EVCN Meeting in Chemnitz: Inspiration for the Volunteer Community of Budějovice 2028!

21. October 2025

In early October, representatives from České Budějovice (the volunteer coordinator and two volunteers) attended the international EVCN – European Volunteer Coordinators Network meeting in Chemnitz, Germany, which is currently celebrating the title of European Capital of Culture 2025. The meeting was aimed at both volunteer coordinators and volunteers themselves, from past, present, and future European Capitals of Culture.

A diverse group of European cities was represented, including Tartu, Timișoara, Kaunas, Chemnitz, Oulu, Trenčín, Évora, Liepāja, Bourges, and, of course, České Budějovice.

Sharing Experiences and Collaborative Work


During the workshops, we shared experiences and discussed the challenges and benefits of volunteering within cultural projects. We drew inspiration not only from cities that have already held the title but also from those preparing for it. Joint brainstorming revealed that volunteering is primarily about collaboration, relationships, and shared experiences, and that a key element of success is building a community that supports everyone involved.

One of the main outcomes of the meeting will be a manual for future volunteer coordinators, summarizing best practices, recommendations, and tips from a European perspective. This document will serve as a practical tool for Budějovice 2028—and at the same time, it will inspire anyone eager to actively contribute to community building.

Chemnitz: a city where volunteering comes alive

Despite the intensive program, there was still time to explore Chemnitz, a city pulsating with culture and community energy. The streets and cultural spaces were filled with an atmosphere of joy and sharing. The most powerful experience was the Thank You Party for ECOC Chemnitz volunteers, where relationships, enthusiasm, and cultural experiences came together. We want to bring this energy and community building to Budějovice—a place where people meet, learn, and create together.

Become part of the volunteer community!

The meeting in Chemnitz confirmed that volunteering is not just work, it is an experience that brings people together, develops the community, and brings joy from culture. Anyone who wants to build a community, share their experiences, and experience cultural projects firsthand can be part of the Budějovice 2028 volunteer platform—just fill out the registration form. Your involvement makes sense, and together we can create a community we can all be proud of. A big thank you goes to the Chemnitz team and everyone who shared their experiences and enthusiasm – their approach inspires us to bring the same energy to Budějovice 2028!

I want to become a volunteer!