The Trenčín 2026 Volunteer Programme has once again joined forces with partners from across Europe! This time, we set out for Chemnitz, Germany, where representatives of current, future, and former European Capitals of Culture came together. Joining us on this journey were two of our volunteers, along with Danka, who strengthens our team in the field of administration and volunteer support.
On the very first day, we were welcomed by a free walking tour through the city, led by local volunteers – they showed us Chemnitz through their own eyes and spoke about how volunteering shapes their community, revives public spaces, and connects people. It took only a few hours to see that the power of volunteering is the same everywhere – in enthusiasm, willingness, and humanity.
The following days were filled with workshops on volunteer programme coordination and management, where teams from Timișoara, Tartu, and Chemnitz shared their experiences. We discussed how to support volunteers, build communities, and maintain motivation even during challenging times. There was no shortage of inspiration – from new training formats to ways of linking volunteering with cultural events and the city’s public life.
A particularly strong moment came during our meeting with our partner city, Oulu (Finland) – which, together with Trenčín, will become the European Capital of Culture in 2026. We agreed on joint online and offline activities, volunteer exchanges, knowledge sharing, and collaborative projects that will strengthen the connection between our cities. We believe this partnership will bring not only new experiences but also friendships that will last well beyond 2026.
We also held discussions with future European Capitals of Culture – Bourges (FR), České Budějovice (CZ), Liepāja (LV), and Évora (PT) – about how we can collaborate and support each other at the European level. We are all united by the same goal: to create volunteer programmes that will remain a lasting part of our cities even after the European Capital of Culture year ends.
Thursday evening belonged to the Thank You Party for the volunteers of Chemnitz 2025 – a celebration that once again reminded us that volunteers are the heart of every city that wants to grow and change the world around it. Their energy, smiles, and commitment were the best motivation for us as well.
We are leaving this meeting full of inspiration, pride, and the assurance that we are on the right path. Our volunteer programme is growing, has solid foundations, and is building ever stronger connections not only at home but also across Europe.
💙 We believe we’ll meet our partners again soon – and next time, we’ll be the ones to welcome them to Trenčín. Because together, we’re creating a Europe with heart.
