Dear Amazonas community,
I hope you all had a great start into the new year and are ready for all the things Amazonas has prepared for 2026.
For those of you who don´t know me from last year: My name is Amy and I am one of the Amazonas volunteers for the 2025/26 season.
In today’s blog article, I want to highlight a lesser-known but incredibly important form of volunteering: Solidarity Projects.
Unlike traditional volunteering, where you usually join an existing organization, Solidarity Projects empower young people to take the lead themselves. They encourage participants to identify a local issue they care about and design a project to address it from scratch.
Each project is carried out by a group of at least five young people aged 18 to 30, all sharing a common motivation and vision for their local community. Finding a shared goal can sometimes be challenging—especially given the wide range of topics you can work on. These include social inclusion and equality, mental health and well-being, environmental protection and climate action, education, culture and youth engagement, as well as community building and local solidarity.
But no matter which topic you choose, the core idea remains the same: promoting local action with real, tangible impact.
A Solidarity Project can last anywhere between 2 and 12 months and is supported through funding, mentoring, and administrative guidance. This support structure makes it possible for the young group to focus on what truly matters—turning ideas into direct action.
Personally, I believe Solidarity Projects are a powerful reminder that motivation, teamwork, and a shared goal can go a long way. You don’t need large international organizations, prior experience, or expert knowledge to make a difference. Positive change can start right outside your door—with your friends and your community.
Organizing a Solidarity Project is also a great opportunity to develop valuable skills such as project management, teamwork, and communication. It strengthens your CV, supports your personal growth, and connects you with inspiring young people along the way.
And let’s be honest—it feels pretty amazing to see something you helped create come to life.
As we step into a brand-new year, Solidarity Projects remind us that positive change doesn’t have to be grand or global. It can start right where we are.
So, if one of your goals this year is to give back, grow, and get involved, consider exploring Solidarity Projects. Who knows? This could be the beginning of your most impactful year yet. See you next month with a brand-new article.
Amy, ESC volunteer
