Thanks to the FOCSIV network, we offer young people the opportunity to put into practice their competences and passion, working closely with communities to address social, environmental and educational challenges.

Why?

We believe in young people activism and protagonism, in change that starts today. We would like to be part of a welcoming and open society, caring for everyone’s needs. Every person, after a volunteering experience, is a piece of this world. That’s why we believe the Civilian Alternative Service to be a powerful tool to create a meaningful and lasting impact, and to develop a concrete global perspective.

The Civilian Alternative Service is an initiative by the Italian Department for Youth Policies. Within the FOCSIV network, ASPEm is a sending organisation for volunteers.

Are you between 18 and 28 years old?

Our volunteers support the activities of the headquarter, and they have the opportunity of a 360° vision of the behind the scenes in a NGO.  
They can develop a new understanding of the area, which is about: relationships between people and associations, discussion tables, communitarian events.

We involve our volunteers in: awareness and training activities, territorial events, workshop, international meetings. It is an experience that non only enriches their curriculum, but also prepares active and responsible citizens.
The Civilian Alternative Service in Italy gives them the opportunity to experiment themselves in a “protected” working context, also during their study course.

Our volunteers participate in cooperation projects with a real impact on the communities, they contribute to improve life conditions of the people they meet, they collaborate with local organisations. The Civilian Alternative Service abroad is a possibility to not only make a difference, but also gain new competences and live significant experiences.

We invest a lot in the initial training for the volunteers and in the constant monitoring during the whole development of the project. To immerse oneself in a new culture is – often – demanding. It is crucial to provide the correct tools in order for it to be an enriching experience from different points of view: human, political, civic, professional.