United Societies of Balkans (USB)

United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a non-profit organisation based in Thessaloniki, working towards an inclusive society with equal opportunities, mental wellbeing and active participation for all. Since 2008, USB has brought together young people, professionals and communities across South-Eastern Europe through education, intervention, volunteering and awareness-raising programmes. The organisation was founded on the belief that young people are agents of change, capable of co-creating fairer, more sustainable and more solidarity-based societies. Today, USB continues to build bridges of cooperation between individuals, organisations and communities, prioritising mental and social wellbeing, diversity and active citizenship. Vision A society where all young people, especially those from vulnerable groups, experience mental and social wellbeing, are recognised as agents of change and actively participate in shaping sustainable, fair and inclusive local communities. Mission To empower young people and vulnerable social groups through education, awareness-raising, psychosocial support and volunteering programmes, promoting balance, participation and democracy in an open, multicultural and inclusive environment. Balkan Hotspot is the ESC (European Solidarity Corps) project of "United Societies of Balkans", a NGO founded in Thessaloniki in 2008 by a team of active young people. The Balkans and Eastern Europe are geographical regions with many cultural features which offer a broad spectrum of actions and youth involvement initiatives. The organization was created as a respond to the pressure of constant changes in the Balkan and Eastern European region and under the need for the creation of a better social environment. Key areas of the organization's activities concern the defense of human rights, the organization of youth exchanges and training courses, which will bring young people from Balkans and Europe together, the organization of local educational seminars and multimedia production.