Local event “Me and Society” in Rezekne
On February 27, a discussion titled “Me and Society” took place in Rēzekne, bringing together young people, representatives of organizations, youth sector specialists, and volunteers to jointly analyze the importance, opportunities, and challenges of volunteering. The event was held at the premises of the Eastern Latvia Creative Services Center “Zeimuļs” and from the very beginning was defined not only as a discussion, but as an idea workshop aimed at improving the volunteering system in the city. Representatives of the European Association “World-Our Home” and European Solidarity Corps programme volunteers from Turkey and North Macedonia also participated in the event.
In the opening part, moderator Iveta Graudiņa invited participants to reflect on their own experience: who had already been a volunteer, who was still considering getting involved, and who had not yet dared to take the first step. This simple activity revealed an important trend — young people are interested, but they often lack information, a sense of security, and confidence that they are truly welcome in organizations.
During the live panel discussion, representatives of several organizations shared their experience. Raitis Šembelis, Community Participation Coordinator of the Latgale Regional Territorial Unit of the State Probation Service, emphasized that public involvement strengthens trust and fosters closer cooperation between institutions and residents. Volunteers Nino Okroadze and Mariam Shohdy from “AFS Latvia” provided an international perspective, sharing their experience with volunteering and youth programs abroad, demonstrating that engagement opens up broader opportunities for personal and professional growth. Dace Deksne from the European Association “World-Our Home” spoke about project opportunities and civic participation. Meanwhile, Niks Ričards Odiņš, member of the Latvian Red Cross Youth Council, stressed that volunteering offers young people a chance to develop leadership skills, take responsibility, and support one another. Armands Klapins, Chair of the Rēzekne Youth Council, together with council members Kristiāna Parisa Šķēle-Brokāne and Nikita Mihailovs, highlighted youth involvement in city events and the need to give young people real opportunities to influence what is happening.
Throughout the discussion, several important topics were analyzed: to what extent young people engage in organizations, whether it is possible to start without prior experience, what most often discourages youth from getting involved, and what barriers exist during the first volunteering experience. The youth voice segment was particularly significant, where participants acknowledged that the biggest obstacle is often uncertainty and fear — will I be good enough, will I be accepted, will I be able to combine volunteering with my studies? Representatives of organizations confirmed that motivation and willingness to get involved are more important than experience, and that young people are welcome in organizations even if they are just beginning their journey.
During the practical working group sessions, participants searched for concrete solutions in five areas: accessibility of information, the engagement process, recognition of volunteer work, reduction of barriers, and development of youth initiatives. One of the key ideas proposed was the need to create a unified, easy-to-understand platform compiling all volunteering opportunities in the city. The creation of a volunteer tracking and recognition system was also discussed, such as digital registration, certificates, or other forms of acknowledgment that would help young people document their experience and use it in the future.
The discussion “Me and Society” took place at a time when increasing attention is being paid to the importance of volunteering in societal development, especially considering that 2026 has been declared the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. At the conclusion of the event, it was emphasized that volunteering is not only about helping others — it is an investment in oneself, in one’s city, and in society as a whole. The discussion confirmed that Rēzekne has both active young people and organizations ready to cooperate, and that the next step is to jointly implement the developed ideas in practice.
As previously reported, this year Rēzekne proudly bears the title “Latvian Youth Capital 2026.”
