5. DAY: Inspiration from S.T.O.P., volunteer expectation management

The day started with review of previous day. The previous day was field activity which includes study visit of Ostrava. People were divided in group of 4/5 and asked to explore city. Couple of groups was given a task to explore and visit local NGOs and municipal services.

The trainer Cosmin asked about local nonprofit Organization NGO named ADRA, Alessandro and Beston explained the objectives and activity of ADRA

From this review the next activity was pretty much related. A successful local NGO named S.T.O.P was invited as Guest to share the idea and experience of their organization

Mgr. Ivona represented her Organization S.T.O.P. and talked about basic ideas of freedom/tolerance/equality/opportunity which makes the basis of their organization. She explained the projects which includes lectures/Education for children of socially unstable/poor conditioned families. The volunteers visit their homes and with consent of parents and STOP officials, start helping in subjects of socializing/science/language/mathematics/music and sports etc. Anything which can improve the learning process of kids and providing the material to make it happen. The annual Budget of organization started from 10,000/ euros in 2001 and is around 80000/euros now. Most of Budget comes from government/Ministry of Interior. Outdoor activities and travelling for kids are also added on monthly basis.

The 2^nd part of the day was dedicated to conflict management and expectation management. The idea was made adventurous and interesting by trainers Cosmin/Suren by simulating conflict situations in lack of communication scenarios (chair acquisition/tasks conflicts). Participants were told about real life situations and stages of conflicts, when and where to intervene as volunteer coordinator and avoid/stop conflicts

The day ended on high note by a thought provoking talk on art of listening. This day was awesome and informative in all possible ways. From real life story of STOP to challenges of conflict.

Authors of the article: Jan (Italy), Paulina (Poland)

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