Local Volunteering Contributes Its Experience to the Future Regulatory Framework in Sessions Organized by the FNMC and the Government of Navarra
The Navarra Federation of Municipalities and Councils (FNMC), together with the Directorate General of Presidency, Open Government and Relations with Parliament of the Government of Navarra and the public company Nasertic, held several working sessions on volunteering during the months of May and June in different towns across Navarra.
The aim of these sessions was twofold: on the one hand, to deepen knowledge of the legal framework for volunteering and to share real experiences implemented by local entities and citizen associations; and on the other, to gather contributions from the public to enrich the participatory process for drafting the future Foral Law on Volunteering.
The sessions took place in Tafalla, Tudela and Lumbier, in addition to an online session aimed at municipalities in northern Navarra. They included more than fifty participants, among them elected officials, technical staff, representatives of social organizations and volunteers.
During the meetings, successful volunteering experiences adapted to different local realities were presented, and discussion focused on the needs and challenges of the sector. Among the proposals gathered were the need to provide resources and support to volunteer organizations, facilitate access to insurance, promote specific training for volunteers and encourage collaboration between public administrations and the wider community sector.
Numerous Organizations
The sessions featured active participation from various organizations involved in volunteering, which significantly enriched the discussion. These included Voluntario Urbano from the San Sebastián Retirees and Pensioners Club, recognized for its commitment, and Berdesia, which shared its experience. The Mendavia City Council and Itaka Escolapios also took part, as did the Virgen del Codés Volunteer Association and the Iturrizar Energy Community. The Milagro Civil Protection service was present, along with Elkarrizan Laguntza and the Hospitalarias – Navarra Volunteer Service of the Benito Menni Hospital Center in Elizondo. Tasubinsa in Tudela and the social services SSB Zona Cadreita and SSB Carcastillo also joined this collective effort.
The ANDAR Association and a volunteer from the Food Bank contributed their experience, while F.T.C. (Villa Javier) and AMIMET provided support. The City Council of Tudela (Social Rights area) participated, as did Irazarra, which also participated actively.
In addition, the Burgui City Council and the Almadieros Association were present, together with the Lumbier Retirees’ Club and the Aibar City Council. The Ezkarozeko Bilgua Association and the Elia City Council also joined this initiative, underscoring the strength of community collaboration.
Commitment to Local Volunteering
Both the FNMC and the Government of Navarra positively assessed the involvement and participation of attendees, as well as the usefulness of the sessions in highlighting the key role of volunteering in social and community development, especially in small municipalities. In many of these towns, volunteers are essential to sustaining cultural, sports or social support activities.
Both institutions also reiterate their commitment to continue promoting initiatives that strengthen this important form of solidarity, fostering participatory spaces, training and coordination that contribute to reinforcing this valuable resource for communities.
Pictured: the meeting held in Tafalla at the Government of Navarra’s mobile office.
Source: FNMC
