Interview with the Winner of the Open Call of the Volunteering Programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026
In March, we launched an open call “Creating Together – Looking for a Slogan for the Volunteering Programme Trenčín 2026”, aiming to find a short, catchy, and memorable phrase that captures the essence of volunteering within the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project. We were looking for a slogan that inspires engagement, supports the idea of cooperation, and reflects values such as solidarity, community, responsibility, and shared growth.
Many people responded to the call, and the winning slogan was chosen by the volunteers themselves and announced at the March DOBROstretko.
We spoke with the author of the winning slogan, Veronika J. – about what motivated her to join, how she got into volunteering, and why she believes that even small steps can make a big difference.
What motivated you to take part in the open call for a slogan for the volunteering programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026?
I don’t know, maybe it was something subconscious, as I’ve been a long-time volunteer and spend most of my free time on activities of the civic association Silnejší slabším (The Stronger for the Weaker), of which I became a member. But it just resonated with me and I thought, why not? I’ll try to come up with something, send it in and participate. I had nothing to lose.
What values or message did you want to convey through your slogan?
That people shouldn’t be afraid to help, that they should come together as one strong community that helps one another. We are one whole, and as a whole, we can achieve greater change than any individual – even though it always takes one person to start and be that individual at the beginning.
How did you feel when you found out that your slogan was chosen by the volunteers as the most fitting one?
When I was informed via message… I did get an invitation to the announcement, but due to work and family commitments, I couldn’t attend the event.
How did you get into volunteering and what motivated you?
I got into volunteering by participating in activities of the civic association Silnejší slabším, which opened new possibilities for me and showed me how one can be useful. That’s how I became involved in volunteering. I saw that what the association does makes sense, and not only changed me as a person, but also gives people with disadvantages the opportunity to be part of normal society and not pushed aside.
Is there any volunteering project or event that you’re particularly proud of?
Every single project I’ve been part of as a volunteer was important to me and helped me grow.
How do you think volunteering shapes a person – either personally or professionally?
Volunteering in the civic association Silnejší slabším helped me not just as a person, but also in deciding where I want my future to go. That’s why I decided to study social work, and I now work in a social services home with people with intellectual disabilities.
Why did you decide to become part of the volunteering programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026?
An inner feeling and a decision to change something – as long as it’s within my abilities and possibilities.
What do you think this programme will bring to the city of Trenčín and its inhabitants?
Maybe people will decide on their own to help, join together as one, and change something for a better Trenčín with joint efforts.
How do you perceive the connection between culture, community, and volunteering within the European Capital of Culture?
I think it’s very important, and everything should be connected. Within the association’s activities, we decided to organize the Spolufest festival, which will take place for the second time on 7 June 2025. It’s not just about performances by famous people – we aim to connect the city’s culture, various local figures, communities in culture and art – giving them the opportunity to come together and present themselves to others.
If you had to choose one motto that guides your life, what would it be?
– Since I’ve written multiple times that I’m a volunteer and also active in the association Silnejší slabším, my personal and our shared motto comes straight from the name:
“The stronger help the weaker, together we create a better world.”
Join us
You too can be part of the volunteering programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. Together, we can create meaningful events, connect communities, and transform the city for the better. All it takes is the willingness to join – whether in organizing, behind the scenes, or in the field.
👉 More about volunteering and registration
Volunteering changes not only the world around us, but also ourselves.
