Groupe d'Appui et de Solidarité

The association in a few words… Le Groupe d'Appui et de Solidarité (GAS > Support and Solidarity Group) was created in 2007 in Picardie, France.The mandate of the association is to reduce inequalities. GAS’ objective is to improve living standards and social cohesion in it projects. To achieve this, GAS has developed various themes and areas of expertise which are all aspects and indicators of living standards and social cohesion: health (in particular the fight against HIV and AIDS), multiculturalism, tackling discrimination, sustainable development, the environment, food, citizenship, mobility, gender issues, migration etc. Our working methods function at four different levels : * Information * Training * Awareness raising * Mentoring We have committed ourselves to follow a ‘research-action’ approach. Alongside our actions, which aim to bring about social change; we also seek to build up knowledge (through scientific research, diagnosis, follow-up and evaluation). We have set out to share and to distribute this knowledge through scientific publications, the organization of seminars and the publication of reports. At the moment we are particularlw working on short term EVS projects in order to work with young people "with less opportunities". These projects have several objectives. First of all, we want to allow young French people facing social and professional integration difficulties to live a civic engagement experience through a community project which is responding the needs of other citizens. Then, to develop and strengthen required training to their civil, social and professional integration (knowledge, behavior and know-how), but also to develop their autonomy and to assume responsibility. Finally, to widen their knowledge about other cultures, contexts, manner to live mixing and exchanging with the local youth. Moreover, these EVS projects allow us to strengthen our ties with the partner organization and to support each other. We are always looking for organizations which are sharing the same values as we are and that are interested in building a 'social inclusion' project with young people facing social and economic difficulties. For the next deadline we are looking for a hosting organization but we'll soon be able to host EVS volunteers, because we'd like to maintain reciprocity.