What kind of projects would be possible?
Everything that’s beneficial to civil society should be able to be make a ECS in! This includes healthcare, education, youth work and much more – no fix borders should be set!
When should the ECS be performed?
We believe that the timeframe after the completion of secondary education is the best for young people to go into such a community service and discover the world. We could imagine that it could e.g. substitute one year of secondary education, too.
May one choose one’s own ECS placement?
Ideally yes. A implementation which we could imagine to work would be either free application, or that young people could give their preference for a field in which they would like to work in advance. Then, they are proposed five to ten placements across Europe, where their placement is guaranteed. If they do not apply on their own to one of these placements, they are assigned one directly.
What about people with special support needs?
Yes, of course it must be taken into consideration that not everyone may be in the physical or mental capability to take this on. The ECS must carry projects which can be executed by everyone, or exceptions must be possible in special cases, that goes without saying!
Are there alternatives to the ECS?
We’d suggest to establish the ECS as an alternative to conscription. In the most optimal case, a conscription in the European army of course. 😏
What if someone notices they don’t like their ECS placement halfway?
Support and complaint procedures must be implemented in such a programme. If people don’t get along with their supervisors or environment, the opportunity must be given to switch to another placement once.
What about the people who do not want to perform a ECS? Isn’t this limiting their liberty?
Yes, it is – the same as school, conscription, and paying taxes are. The ECS would be obligatory – however, the benefit gained by it for individuals and for society as a whole makes it worth it to make it mandatory on a European level. By the way: Conscription still exists in seven member states of the European Union – young people there would be given a great alternative with the ECS.
How shall this be financed?
Partly through a common budget of the European Union, partly through contributions by the local host institution, and possibly the regions.
Why shouldn’t there be the possibility to do an internship instead?
Because young people will stay in the pressure lane of their career and life planning within their internship. During an internship, they’re continuously assessed and remain in their societal context. A community service opens new horizons and perspectives on the society.