill in)

Problem / “why”: __________________________________________
Beneficiaries and benefits: ____________________________________________
SMART goal: _____________________________________________________
Actions (3–5): ________________________________________________
Resources and partners: _____________________________________________
Risks + Plan B: _______________________________________________
Indicators (2–3): ______________________________________________
Visibility and consents: ____________________________________________

Co-Funded by the European Union

For the trainer

6. Good facilitation practices

Plain language (A2–B2) and pictograms; no legal jargon; explain abbreviations (GDPR, OHS, accident insurance).

Safety and ethics: do not share beneficiaries’ data; photos only with consent; care for well‑being (breaks, debrief).

Cultural inclusion: be mindful of differences; promote partnership relationships “with and for” the community, not only “for”.

Bridges: scenarios 03 (assertiveness/DESC), 13 (well‑being), 15 (cybersecurity), 17 (democratic life), 19 (consumer rights – collections/purchases), 21 (education – certificates), 24 (mediation).

7. Adaptations, plan B, variants

Language barrier: WOL2/WOL7 versions with PL↔UA phrases; mixed-language pairs; visual examples of micro‑projects.

Small group (≤10): full simulation of a meeting with the coordinator + refinement of WOL5–WOL6.

Less time (120’): M1 20’, M2 20’, M3 30’, M4 20’, M5 20’; WOL9 as homework.

More time (+30’): add the module “Event in practice” (volunteer roles, logistics, OHS) or a visit from an NGO representative.

8. Evaluation and indicators for reporting

Mentimeter PRE/POST — 3 questions (section 4).

Outputs: WOL2–WOL9 (photo/scan).

WOL‑R rubric (0–2 points/criterion, max 10):

Profile and offer matching (WOL3),

Code and safety (WOL4),

Canvas + schedule (WOL5–WOL6),

Communication and consents (WOL7),

30‑day plan (WOL9) and journal start (WOL8).
Interpretation: 0–3 beginner; 4–7 solid; 8–10 ready to act.

10. Branding and compliance

On the cards: “Bridges of Hope” logo, EU flag + “Co-funded by the European Union”, Erasmus+ logo; partners (KIS, Asociația Se Poate).

Space for project number and an information clause.

11. Trainer checklist (before/after)

Before: printouts WOL1–WOL9, WOL‑R; mock-ups of postings and the form; Mentimeter; timer.
After: photos of outputs (without data), save Mentimeter results, list of 30‑day plans for follow-up.