ESC: Social inclusion and diversity

Foundation Astika is a youth , volunteer organization with non-profit purpose , working in the public interest , created in 2003. The objectives of the organization are : cooperation between regional communities in areas : regional development , social cohesion , provision of equal opportunities for citizens ; development of civil society ; creation of conditions for social integration , reintegration and adaptation of citizens and people in a disadvantaged position ; promotion of social entrepreneurship and civil initiative ; promotion of European values and achievements in the social , cultural and educational spheres ; promotion and strengthening of volunteerism and establishment of modern standards for its development ; support of educational , informative and intercultural exchanges of young people and conducting of youth activities . The main activities of the organization are divided into the following areas : - Culture and art : promotion of individual and collective creativity ; street and experimental theater ; festival activity ( festival for street arts " Carousel "; " Festival of Leaves "; festival of originality " On the Square " and others ); short film ; Days of books and multicultural events ; popularization of the youth subculture ; creative workshops ; national literary competitions ; club activities and others . - Environmental protection and development of border and mountainous rural areas : solidarity between generations ( support of an aging population on local level ); preservation and promotion of cultural identity and natural, cultural heritage ; support for eco-activities and the promotion of an active way of life ; development of local rural communities ; eco initiatives for protection and restoration of the environment ; non-formal learning ; - Youth activities : promotion of youth inclusion ; leisure activities for young people ; youth volunteering ; informing and counseling of young people for their personal and educational development ; non-formal and civic education ; initiatives and campaigns of public importance ; Sports and activities in the open ; club activities and others ; - Promotion of Volunteering in Bulgaria . The organization is the exclusive owner of the brand " Volunteer of the Year " and the only organizer of the national competition " Volunteer of the Year "; - Inclusion and social activities : implementation of initiatives , campaigns for prevention of the risk to human health ; social support to groups in disadvantaged position ; - Development of democracy , rights of man , equality and non-discrimination , initiatives , campaigns , informal training , seminars and club activities ; support for groups in disadvantaged position ; regional forums ; advocacy activities . The main target groups with which the organization operates , are : - young people of ages between 14 and 30 years , pupils , students , workers ; young people without education and unemployed ; young people with different educational needs and disabilities ; - local communities - youth informal groups and adults ; - local aging population in small populated areas (in border and mountainous areas ); - NGOs, social and educational institutions . The main activities of the organization are carried out on the territory of Southeastern Bulgaria ( mainly in the regional center - Burgas ), as well as on the territory of the South Central region of the country ( mainly Devin municipality and the border village Kesten , near the nature reserve " Shabanitsa "). The organization has built capacity and works daily as a youth information and advisory center and volunteer organization from 2010 , the as working with local and European volunteers of the Corps of solidarity ( former European Voluntary Service and the Erasmus +). The organization accepts volunteers from the EU and neighboring countries .