Initiatives

ACTION MENSTRUATION / PERIODIC AID POINT

Since 2020 at the entrance to Wymiennikownia there has been the Periodic Aid Point initiated by the Action Menstruation foundation which is aimed at reducing the scale of menstrual poverty in Poland.

Menstrual poverty means limited access to hygiene products mostly for economic reasons but also due to lack of adequate conditions necessary for taking care of personal hygiene and education related to the topic of menstruation.

The Periodic Aid Point is a locker always open for everyone. It contains hygiene products. Anyone in need can anonymously and free of charge take the necessary products from it, and those who want to help can leave something in it. It is worth remembering that this is not only a locker that can be used by people in difficult life or financial circumstances, but it is also a signal that in this place people are willing to help.

If you are interested in this project, here is the link to the website of the foundation where you can fill in the application and become a volunteer or a guardian.

https://www.akcjamenstruacja.pl/

– photo of the locker at the entrance to WM 

EURODESK

At Wymiennikownia there is the Eurodesk info point. Here you will find information about the opportunities of going abroad as part of internships, trainings, student exchange or volunteering, educational programs, competitions, grants and partners for the implementation of projects. Eurodesk is the European Union program for youth, youth workers and youth organizations. It is financed and substantively supported by the European Commission, the Ministry of Education and Science under the Erasmus+ program. The network operates in 36 countries of the European Union, it includes organizations and institutions working with young people.

Eurodesk supports European Union programs and initiatives, such as the European Solidarity Corps, in which Wymiennikownia is visited by a long-term volunteer every year, as well as DiscoverEu, an initiative that allows young people to travel (mainly by rail) around Europe and gain experience.

Do you want to learn more? Email, call or visit us to talk to the volunteer!

GDYNIA BREAKS 

Gdynia Breaks Festival is a dance competition for lovers of breakdance, funk and break music. The originator of the event was Mariusz Jakubowski, Bboy and a student of the Gdynia Maritime University. The goal of Gdynia Breaks is to support young people in realizing their passions and create conditions for healthy dance competition and exchange of experiences. Participation in the competition is free. 

During the 2017-2019 edition, Flying Kids, Young Angry and Twos fought in the battles. The performances were judged by professional judges, talented break dancers from Poland and abroad. Over the years, the Festival was held in the Wymiennikownia, the “Ucho” club and at the Gdynia Główna Theater. The best dancers received cash prizes.

Move Dem Up

Move Dem Up is a competition inspired by Jamaican culture and dancehall dance throughout Poland, co-organized by Wymiennikownia. The originator and the commander-in-chief is Agnieszka Wiczling, an experienced dancer who developed her passion for dance in Wymiennikownia.

In each of the 4 editions of the competition (in 2016-2019), a lot of attractions awaited the participants, ranging from dance workshops conducted by famous dancehall dancers, to competitions in various categories, e.g. Solo DHQ Style Show, Solo Female Show and Best Crews. Show. The goal of Move Dem Up is to support young people in achieving their goals and passions. 

Participation in the competition is free. The best dancers received material and financial prizes, photo sessions, guaranteed participation in MDU workshops in future editions and winning titles.

EKS

The European Solidarity Corps is a program of the European Commission through which young people can get involved in local initiatives and take part in volunteering projects in various European countries. EKS is aimed at young people, companies, institutions and organizations operating in the solidarity sector. The European Solidarity Corps was created in response to the need to promote social inclusion and solidarity. 

It aims to deepen the involvement of young people in strengthening democracy and citizenship, as well as prepare them to work in countering societal challenges. 

As part of the EKS and thanks to the cooperation with the Centrum Współpracy Młodzieży in Gdynia, Wymiennikownia is hosting a foreign volunteer for another year for a year of volunteering. 

Wymiennikownia has the quality mark of the European Solidarity Corps.