Budapest, Hungary (April 19, 2008) – Numbering some 10,000, they fanned out across cities, towns, and rural villages across Hungary. Some cleaned trash and debris from public parks. Others tutored their younger peers. Still others brought cheer to hospitals and orphanages. While their activities varied, this multitude of youth united behind a single theme: Közöd! Or, in English, “Get involved!”

Sponsored by the Foundation for Democratic Youth (DIA), a national nongovernmental organization, with support from Nokia, the Közöd! celebration cast a spotlight on the spirit of youth volunteerism in a country where volunteering has not always been viewed in a positive light.

“When I was the same age as these young volunteers, we had ‘communist Saturdays,’ when we were voluntarily obliged to do something for the community like paint walls in schools or work in the fields,” recalls Rita Galambos, DIA’s Chair. “Because it was enforced, the notion of voluntary activity came to be resented.”

DIA is working to change how youth view their role in society – and how society views young people. Since 2003, with funding from Nokia, DIA has provided training and support to more than 5,500 young volunteers, whose efforts have reached more than 300,000 community members.

In Budapest, the epicenter of the Közöd! event, nearly 300 youth representatives from every region of the country converged at a secondary school for the weekend. Carrying sleeping bags and pillows, and sporting bright orange backpacks, they set up camp and organized their own citywide activity – surveying citizens about how they contribute to the world around them.

“I ride my bike whenever I can,” said a young mother at a bustling train station.

“I turn off the lights when they’re not needed,” added an older gentleman.

“I help the disabled,” said a shopper at a popular mall.

“I try not to wash my clothes very often,” said a young man, wryly.

In all, more than 3,000 people responded to the youth survey. Most regularly take action to help others or protect the environment.

“I was afraid at first,” said Dalma Sas, 17, a youth volunteer, at the prospect of posing questions to a complete stranger. At home in Borsodbóta, a former mining town in northeastern Hungary, Dalma and her peers lead efforts to increase environmental awareness. A few minutes into the interviewing exercise, Dalma found herself energized by the process and her fellow Közöd! volunteers.

For many of the youth, talking to strangers pushed them beyond their traditional boundaries. “I realized I can hold prejudices against people I have never met,” said one. “I realized if you really want something and are willing to work hard, you can get it,” said another.

Empathy. Compassion. Perseverance. Teamwork. All are skills gained through volunteering. Through helping young people develop such skills, DIA is working to prepare Hungary’s emerging generation of youth to assume their roles as active citizens.

The Közöd! event was carried out as part of Global Youth Service Day 2008 in which millions of young people in over 100 countries led service activities in their communities.