Volunteering is one of the most accessible forms of active citizenship. 

Active citizenship means taking responsibility for the communities we live in and contributing to positive change. This does not always require organising large campaigns or influencing national policies. Sometimes active citizenship begins with small actions that improve everyday life for others. 

Through volunteering, young people can: 

• strengthen their local communities; 
• promote inclusion and solidarity; 
• support vulnerable groups; 
• protect the environment; 
• organise educational activities; 
• contribute to democratic participation. 

Volunteering also helps people better understand social challenges and encourages cooperation between citizens, organisations, and public institutions. 

Many European programmes, including Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, recognise volunteering as an important pathway to learning, participation, and social inclusion.