IVCO

In 2025, demanding environments take many forms — from political instability and conflict to social exclusion, natural disasters, and digital risks. Volunteers operating in these contexts need specific skills, mindsets, and robust support to navigate complexity safely and effectively. This session will explore what demanding environments look like today and what characteristics are essential in volunteers working in them. 

We will share strategies for recruiting, preparing, and supporting volunteers, including mental health support before, during, and after placements, flexible and hybrid assignments, and post-assignment supports. The session will also address budget implications for volunteer-involving organisations in making these changes — asking what investments are needed to ensure volunteers' wellbeing and effectiveness while working in these demanding contexts. 

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 2025
Click here to find out more about what to expect from each type of breakout session.