V Meeting of the Xavier Network International Volunteering Group

At the end of October, the International Volunteer Group of the Xavier Network met in Madrid, bringing together nearly 40 people who represent the different organizations that make up this network. These organizations include: Jessuiten Mission from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Leigos in Portugal, Jesuit Mission from the United Kingdom, Inigo from France and ALBOAN and Entreculturas from Spain. This meeting allowed the group to continue solidifying its efforts to build a shared space for mutual learning when it comes to international volunteering.
Hosted by Entreculturas, the goal of this gathering was to continue building upon the objectives of this international volunteer network, known as Xavier Volunteers, and help to define a shared vision as a “European network, rooted in Ignatian spirituality, which promotes collaboration among countries to empower agents of change through international volunteer experiences.”
Building on this vision, key activities were identified for the next few years, including the importance of carrying out an annual meeting, strengthening mentorship training and the definition of quality criteria throughout the international volunteer process. Afterward, responsibilities were assigned and a timeline was defined.
Saturday was dedicated to the post-volunteer experience and what it means to be an “agent of change”. Fernando Vidal, sociologist and researcher, offered a presentation to open up new perspectives regarding intercultural conceptions and global citizenship following international volunteering, especially the potential available through the use of social media and public opinion.
People who have returned from volunteer experiences in different countries also participated in this event, sharing their insights through an “open space” which sought to address critical issues such as what happens when a volunteer returns, the role of the organizations that send them, how to continue developing the dimension of “agents of change” as an everyday attitude and the role of Ignatian spirituality.
Jesuits from Germany, Portugal, Poland and the United States who are active in promoting international volunteerism also attended the event and shared their perspectives.
Recently, one of the members of the Xavier Network, Entreculturas, released an evaluation report on the experience of the Pedro Arrupe Volunteer Program (or VOLPA). The report, entitled “International Volunteering as a channel of cooperation and global citizenship,” can be found here.
This post was written by Fernando Zárate. The original version in Spanish can be found here. The agenda can be found here. 
Photos: Entreculturas.