Building on the discussions of the first day, breakout sessions on Day 2 will invite delegates to explore the different ways we can think about solidarity. We will provide time and space to reflect together on what we mean by solidarity, where it might already be present in our relationships and how the process of asking questions might help us to strengthen it further.

In this Strategy Conversation, speakers will provide high-level insights and real-world examples to inspire delegates to consider how intersecting global crises impact volunteering and development in different ways.

Moderator: Lucie Morillon (France Volontaires)

• Speakers: Paul Kabwe (Habitat for Humanity)
• Title: "Working with partner communities: Habitat for Humanity’s efforts towards collaboration through volunteering"

To deliver safe, sustainable, and high-quality programmes in the housing sector, Habitat for Humanity has explored various models for engaging volunteers. These volunteers act as the heart, hands, and voice of the organisation, helping to empower communities with decent living conditions. In this presentation, the speakers will discuss how their engagement has inevitably built solidarities that contribute to addressing various community challenges. In Kenya, Habitat for Humanity engages local community members who volunteer to serve on committees that oversee the partner selection process. These committees, which represent all groups within the locality, recommend beneficiaries for Habitat for Humanity’s programmes. Once the organisation exits the area, the committee manages the additional assets resulting from Habitat for Humanity’s intervention. In Zambia, since 2019, Habitat for Humanity’s advocacy programme has led to the creation of the Makululu Advocacy Committee, a voluntary group in Makululu, Kabwe. Community members in this group amplify the needs of their community. With support from Habitat for Humanity Zambia, the committee directs its efforts towards advocating for Makululu’s needs to local government initiatives and representatives. Both examples show how engaging local community members fosters sustainability and accountability. By actively participating in identifying challenges and implementing solutions, communities develop a strong sense of ownership, greater equity and increased awareness throughout the whole process. This presentation will share Habitat's experiences, successes, and challenges in engaging volunteer community members throughout the project lifecycle, and open a conversation to exchange ideas on how to involve volunteers meaningfully and sustainably within the housing ecosystem.

• Speaker: Helge Espe (Independent Analyst)
• Title: "International Volunteering for Development: Five challenges to the current narrative"

This presentation will explore five key challenges that are reshaping the current narrative and practices of International Volunteering for Development (IVfD): 1) The trend towards a multi-polar world, 2) the Covid 19 pandemic, 3) War and conflict, 4) Artificial Intelligence, 5) the Climate crisis. The speaker will discuss how IVfD must evolve beyond outdated concepts of the last century, recognising the need for adaptation and innovation in response to these emerging global risks. By confronting these challenges, the presentation will highlight the urgency for IVfD to rethink its strategies and practices to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world. Reflecting on how the world has evolved since the 1960s, the speaker will argue for a shift in narrative to align with contemporary realities and ensure that IVfD strategies remain relevant and effective in addressing current global needs.

• Speaker: Erastus Mong'are (Peace Corps)
• Title: "How to boldly create sustainable partnerships in volunteerism"

Drawing on over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit and government sectors (locally and internationally), this presentation will discuss and share practical ways to boldly harness the power of partnerships and develop vibrant, engaged teams with a focus on building long-term relationships to strengthen your volunteering initiatives. Delegates will hear examples of lessons learned and tested in the field, and how these best practices can be applied to help volunteering organisations achieve impact. The speaker will highlight the power of people-to-people contact in building impactful relationships/partnerships and the importance of leveraging existing networks to address unmet organisational needs. The presentation will also open the conversation for delegates to share strategies and build support for each other towards better volunteering outcomes.

*Four different modalities of breakout sessions have been designed to amplify diverse voices and promote opportunities for delegates to share their experiences in engaging ways during IVCO 2024.
Click here to find out more about what to expect from each type of breakout session.