As part of the project „Recipe for Activity – Volunteering for Seniors” (No. 2023-2-PL01-KA210-ADU-000184777), the Fundacja „Wyjdź z Domu” implemented the Volunteering Development Plan, which aimed to strengthen the social activity of residents of the Gorlice region, with particular emphasis on older people and those with disabilities. Activities focused on developing the concept of intergenerational volunteering, social integration, and promoting an active lifestyle among seniors.
Activities promoting the concept of volunteering and integration among seniors from the city of Gorlice and rural areas (including Sękowa, Ropica Górna, Racławice, and Męcina Wielka) were also popularized and successfully implemented in the project „The Power of Gorlice Seniors” as part of the government’s multi-annual program for the Elderly, Active+ (2024 edition).
Expanding the volunteer database and promoting volunteering.
The Foundation conducted a campaign promoting volunteering through social media, local news portals, and community events. Informational materials and posters were prepared to encourage involvement in activities benefiting the local community.
As part of the project entitled „The Power of Gorlice Seniors” involved 123 people from the Gorlice district in volunteering activities, including 96 people aged 60+ and 27 under 60. A total of 868 hours of volunteer work were completed. Volunteer agreements were signed with all volunteers, and their work was documented on work cards. Our volunteers participated in three activities: intergenerational volunteering, a film campaign, and a photography campaign.
A total of 568 hours of intergenerational volunteering were completed. Depending on their location, volunteers worked in groups of 15-20. Some, due to their work schedules, volunteered at times other than the group hours. Volunteers participated in activities such as cleaning a military cemetery and a community center, preparing bouquets for forgotten graves, and preparing small gifts. Handicrafts, and a Christmas Eve celebration for those in need in rural areas. Additionally, 40 volunteers participated in a study visit to the Tychy Volunteer Center, where they had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, and learn about the most interesting initiatives of another group of seniors.
As part of the film and photography campaign, 29 volunteers aged 60+ devotedly worked for a total of 300 hours. Participants in both campaigns were involved in creating an engaging portrait exhibition showcasing the passions of seniors, as well as five short films about exceptional seniors from our district who promote activity and passion for local history, tradition, and culture, and selflessly help those in greater need, such as those in Social Welfare Homes, or inspire school-age volunteers.
Intergenerational integration activities.
A series of intergenerational culinary workshops were held as part of the „Strength of Gorlice Seniors” project (2024 edition). Shared cooking, conversations, and creative work contributed to strengthening intergenerational bonds and building mutual trust and respect.
As part of the campaign promoting volunteering, intergenerational workshops entitled „Easter Heart” were also held, during which seniors and youth prepared beautiful Easter decorations, which they presented to the residents of the Social Welfare Home on Sienkiewicza Street in Gorlice. This was a gesture of remembrance and concern for the lonely and sick.
Furthermore, seniors from Gorlice, in collaboration with seniors from the Kwiatonowickie Stowarzyszenie „Homini” – the project leader – made their own daffodils from crepe paper and participated together in the 13th Daffodil March in Gorlice, organized to celebrate Children’s Day, the Day of Persons with Disabilities, and Family Day. Their participation was a symbol of intergenerational solidarity, empathy, and social sensitivity, as well as an expression of support and understanding for those who daily overcome greater difficulties and barriers than most of us. This experience demonstrated that seniors’ active participation can inspire others to action and build a social community based on mutual respect and commitment.
Education and skills development.
As part of the „Strength of Gorlice Seniors” project (2024 edition), meetings were held with experts in the fields of health, safety, law, and dietetics. Digital workshops for seniors were also organized, helping participants acquire computer and smartphone skills, and using online services (ePUAP, mObywatel, e-Zdrowie). This helped reduce digital exclusion and strengthen the independence of older adults.
Emotional support and personal development.
The Foundation also ensured the mental well-being of participants. As part of the „Strength of Gorlice Seniors” project (2024 edition), sessions with a psychologist, memory training, and workshops to develop self-esteem and social skills were held. The seniors eagerly participated in the sessions, emphasizing that they made them feel needed and more engaged in the local community.
Developing scenarios for educational and integration games.
- „Delivery in Motion with Challenges” Game
The goal of the game is to develop cooperation, creativity, and flexible thinking. Participants learn to respond to a variety of situations, improving social skills, and strengthening their sense of community.
- „Wisdom of Generations – Volunteering Mission” Game
The goal of the „Wisdom of Generations – Volunteering Mission” game is to inspire seniors to share their experience and wisdom in an atmosphere of cooperation and trust. Discussions about help, solidarity, and volunteering emphasize the importance of their voice and knowledge, strengthen their sense of belonging, and promote active social participation in the spirit of the Erasmus+ program and the concept of lifelong learning.
Both games were conducted at the Gorlice Senior Club and were very popular and received extremely positively by participants. The seniors enthusiastically completed the tasks and eagerly shared their reflections and memories, further strengthening the sense of community and the values that come from volunteering.
Developing comics promoting the idea of selfless help.
The comics demonstrate in an accessible and engaging way that in everyday life, it is selfless help, kindness, and mutual support that hold the greatest value. They remind us that even small gestures can build social bonds, inspire others to action, and strengthen a sense of community.
Developing a scenario and organizing a social campaign to promote the idea of volunteering.
The Fundacja „Wyjdź z Domu” developed a scenario and conducted a social campaign, the „Postcard with a Heart” FLASH MOB.
On April 16, 2025, a unique event took place in the Gorlice market square – the „Postcard with a Heart” Flash Mob.
The aim of the initiative was to promote the idea of volunteering, intergenerational solidarity, and building a local community through joint activities that symbolically connected different age groups and social groups.
The following persons participated in the Flash Mob:
The Flash Mob was attended by:
- students, youth and teachers from Municipal School Complex No. 1, Economic School Complex, Municipal School Complex No. 5, Marcin Kromer High School No. 1, Municipal Kindergarten No. 5, as well as school volunteers, the Local Volunteer Center in Gorlice, the Gorlice Senior Club, the Day Care Facility for the Elderly in Gorlice, and the University of the Golden Age.
Representatives of the authorities, including the Mayor of Gorlice and the Deputy Starost of Gorlice, the Chairman of the City Council, and the Head of the Department of Education, Culture, and Promotion, were also present, supporting the initiative with their presence and words of appreciation. Local media outlets actively participated in promoting the event, including HaloGorlice, Gorlice.pl, GORLICE24.pl, Gazeta Gorlicka, and Telewizja Gorlice.tv.
During the event, participants joined together to form a symbolic heart, which became an expression of the unity and commitment of the local community. A commemorative photograph was created – „Postcard with a Heart,” a symbolic message of solidarity, empathy, and intergenerational cooperation.
Submission of a competition application for the activation and integration of the local senior community.
In January 2025, the Foundation submitted an application entitled: „Leave the House – Activity and Solidarity of Seniors in the Gorlice County” program, part of the government’s multi-annual program for the Elderly, Active+ (2025 edition). In June of this year, we received information about receiving funding for its implementation until December 31, 2025. Currently, planned activities are underway to integrate seniors and promote the concept of intergenerational volunteering.
In summary, thanks to the consistent implementation of the Volunteer Development Plan and the campaign promoting volunteering among seniors in the local community:
- the number of volunteers increased, particularly among seniors 60+, who actively engaged in social activities;
- intergenerational integration and a sense of community were strengthened through joint educational and integration initiatives, games, and intergenerational events;
- the positive image of seniors as active, creative, and vital to the life of the local community was reinforced;
- the active involvement of seniors in social activities was fostered.
These activities not only They activated seniors, but also strengthened their sense of agency and social responsibility, demonstrated the value of life experience, and created a space for the exchange of knowledge and empathy. The project contributed to the sustainable strengthening of senior volunteering in the local community and promoted civic attitudes consistent with the concept of lifelong learning and active aging.
The Fundacja „Wyjdź z Domu” confirmed that volunteering can be a driving force for positive change in the local community. Implementation of the plan demonstrated that engagement, empathy, and cooperation between generations build lasting bonds and strengthen social solidarity.
All results and materials developed by the Fundacja „Wyjdź z Domu” as part of the „Recipe for Activity – Volunteering for Seniors” project are available for download in English below.
Game Wisdom of Generations – Volunteer Mission
Scenario Flash Mob “Post card with a heart”
Scenario for intergenerational workshops
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