Working together to build a broad and sustainable vol­un­teer­ing policy

During the Summit of LOV, one of the breakout sessions focused on volunteers. Together, participants sought answers to one key question: how can we build a broad, sustainable and welcoming volunteering programme for LOV2030 in the coming years?

In Leuven and the surrounding region, there is already astrong tradition of volunteering. Many cultural organisations, associations and initiatives can count on dedicated volunteers. This presents opportunities for LOV2030: we can build on what already exists, connect people and organisations, and work together based on shared values.

But what would such a volunteering programme look like? Who would take on which role? What support is needed? And above all: what does it mean to be a LOV volunteer?

Lessons from Chemnitz 2025

We drew inspiration from Chemnitz 2025, the European Capital of Culture in Germany. The experiences of Anton Schneider, who helped develop the volunteer programme there, offered many recognisable insights.

An important lesson from Chemnitz 2025: start early! Work on setting up the volunteer programme began two years before the title year. Initially, it proved difficult to reach people. It wasn’t social media, but personal contact that ultimately made the difference. The team went out into neighbourhoods, cafés and local events to talk to residents and get them excited about the project.

Personal contact remained central throughout the title year as well. Volunteers were not viewed as (free) extra staff. They were given clear expectations, support and appreciation. Investment was made in training courses on communication, inclusion, first aid and conflict resolution. At the same time, volunteers were given the space to take the initiative themselves and to meet one another, for example through the ‘Volunteers for Volunteers’ programme.

The experiences from Chemnitz 2025 show that a strong volunteering programme goes far beyond practical support. It creates new connections, strengthens local networks and allows people to be part of a bigger story. This is precisely where an important ambition for 2030 lies.

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What did we learn from the discussions?

Following Anton Schneider’s presentation, participants broke into smaller groups to discuss the topic. Although the discussions focused on different aspects, a few clear insights emerged time and again.

The added value of volunteering

People don’t just get involved to help out somewhere. They’re also looking for connection, new encounters and the feeling of being part of a community. That’s why appreciation, a say in matters and engagement are essential.

Among other things, participants suggested organising activities for and by volunteers, creating space for feedback and building a strong volunteer community.

Good support makes all the difference

A successful volunteering programme requires time and attention. Volunteers need to know what is expected of them and receive adequate support.

Training can play an important role in this. Participants suggested, amongst other things, training courses on communication, first aid and specific tasks. Knowledge-sharing between organisations and experienced volunteers was also seen as a major added value.

Flexibility is essential

Not everyone wants to get involved in the same way. Some people are looking for a long-term role within an organisation, whilst others prefer to help out occasionally at events. That is why participants saw opportunities in a combination of permanent volunteers and a flexible pool of volunteers that can also be utilised by different organisations.

LOV2030 can connect

A striking conclusion was that LOV2030 does not necessarily need to develop a completely new volunteering programme alongside existing initiatives. The greatest added value may lie in connecting people, organisations and expertise that are already present in Leuven and the region today.

Participants envisaged a potential coordinating role for LOV2030, whereby knowledge is shared, volunteers find their way to different organisations, and a shared identity emerges without losing the distinct character of existing schemes.

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What happens next?

The core group of volunteers will incorporate the recommendations from the discussions into the further development of LOV2030’s volunteering policy.

Over the coming months, we will continue to work on a framework for the volunteering programme. Among other things, we will examine what roles are needed, what training and support might look like, and how we can build a strong community that will continue to exist beyond 2030.

Would you like to stay informed? Sign up as a volunteer and we’ll be the first to let you know about opportunities to help shape LOV2030. Because you can’t create a European Capital of Culture on your own.