Who we are
AVE Europe — Association pour le Volontariat à l’Acte Gratuit en Europe — is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) founded in 1972. Its headquarters are at the Maison des Européens de Lyon, 348 avenue Garibaldi, 69007 Lyon, France.
Inspired by the founders of the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), AVE was a pioneer in bringing volunteering onto the European public agenda.
Our mission
- Inform: share information between associations working in social action, health, housing, education, culture, the environment, citizenship and sport.
- Coordinate: bring together the efforts of volunteers and partner organisations.
- Foster understanding: between nations and between individuals, convinced that volunteers become more responsible and committed citizens of Europe.
At the Council of Europe
AVE obtained consultative status with the Council of Europe in 1979 and participatory status in 1999. As a member of the Conference of INGOs, it takes part in the work of its committees on human rights, democracy, education and culture in Strasbourg.
The European University of Volunteering
In 1991, in Barcelona, AVE launched the European University of Volunteering (UEV), an itinerant university offering short academic sessions for volunteers, NGOs, academics and public authorities. Since 2008, a permanent online version complements the itinerant sessions.
Recognising volunteers
AVE awards the Volunteering in Europe Medal of Honour, which recognises selfless commitment in education, community action, human rights, solidarity and intercultural dialogue. The presentation of the first medals was scheduled at a round table held in Strasbourg in October 2022.
Contact
Email: info@ave-europe.org · Phone: +33 6 28 25 01 72 · Address: Maison des Européens de Lyon, 348 avenue Garibaldi, 69007 Lyon, France.
Most of this website is in French: start with our guide to volunteering in Europe or contact us.
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · AVE Europe