Hello everyone! Today my goal here is to convey my enthusiasm for volunteering in Interreg.
First of all, let’s break the ice by introducing myself! I am Irene, IVY Reporter at the Veneto Region – Regional support office of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme. So that you know the incredible opportunity I have, my office view overlooks the fascinating palaces and the lively calli of Venice.
It has been four months since I have been welcomed in Interreg and I want to share with you which are the main tasks I accomplish in my daily routine as part of the team of the Italy-Slovenia Interreg Programme office at the Veneto Region. After having received an adequate training, I immediately immersed myself in communication activities aiming to promote the regional participation in the Programme, committed in enhancing cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia. Among others, I draft news for website publications and I produce materials as vehicle to reach citizens, including the postcard I distributed to students so as to engage them in the post-2027 Consultations. Additionally, I am working on the production of fact sheets to inform the society of the Venetian participation in the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme and to highlight the contribution they make to the financed projects.
Not only my role includes office-based activities but I have also been engaged in several events as well as in the 6th Monitoring Committee of the Programme held in Venice on the 2nd and 3rd October 2024. During my permanence here, I have definitely enhanced my understanding of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), one of the two objectives pursued by Cohesion policy, the European Union strategy to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion among regions. On the 15th of November 2024 I received the honourable opportunity to participate in Brussels in the “Youth for Future Cooperation – On the Road to Interreg GO!” conference at the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission: in this occasion, IVY volunteers and alumni discussed together and presented to the DG REGIO their insightful recommendations for the future of territorial cooperation.
By now, I feel I have gained enough experience to totally recommend this inspiring opportunity. Besides improving my communication skills, I am to gain unique experiences and contributing to the successful implementation of cooperation – essential for a solid Europe – makes me really full of pride. Although during the volunteering moments of challenge may occur, overcoming difficulties is a chance to foster both personal and professional growth. To conclude, being IVY volunteer is an immense pleasant experience you cannot miss!
