COLORS OF URBAN SOLIDARITY

Name: COLORS OF URBAN SOLIDARITY
Start: 2025-07-04
End: 2025-07-18
Location: Grenoble, France

France Social work Social work Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

This project is part of the European Solidarity Corps program (ESC) and is built on a strong partnership between Concordia and various local stakeholders. You will learn about social housing issues through Actis, which will provide accommodation and define interventions on its housing stock to improve residents' living conditions. This project will also involve the local association Pali Pali, which supports projects that promote cultural, social, and ecological transitions. Thanks to its expertise, you will be introduced to innovative and responsible practices. In parallel with the construction work, interactive activities will be organized to help you better understand local challenges and engage with residents. Participatory workshops, social gatherings, and cultural events will enhance your experience, increasing the project's impact on the community and the territory.

💼 What the programme involves

In the heart of Grenoble, take part in an ambitious urban transformation project that serves both residents and the ecological transition. In a neighborhood undergoing change, you will help enhance the 120 Arlequin by redesigning its indoor and outdoor spaces: painting facades, creating green areas, and installing wooden structures to promote conviviality and well-being for the residents. In collaboration with city services and a committed social housing provider, you will support social housing tenants in improving their living environment and strengthening their sense of belonging to the neighborhood. Alongside local stakeholders, you will also participate in organizing workshops and engaging with residents, fostering intercultural exchanges and social cohesion. It's a technical and collective project where everyone contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable city!

🏠 Accommodation on site

You will be accommodated in simply furnished apartments, sharing rooms (2-3 people per room). Please remember to bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. Each apartment will have bathrooms and showers, as well as a communal space for socializing. Please note that no Wi-Fi connection will be available in the accommodation, but since you will be in an urban setting, you can find a connection nearby. You will also have access to a nearby laundromat for your laundry needs. Collective life will be organized together: cleaning, activities, and meal preparation will be done collaboratively and in turns. As much as possible, we will favor a vegetarian diet based on local and seasonal products. Special attention will be given to accommodating all dietary needs and introducing local cuisine to ensure a rewarding experience for all participants.

📍 About the location

Located in the heart of the Alps, Grenoble is the largest alpine metropolis and the third most populous city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, with 680,000 inhabitants in its metropolitan area. Surrounded by three iconic mountain rangesâVercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonneâit offers an exceptional natural setting, ideal for outdoor activities and cultural discoveries. The project takes place in a neighborhood undergoing transformation, reflecting the city's commitment to ecological and social transition. Its local integration is reinforced by collaborations with territorial actors, enabling concrete actions to improve residents' living environments. Beyond the construction work, you will have the opportunity to explore Grenoble's cultural and historical richness. The city offers numerous cultural facilities (museums, theaters, concert halls) and a vibrant summer program. Don't miss the Cabaret Frappé Festival, which will take place from July 14 to 24, featuring a diverse lineup of contemporary music, theater, and performances. Nature lovers can easily access the surrounding mountains for activities such as hiking, kayaking, and climbing. Thanks to public transportation (train, bus), you can reach preserved natural areas within minutes and enjoy outdoor relaxation. Specific times will be arranged for group outings, allowing you to fully experience the natural beauty of Grenoble.

⚠️ Requirements

- You need to know how to ride a bike This project is supported by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program for young people aged 18 to 30. It is open to all volunteers who meet the ESC criteria and follows several principles and conditions presented on this page : https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en - Volunteers do not have to pay any fees (no sending or participation fees) to join the project and will receive financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount based on travel distance and upon presentation of original tickets. - Volunteers must register on the ESC PASS portal, after which Concordia will invite them to confirm their participation in the project. - Volunteers will receive pocket money calculated at a rate of €6 per day, provided upon arrival in France. - Volunteers will be required to complete a participation report, submitted online via the portal. Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

ℹ️ Additional information

Grenoble, a leader among bike-friendly cities in France, has implemented an ambitious soft mobility policy. Its extensive network of cycling paths and relatively flat topography make it easy to use bicycles for urban travel. Many cycling routes will be available for your daily commutes and excursions, so it is essential to know how to ride a bike to participate in this project. For outdoor activities and construction work, please bring work gloves, durable clothing, and sturdy shoes that can withstand dirt. Since the weather can be variable, it is important to pack appropriate clothing, such as a fleece, a rain jacket, and comfortable clothes for rain or cool evenings. Regarding accommodation, an inflatable mattress will be provided, but for extra comfort, consider bringing a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of at least 10°C, as nights can be chilly. Don't forget to bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a swimsuit for visits to pools and water recreation areas. Social activities will be planned with our facilitators according to your interests. If you would like to share a part of your culture, feel free to bring an object, a culinary specialty, photos, a musical instrument, a traditional game, or even a small Bluetooth speaker to animate group moments and foster intercultural exchanges.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.