volunteer_activism EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS

TURN YOUR PASSION
INTO A MISSION

Get funded to organise Plastic Pirates campaigns across Europe. Lead your community, collect vital data, and protect our oceans. Ages 18–30.

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verified Funded by the European Union · Open to all EU member states

Empowering the Next Generation

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an initiative of the European Union which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects that benefit communities and people around Europe.

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GET FUNDED

Financial support covers your travel, organisational costs, and a daily allowance. Focus on the mission, not the budget.

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MAKE IMPACT

Your field research contributes directly to European environmental policy and the protection of our waterways.

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BUILD SKILLS

Master group leadership, logistics, and scientific reporting. Gain the prestigious Youthpass certification.

YOUR MISSION ROADMAP

Check Eligibility

Ensure you are between 18–30 and reside in an EU member state or associated country.

Prepare Application

Use our pre-written text modules below to build a strong funding proposal quickly.

Submit to ESC

Register with Us

Once funded, sign up on our platform to receive your materials and pirate flag!

Toolbox

READY-MADE TEXT FOR YOUR ESC APPLICATION

description Project Description

"The Plastic Pirates project aims to empower young citizens to investigate plastic pollution in European rivers. Our group will conduct scientific sampling of macro and micro-plastics to support the Horizon Europe Mission..."

target Learning Objectives

"Participants will develop critical competencies in field research methodology, project coordination, and environmental communication. The project fosters European solidarity through collaborative action..."

auto_graph Impact Statement

"This project will increase local awareness of river health and contribute to a pan-European dataset used by researchers. It bridges the gap between scientific research and civil society engagement..."

calendar_today Timeline & Activities

"Month 1: Training and recruitment. Month 2: Sampling day on the Danube. Month 3: Data entry and community workshop. Month 4: Final reporting and Youthpass issuance..."

YOUR ROLE AS GROUP LEADER

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Organize campaigns

Assemble a crew of volunteers and select a river sampling location near you.

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Follow Protocol

Lead the scientific sampling process exactly as described in the Pirate Protocol.

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Upload Results

Digitalize the findings and upload them to our central European database.

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Timeline Note:

Estimated time commitment: 1 day for the field sampling + 1 day for data entry and logistics.

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"Leading a Plastic Pirates group through ESC was the highlight of my year. We didn't just clean up; we became citizen scientists. The funding made it possible for us to travel to remote river sections that really needed attention."

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Maria Luca, 24

Italy · ESC Group Leader 2023

READY TO LEAD YOUR MISSION?

Apply for ESC Funding Register as Group Leader directly arrow_forward

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A MISSION