Volunteers as Change-Makers: Advocacy, Activism, and Navigating Risks

September 15, 2025

 Volunteers are often at the forefront of campaigning, advocacy, and social change, working to tackle issues like discrimination, climate justice, and human rights. Yet in many contexts — especially where civic space is shrinking — volunteers face complex challenges when activism and advocacy put them at risk.  

 This session will explore how Volunteer-Involving Organisations (VIOs) can support volunteers engaging in advocacy and change-making, especially in more demanding environments. We will discuss strategies for preparing and equipping volunteers, including risk management, advocacy tools, and solidarity practices, as well as how to balance meaningful engagement with safety. Together, we’ll share good practices for enabling volunteers to be effective and ethical agents of change. 

Different 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.

Breakout Session