Join the 2026 Hellenic Youth Volunteering Initiative!
Calling all teens, local or diaspora and families! Connect with your Greek heritage while making a real impact. Based on insights from 200+ survey respondents, we're expanding our volunteer programs with Greek NGOs for summer 2026. Whether you're in Greece or abroad, join us for meaningful community service, cultural connection, and lasting friendships.
Ready to get involved?
What is The Hellenic Youth Volunteering Initiative?
The Hellenic Youth Volunteering Initiative is a youth-led community service project founded and directed by Melina Liodakis, in summer 2025, in collaboration with HIGGS (Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability) - a nonprofit incubator in Athens that supports Greek NGOs, and a US travel company, Kids Love Greece.
Here’s how it works and what it represents:
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Purpose: To promote youth and diaspora engagement in volunteerism across Greece, connecting Greek teens (local) and Greek-heritage teens abroad through hands-on service.
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Structure: The initiative runs multi day volunteering programs where participants work with local NGOs on issues such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, refugee support, and community improvement.
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Partnerships: Developed in partnership with HIGGS and a US based travel agency, Kids Love Greece, supported by various Greek NGOs to ensure meaningful, credible service placements.
Data That Drives Change
We surveyed Greek and diaspora teens to understand how they volunteer, what motivates them, and what gets in the way. We package the results into clear, FREE decision-ready briefs for NGOs, schools, municipalities, and youth programs.
Evidence, not guesses
Quantitative & Qualitative findings distilled into themes you can use.
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Local nuance
Context from Greece-based pilots and partners—what works in practice.
Data that informs decisions
Recommendations you can deploy i.e. program design, outreach, and funding decks.
Data That Drives Change
for Both Greece and USA: NGOs, municipalities, destination management companies, travel agents, schools and universities, youth clubs, etc.
About the Founder: Melina Liodakis
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I am a senior at Brookline High School, MA, and I am strongly interested in current affairs and international relations.
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I was born in London and have lived in the US for over 15 years. I hold three nationalities (Greek, American, and British).
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I spend my summers in Greece, and I try to get involved in fun projects while also giving back to the local community.
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Having volunteered at Global Brigades since the summer of 2021, I have developed a strong interest in immigration policies through hands-on experience.
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Academically, the programs I attended at Sciences Po (2024) and Esade (2023) have sparked even more my interest in immigration.
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In my spare time, I play lacrosse for my high school, a club team, and Greece's Lacrosse team (a team formed to represent Greece in lacrosse tournaments). I also serve as a Lacrosse Referee in Primary and Secondary school tournaments.
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I founded The Hellenic Youth Volunteering Initiative, a youth-led community service project in summer 2025
Partnered with
GLOBAL BRIGADES:
Why are we fundraising?
We’re fundraising to provide 100+ free medical appointments for refugees and vulnerable people at the Global Brigades Polyclinic in Athens, and we need your help!
Every donation, big or small, will make a huge impact on the lives of people who really need it.