Volunteerism Summit Held at Bilkent

The latest event organized by TDP (Social Awareness Projects), the Volunteerism Summit, was held last Saturday, March 30 at Bilkent University. The purpose of the summit was to provide a forum where the young people of Ankara could assemble and discuss issues related to volunteering. During the course of the day, volunteers from various universities and foundations had the chance to introduce their projects and learn about others' initiatives.

The opening speech was given by Hülya Bostanoğlu, founder of the chorus for the disabled in Antalya, who spoke about the difficulties she had faced and the effort she had put forth to achieve her dream. Following this, participants gave brief presentations on their projects. Problems related to volunteer work were discussed, and the wide range of attendees and perspectives offered the possibility of discovering solutions.

Even the lunch break was productive, giving participants the opportunity to network and become better acquainted. When everyone returned to the meeting, they were ready for the "Project Fair," with stands manned by volunteers from the various organizations represented at the summit. Some were able to recruit new volunteers for their projects, while others sought suggestions regarding issues they were facing. Participants found the fair particularly useful, because it enabled them to initiate new partnerships and friendships. They also learned that volunteer groups at other universities were working on similar projects and, realizing that mutual problems can have mutual solutions, determined to keep in touch with each other.

Next on the program was a panel discussion. After dividing the participants into different groups, the organizers from TDP started the discussion, focusing on five main questions they had prepared:

1. How can new volunteers be found?

2. How can volunteers be motivated?

3. Does your college support your volunteering activities?

4. Should voluntary work be compulsory at colleges?

5. How can voluntary projects be sustained?

The final session of the day was a workshop, at which the organizers introduced three general issues and gave some statistical data as background. Participants then brainstormed to come up with new projects that would address these issues. After the proposed projects are reviewed, the best one will be announced later this month.

The summit was a great success, encouraging those who attended to become even more active in volunteer work. Many were inspired to take part in new projects they were introduced to through the event, and everyone enjoyed getting together and exchanging ideas with their fellow volunteers.

Betül Urgancı (PSYC/II) & Sena Kayasü (ARCH/I)