project in serbia: our town

 

For the past 20 years, Serbian society undergoes various radical changes. Not only its structure and character but the expectations of Serbian citizens towards the state and its institutions have changed as well. Serbian society has been getting into the stage when citizens understand that a solution for their problems is in their own hands.

However, Serbia is missing institutions and actors who would be able to stimulate a positive change in “bottom-up” direction, from communities. One of the possible tools is the concept of volunteerism or the involvement of local actors to the development of a community. Similar concept is not unknown in Serbia; however, it lacks necessary capacities and background.

The aim of this Pontis Foundation’ project is to strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships and development of communities in Serbia. Suggested activities will bring the development of corporate volunteerism (the involvement of employees to community) with the aim to increase social corporate responsibility.

To reach the desired goal, at first stage the Pontis Foundation will help to create capacities of its partner in Serbia (Smart Kolektiv) for the corporate volunteerism. During the next stage, in cooperation with our Serbian partner, we will create a Serbian group ENGAGE which will associate socially responsible corporations whose employees will be engaged in helping the communities by voluntary activities.

In Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, we will organize the event Our Town – public event of volunteers. During two days, employees of engaged corporations will help community organizations (non-profit organizations, institutions working with physically disadvantaged citizens, kindergartens, schools, health service institutions, institutions providing social services) by voluntary work for them.

The project will focus on the capital city Belgrade, where the main project activities will be implemented – establishment of the ENGAGE group and Our Town event. In case of success, after the completion of the project, same activities will be implemented in other Serbian towns.

• Analysis of corporate volunteerism in Serbia (December 2009) 
• Sharing our corporate volunteering know-how with Serbian companies (June 30, 2009)
• Training for Serbian non-profit organizations on corporate volunteering (March 11, 2009) 

Project was financially supported from the resources of SlovakAid, Slovak official development aid.