County Clare has taken another step in its bid to become European Volunteering Capital 2027 with the release of its official candidate video. The European Volunteering Capital competition, organised by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), is held annually to recognise municipalities that demonstrate excellence in supporting and promoting volunteering.
The new video is an important part of Clare’s application. It highlights the county’s volunteering strategy, its contribution to the wider European volunteering movement, and the reasons Clare is seeking this recognition. Viewers see not only the structures that support volunteering, but also the breadth of initiatives and partnerships that give it life at local level.
Clare’s candidacy is built on the idea that volunteering strengthens communities, connects people across cultures and backgrounds, and provides opportunities for participation in civic life. From small local groups to county-wide programmes, the volunteering sector in Clare has long played a central role in community development and social inclusion.
Releasing the candidate video is also about visibility. It allows Clare to present its story on the European stage, share its approach with other regions, and demonstrate the impact of volunteering within Irish society. At the same time, it acts as a celebration of the thousands of Clare volunteers whose work underpins community life every day.
Winning the title of European Volunteering Capital 2027 would mean international recognition for Clare. But beyond the award, the process itself has already highlighted the strength of collaboration between Clare Volunteer Centre, Clare County Council, and community organisations working together to promote and support volunteering.
