Varese Red Cross: international exchange with Germany (cross-border guide)
From 24 to 28 June, the Red Cross of Varese hosts nine German volunteers for the 'The Light We Share' project dedicated to cooperation.
Contesto
In brief - 'The Light We Share' project between Varese and Kelheim. - Reception of nine German volunteers from 24 to 28 June 2026. - Training, comparison and cooperation between National Societies. ## Key facts - What: International exchange between the Italian and German Red Cross. - When: From 24 to 28 June 2026. - Where: Varese, Italy. - Who: Italian Red Cross (Varese) and German Red Cross (Kelheim). - Origin: Fiaccolata di Solferino 2025. The 'The Light We Share' project officially kicked off in Varese, marking an important moment of international opening for the local Committee of the Italian Red Cross. From 24 to 28 June 2026, the Varese committee welcomes a delegation of nine volunteers from the German Red Cross, specifically from the Kelheim Regional Committee. This is a pioneering initiative for the Varese committee, which aims to consolidate dialogue and cooperation between different realities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The idea behind this exchange was born on the occasion of the Solferino Torchlight of 2025 and was subsequently developed with the support of the CRI Youth, the International Cooperation area, the Regional and National Committee of the Italian Red Cross, as well as the local Committee of Varese. The main objective is to create a structured path that allows volunteers to act as protagonists of transnational cooperation.
Dettagli operativi
Operational approach and field training The program prepared for German volunteers during their stay in Varese is particularly articulated. It includes targeted training sessions, thematic workshops, group activities and direct visits to the Varese territory. The stated objective is to share operational 'good practices', allowing volunteers to closely observe the daily commitment made by the Italian Red Cross. This comparison allows us to analyse different organisational models, comparing the different approaches to volunteering that characterise Italy and Germany. | Feature | Project Detail | | :--- | :--- | | Duration | 5 days (24-28 June 2026) | | Participants | 9 German volunteers (Kelheim) | | Focus | Training, workshops, territorial visits | | Perspective | Mutual exchange (Italy 2026, Germany 2027) | The structure of the project is designed to overcome the episodic nature of many international meetings, transforming into a lasting collaboration. The plan envisages a second stage: in 2027, a group of young volunteers from the Varese Committee will go to Germany to visit the German Red Cross. This cross-mobility model is designed to ensure the stability of relations between National Societies. For volunteers working in cross-border contexts, as is often the case in the area between the Canton of Ticino and the province of Varese, ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.
Punti chiave
Cooperation Procedures and Skills Development The 'The Light We Share' journey is not just a training event, but a structured procedure for the growth of volunteers. For those who wish to understand how to build stable relationships between organizations operating in different countries, the Varese example shows the importance of planning that involves different associative levels: local, regional, and national. The collaboration was born from the meeting during the Fiaccolata di Solferino, an event that brings together thousands of people united by the seven Fundamental Principles. For volunteers intending to participate in future international cooperation initiatives, the procedure followed by the Varese Committee suggests some key phases: 1. Identification of an international counterpart with operational affinity. 2. Definition of clear training objectives (workshops, visits, field activities). 3. Involvement of top-level structures (regional and national) for institutional support. 4. Creation of a two-way exchange calendar (in this case, Varese 2026 and Germany 2027). This approach ensures that the acquired skills do not remain isolated but become part of the committee's training background. For those operating professionally or as volunteers in border areas, understanding how to manage international cooperation is a significant asset. The Varese Red Cross, by opening up to comparison, demonstrates that personal and associative growth comes through the willingness to engage in multilingual and multicultural contexts. Those interested in better understanding the dynamics of working in international contexts or evaluating their prospects in a cross-border context can explore issues related to their employment situation using the calculator for tax and salary simul...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main objective of the 'The Light We Share' project?
- The aim of the project is to build stable relations between the Italian Red Cross, specifically the Committee of Varese, and the German Red Cross of Kelheim. The initiative aims to promote training, comparison between operating models and international cooperation, enhancing the role of volunteers as active protagonists of the Movement.
- When is the exchange between the Varese Committee and the German Red Cross taking place?
- The first moment of the exchange, which includes the reception of the nine German volunteers in Varese, takes place from 24 to 28 June 2026. The path includes a second phase in 2027, during which a group of volunteers from the Varese Committee will travel to Germany for an experience at the German Red Cross.
- What activities are planned for volunteers during the exchange in Varese?
- The programme includes training sessions, thematic workshops, group activities and direct visits to Varese territory. These activities are aimed at sharing good practices and allowing volunteers to closely observe the daily commitment of the Italian Red Cross, comparing their respective associative approaches.