Estonia
participants
ESN Tallinn volunteers reflect on which emotions ESN evolves in them and express them on canvas. Through swapping they can share their feelings with others and see how other volunteers perceive ESN and volunteering. They get a chance to share and discuss the results or the session with their friends. They relax in cozy atmosphere, enjoy drinks and snacks and simply have fun while painting and socializing with fellow volunteers.
ESN Tallinn volunteers gather for a motivational Paint & Swap session. After having an official members meeting, where they discuss past and future events, share feedback and updates, the team-building and mental health awareness part begins. Every participant receives a canvas together with some painting supplies. The task is to paint an association to the word shown on the screen in 4 min and then exchange the canvas with the next person for the next round. There are 13 rounds of painting and all the words are ESN related. For example, "paint an association to friendships you gained through ESN" or "paint the association to the spirit of volunteering." No limits for imagination, think of what you feel deep inside and express it with paints!
This activity encourages the participants to reflect on the role of ESN in their lives (and their role in ESN life), think about which emotions and memories ESN evokes in them and share their feelings with others.
At the end, every participant receives an ESN themed canvas, painted by all the other participants as a good memory and a reminder that we are never alone in ESN and there are always other volunteers around us, who most likely feel the same and are ready to provide support.
