When I first started my volunteer role with a cross-border cooperation program, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew I’d be assisting with communications, as an IVY Reporter, but the full scale and impact of the work didn’t become clear until I was actively involved. Now, looking back, I can see that, so far, this experience has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.
I am part of the ALCOTRA program, which means « Latin Alps Cross-Border Cooperation ». The program is dedicated to addressing the common challenges that border regions face. These challenges can be quite varied—ranging from environmental and economic issues to social concerns. By funding and supporting local projects, the program aims to create a more connected and inclusive future for communities on both sides of the border. It’s an ambitious mission that requires a lot of coordination, commitment and motivation. One of the projects that truly caught my attention was VéloPluf, which I found especially inspiring for its commitment to both sustainability and inclusivity in promoting sustainable tourism. This project offers families the chance to enjoy nature and spend quality time together, while using eco-friendly transportation like bicycles.
In my role, I assist the communications officer with spreading the word about our activities. This includes crafting engaging social media posts, updating websites, and assisting with the planning of online events. Each piece of content I create is a small but important part of a larger effort to keep both beneficiaries and the public informed and engaged. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is seeing how effective communication can truly impact a program’s reach and perception. For example, our campaign promoting the online consultation for post-27 successfully broadened our reach and boosted public participation in completing the online questionnaires. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that your involvement and efforts are making a real impact and drawing more attention to the program’s purpose.
– Tahiana Olivia, IVY Reporter at the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Programme France-Italy ALCOTRA
