Democracy and participation, Communities

Building a pan-European, progressive movement shortlist


Who is behind this?

Andrea Venzon

Volt Europa


Idea Sketch | Proposal


Idea pitch

Volt is a progressive political movement. Young Europeans are disillusioned by or disenfranchised with politics and traditional parties. A whole generation does not vote and consequently leaves the political space to populists and extremists. We want to excite young Europeans for politics and for our continent by offering a pro-European new and engaging political alternative. We currently have more than 4000 supporters in 26 countries, and we aim to run for the European Elections 2019!

Where will your idea take place?

Our project is truly pan-European. We run it at the European, national, regional, and local levels.

Why does Europe need your idea?

We live in a time of political instability in Europe. Citizens feel this and demand solutions while traditional parties are suffering a loss of credibility. Populist parties use this to run on a fearful vision of the future. We offer a non-populist alternative that ignites hope for Europe's future.

What is your impact?

We will be a strong movement ready to run for European elections, with campaign teams in all EU member states. We will be a pro-European force in the public debate with regular press coverage, countering populist arguments, effectively reaching citizens with an optimistic vision for the future.

How do you get there?

To create a truly pan-European party that will have a political weight and spread beyond the pro-European bubble, we are investing a lot of energy into creating local teams that can offer and campaign for local policy solutions, all derived from our European political framework and values. We have teams in 70 cities across the continent and keep growing, and through our community organizing approach we reach out to those that feel excluded and do not feel any connection to the European project.

What is your story?

When Brexit happened, I understood that no political faction was ready to represent what my generation and I feel is dear to our hearts, such as the European project. Hence it was time to take up responsibility and stand up for Europe's values and a hopeful future.

Who are you doing it for?

The Erasmus Generation, and the European Youth as a whole are natural "target groups" for Volt Europa. In addition, we aim at exciting and bringing politics to all those who do not vote, do not feel represented, do not trust the current political system, and who want to be hopeful about the future.

What makes your idea stand apart?

We chose to do things differently than other European initiatives, focusing immediately on the local level to get out of the “pro-European” bubble, that has a limited reach. To do so, we trained our activists and applied at every level of our organization the methodology of “community organizing”, aimed at mobilizing citizens to drive changes on issues at European, national, and local level. As a result, we are not only present in pro-European capitals, but also small towns & villages.

Additionally, we are a truly pan-European group including more than 26 national chapters. We organize teams that collaborate across borders, and producing evidence-based policies. We work both online (hundred of members working on Workplace) and off-line, in monthly-events focused on policy-debates.

€ 50000,-

Funding requested from Advocate Europe

€ 55300,-

Total budget

Major expenses

1) 7 organizers (from 7 different countries) to be hired for €42,000 (7*€2,000/month*3 months) - 50% of time dedicated as community coaches ("Volt Fellows") - 50% of time dedicated as volunteers coordinators within the organization 2) Travel reimbursement for €6,300 (7*€300/month*3 months) 3) Community action expenses for €7,000 (7*€1,000 for leaflets and flyers, posters, stands, venues rental) Note: calculation amounts to €55,300 (total budget)

What do you need from the Advocate Europe community?

Any ideas are welcomed but we are particularly happy about suggestions on how to better engage volunteers and craft partnerships in our field.


Vox Europe

Mayte Schomburg

Damian Boeselager



Idea created on Dec. 11, 2017
Last edit on May 23, 2018

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