Hello. My name is Iker Falcón Cazás and I am 23 years old. I am currently volunteering with the research group ‘GI-1716 Proxectos e Planificación (PROEPLA)’, which is part of the organisation of the REUSE EUROMED 2026 Congress, to be held in San Fernando de Henares, Madrid, in June.
Although the organisation of the conference had been underway before my arrival, I have been able to see how such an important international event is carried out from the inside. Due to my training in Cultural Management, this volunteer work is proving extremely useful in helping me to learn about those aspects of event organisation that are not usually visible at first glance. My tasks, even though the organisation was practically finalised, involve supporting and participating in activities that improve the internal functioning of the Congress, and they are very varied, so I always keep a close eye on the people who, like me, participate within the organisation.
From the outset, my colleagues have made me feel comfortable and important in the project, which gives me the confidence and security to continue contributing my knowledge to the project.
The tasks
Some of the tasks I perform are done using digital tools, such as databases. Although I can do these comfortably from a space designated by my colleagues, other activities cannot be carried out from that environment, as some of my colleagues are located elsewhere, as is the case in the photograph I have attached. In it, I am standing in a corner, not speaking at that moment, as we are participating in a virtual meeting, specifying actions that can be carried out for the Madrid Congress. And that’s one of the things I like most about this volunteer work: from the very beginning, I felt like one of the team, able to take action without fear, because I feel that all my actions are not only taken into account, but also, if there is space for them, they are carried out, allowing me to participate actively and collaborate with very interesting and supportive people.
I am very pleased with this project, and I hope that in the time I have left on it, I can continue learning from others and contributing my knowledge to such an interesting initiative. It's very important to me!
– Iker, IVY Project Partner at University of Santiago de Compostela, for the Interreg SUDOE I-ReWater – Gestión de los recursos hídricos en la agricultura de regadío del espacio SUDOE
