In November and December 2024, the Czech Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation, coordinated by the Institute of International Relations Prague, conducted a survey to better understand the role of volunteering in fostering intercultural dialogue. The survey engaged both individual volunteers and representatives from Czech ALF network member organizations, with the goal of mapping experiences, identifying challenges, and highlighting best practices.

Participation and Reach

The survey gathered input from:

• 28 individual volunteers, active across 4 member organizations

• 14 representatives from 9 different member organizations

These included the Association for Integration and Migration (SIMI), Czech-Arab Society, ARABFEST, OPU, InBáze, NESEHNUTÍ, People in Need, and academic departments from Masaryk (in Brno) and Palacký (in Olomouc) Universities.

Key Insights

Volunteering in the Czech Network serves mainly a dual purpose: supporting overstretched NGO programs and offering a unique space for intercultural exchange. Many organizations reported working with 20–80 volunteers annually. However, the lack of stable funding, limited coordination capacity, and broader societal pressures pose significant challenges.

One representative shared:

“Lack of capacity on the part of our organization’s staff to accommodate a larger scale of volunteer activities. Lack of volunteers, lack of stability.”

Language barriers and a low level of interest from young people, who often face economic pressures, were also cited as major obstacles. Nevertheless, respondents emphasized the transformative power of volunteering in bridging cultural divides and creating a sense of belonging.

“Great effect — newcomers are very happy when locals are interested in them, they want to talk to them despite language barriers.”

“Interpersonal relationships, general joy and human belonging.”

Recommendations

Respondents called for stronger recognition of volunteering — socially and institutionally — including ideas such as tax breaks, special leave, or broader public campaigns. They highlighted the importance of visible, inclusive events and of strengthening cooperation across regions and language communities.

As one participant noted:

“A lot of times I have the impression that what is for foreigners is somehow with an asterisk only, majority of activities is for Czechs. The key is to arrange it — a joint activity is the universal language of all.”

The survey not only provided a rich overview of current practices but also pointed to tangible ways to strengthen volunteering as a tool for integration and dialogue.

The full report can be read below.

photo (C) Polina Maliuk, OPU (Organization for Aid to Refugees)