The ECoC and Me

Volunteers

The volunteer service is indispensable for the Pécs2010 European Capital of Culture programme.

We look forward to receiving the application of people who are ready to join one of our actions as organisers, work as an assistant in our events, work for a non profit organisation, or would like to join a professional committee as a specialist of a particular field. These are of course just a few examples, and applicants will be given tailor-made tasks who will contribute to our success as "time donors."

This programme has three components:

  • International volunteer service
  • Volunteers for the Pécs2010 Management Centre
  • Volunteers for the Pécs2010 ECoC artistic events. In the latter case the MC acts as a mediator between volunteers and the organisers of the events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a volunteer?
  • You can contact our colleagues by e-mail: onken...@pecs2010.hu
  • You can contact our colleagues at the ECoC InfoPoint at CsészényiTér2010 (Széchenyi tér 7.)
  • You can fill out the form published in the supplement to the 2007/2008 City Pages and send it to the following address: 7621 Pécs, Mária u. 9.
Just a few reasons why it is worth becoming a volunteer:
  • You can become an active participant of the Pécs2010 ECoC programme.
  • You can gain practical experience.
  • You can acquire new knowledge and capabilities.
  • You can learn about new operating systems and organisational structures.
  • You can become a member of a well-known organisation.
  • You can test yourself in a new special field.
  • You can familiarise yourself with new cultural fields.
  • You can spend your time involved in an activity that is useful for yourself and the city alike.
  • By joining a great team you can build new relationships and make new friends that you can make use of in the future.
I have never worked as a volunteer before. Is that a problem?

This is not a disadvantage at all. We would like to encourage anybody who is a first time volunteer to join in and we thank you for your interest in the Pécs2010 ECoC programme. We will provide training for all the applicants so that they can do their job properly. Volunteers generally work in groups, and at the beginning we will provide an experienced group member to manage the work of each group. Volunteer work is a lot of fun, based on the abilities of volunteers, and we will make every effort to ensure that it will be worth spending your time with us.

Does age matter?

Not at all, we welcome people from any age group among our volunteers. What is crucial is enthusiasm, the desire and motivation to be part of the programmes and the interest in teamwork whose most important aspect is co-operation and dialogue in the interest of implementing high quality events.

What assistance do I get as a volunteer?

The volunteers joining the ECoC programme have a diverse background. We will make our best to ensure that everybody can work in an area with appropriate knowledge.

If you have any special needs, please let us know so that we can make the training as effective as possible.

Do I get paid?

Volunteers will not be paid. Act LXXXVIII of 2005 defines volunteer work as follows: volunteer activity of public interest is work performed at the receiving organisation in a specified field of activity without compensation.

Depending on the specific occasion and the allocated time of work we will provide meals and refreshments; however, this will be based on a separate agreement in each case.

Occasionally we may also provide some allowances (no cash) such as tickets or the possibility to participate in special meetings.

Can I apply for assistance for the duration of volunteer work?

You certainly can. The relationship between a volunteer and the organisation employing him or her is clearly regulated by Act LXXXVIII of 2005 on volunteer activity.

You can get more information on the rights and obligations of volunteers by taking a look at the agreements made with volunteers.

What specific tasks should I expect to receive?

Volunteer work is variegated. We list a few examples below, but the range of activities is much wider.

  • Meeting guests and visitors (at the station or the place of accommodation)
  • Animator
  • Administrative tasks
  • Programmes for children
  • Interpreting and translating
  • Driver
  • Technical assistance
  • Taking photos and shooting films
  • Supporting IT work
  • Assisting the maintenance of web sites
  • Acting as a moderator
  • Distributing leaflets and brochures
  • Assisting ticket sales
  • Sporting activities
  • On-site activities
What is expected of volunteers?

In order to make the most of your assistance it is important that you should perform the task you have accepted in the proper way, and if anything urgent comes up that you cannot postpone, you should notify us as soon as possible.

You should observe all instructions and other regulations, including professional and ethical specifications, which apply to a given activity in the interest of maintaining safe working conditions, and you should also keep confidential any personal data, business and other secrets that you learn about.

How long will volunteer work last?

This is entirely up to you. It may last an hour, a day, a weekend, or even more – it depends on your time and the nature of your task. Even if you have a permanent job, you have a wider range of options in participating in our volunteer activities.

I do not live in Pécs. Can I still become a volunteer?

Anybody can become a volunteer, you do not need to live in Pécs, but we cannot guarantee to compensate for your travel and living expenses, but we will make reasonable efforts to find a solution. Please contact us so that we can find an alternative for you to join our programmes.

Join the active, creative and cheerful community of our volunteers! Contact us and we will help you devote your abilities to a noble cause!

Contact information:
onken...@pecs2010.hu
+36 72/514-819