In 2025, as part of the competition WOW Volunteering - implemented by the Solidarity Corps and the NIW - we supported the 7 grassroots volunteer initiatives in the GZM Metropolis. Each project was different, but all had a common goal: strengthening social resilience and real support for people in crisis or in need in their daily lives.
Through these initiatives, volunteers developed competences, implemented creative ideas and engaged the local community. We have supported over 800 people, and activities have left a lasting effect in terms of social relationships, experiences and practical tools.
Women for women - the power of volunteering
Workshop for 20 women from Ukraine gathered around the Spilno HUB.
Objective: discovering strengths, planning your own volunteering path and social integration.
Effect: development of social skills and emotional resilience.
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Competence workshop - the volunteer a resilient slice in a crisis
Three workshops where volunteers practised communications, crisis communication and first aid.
Objective: Increase knowledge and practical skills for responding to difficult situations.
Effect: strengthening the social resilience of volunteers.
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Breathing in crisis - workshop for volunteers to strengthen mental resilience
Workshop on breathing and relaxation techniques for 10 people.
Objective: reducing tension and emotions in difficult situations.
Effect: increased mental toughness of participants.
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Seniors for seniors - integration and volunteering
25 seniors took part in an integration trip to the spa in Ustron and in a workshop to prepare 30 Christmas packages for the elderly and lonely.
Objective: integration of senior citizens, social activation and support for those at risk of exclusion.
Effect: development of social skills and a sense of empowerment.
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Volunteering for resilience - helping in the crisis of exclusion
With four street duty stations, around 600 people received support: hot meals, clothing, hygiene products and basic medical assistance.
Objective: support for people in crisis of homelessness and poverty.
Effect: strengthening the social resilience of beneficiaries and volunteers.
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Helping in emergency situations - workshop for school children
A workshop for 96 pupils aged 10-12, teaching emergency response, fire and choking.
Objective: Increasing children's safety awareness and social resilience.
Effect: acquire practical skills for responding to hazards.
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Emergency preparedness of the citizens of Katowice
Training for 60 residents of Katowice conducted by experts and volunteers with experience in the uniformed services.
Objective: Increasing residents' preparedness to respond to emergencies.
Effect: developing the safety competences and social resilience of participants.
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In numbers:
- 7 minigrants
- More than 800 people supported
- Activities in schools, on the streets, in classrooms and among senior citizens
- Durable equipment and activity models remaining in use
All projects had in common strengthening social resilience - through integration, education, psychological support and competence development of volunteers and beneficiaries. Thanks to WOW Volunteering local leaders have shown that the community has the power to change the world around it.
Activity implemented as part of the public task „Connecting us with action”, funded by the National Institute of Freedom - Centre for Civil Society Development from the funds of the „Solidarity Corps - Government Programme for the Support and Development of Systematic Volunteering for 2018-2030”.”