Become a volunteer
Central Volunteer applications must be submitted by June 18, 2023. Between June 18th-30th, it will only be possible to finalize applications that were already submitted by this date. Register as a central volunteer for WYD Lisbon 2023 here!
Parish Volunteer applications must be submitted to parishes by June 30, 2023.
To be able to prepare all volunteers, WYD Lisbon 2023 will give priority to those who are available between July 23rd and August 7th 2023. However, central volunteers with lower availability (at least two days between 1 and 6 August) may also register on the platform.
More information on the application process here.
What does being a volunteer mean?
Since its first edition in 1986, World Youth Day has been built with the collaboration of thousands of volunteers. One of the greatest beauties of this meeting with the Pope is the gift of work and time of so many young people who, free of charge, give others the opportunity to participate in a unique experience.
A volunteer is someone who is aware of having a mission. There is something worth offering up for. It is this free and generous offer that gives the volunteer the joy and consolation of knowing that he is doing his part in this world for which we are all responsible.
At WYD Lisbon 2023, the Volunteer lives in the first person the theme of this WYD: «Mary arose and went with haste» (Lk 1:39). Wanting to serve the other, renouncing some personal things, for the joy that is found in service.
What types of volunteers are there?
In an event of this dimension, there are several types of volunteers. Some will have a very visible mission and in prominent places, and others a more discreet and equally critical role in making WYD happen. As Pope Francis tells us, in volunteering every service is important, even the simplest (meeting with volunteers in WYD Krakow 2016).
Central volunteers (>18 years old) are those who collaborate in the tasks and activities related to the central events of the day: the meetings with the Pope, the Youth Festival, the opening events, the City of Joy, the information points in the city, etc. Registration as a central volunteer is done through the official platform – access here.
Central Volunteer applications must be submitted by June 18, 2023.
Parish volunteers (>15 years old) will help with events and needs that will exist in the parishes that host WYD Lisbon 2023. There are three Host Dioceses (where pilgrims will be accommodated): Lisbon, Santarém and Setúbal. In these dioceses, the parishes will have a team of parish volunteers who help in organizing accommodation, assisting pilgrims, organizing celebrations and events, etc.
Parish Volunteer applications must be submitted to parishes by June 30, 2023.
What do I need to be a volunteer?
Above all, a willingness to serve at this great gathering. There is lots of work and all help is welcome. There are some requirements, for reasons of safety and organisation of the tasks.
To be able to prepare all volunteers, WYD will give priority to those who are available between July 23rd and August 7th 2023. However, central volunteers with lower availability (at least two days between 1 and 6 August) may also register on the platform.
The training of volunteers begins immediately after registration, through an e-learning platform. This training should occupy 2h/month. In the week before WYD there will be several face-to-face training meetings.
In which sector can a volunteer work?
Each team is in charge of responsibilities such as: welcoming pilgrims, doing translations, serving at information stations, setting up events, supporting security teams, distributing food and many other functions are fundamental at WYD.
- Assistance for persons with disabilities
- Healthcare
- Catechesis
- Photography
- Writing articles, etc.
- Graphic design/Audiovisual materials production
- Press office
- Communications - Internet and social media
- Accounts/Administration
- Stage service (events)
- Event security
- Information Technology (IT)
- Liturgy
- Logistics
- Maintenance and technical support
- Pilgrims - Reception/Check-in
- Accommodation venues
- Call centre
- Pilgrims - Distribution of materials
- Info Points
- Meal distribution
- Pilgrims - Transport
- Cleaning and care of the environment
- Security/Surveillance
- Secretariat
- Translating/Interpreting
- VIPs - Reception and assistance
If you want to volunteer in the events during WYD Lisbon 2023 (August 1 to 6, 2023), register here!
Registration Packages
WYD is built with the generosity of all! All volunteers are therefore asked to contribute an amount, depending on the package they choose (with/without accommodation, food, etc.), covering part of the costs. Enrollment as a volunteer is only confirmed after the payment of this contribution.
Central Volunteers Packages
The registration method may vary according to the Volunteer Registration Packages table – which always cover the period from 23 July to 7 August. For the final Main Events of WYD Lisbon 2023 at Tejo Park (Parque Tejo), Central Volunteers will be given an evening meal on the night of August 5th and breakfast on August 6th, regardless of the Volunteer Package they selected. All volunteers will have access to every Main Event during the entire week of WYD and the opportunity to participate in the meeting between Holy Father and WYD volunteers on August 6th.
Parish Volunteer Packages
Unique Package for parish volunteers: includes transport, insurance and volunteer kit and covers the period from July 23rd to August 7th. For the final Main Events of WYD Lisbon 2023 at Tejo Park (Parque Tejo), Parish Volunteers will be given an evening meal on the night of August 5th and breakfast on August 6th. All volunteers will have access to every Main Event during the entire week of WYD and the opportunity to participate in the meeting between the Holy Father and WYD volunteers on August 6th.
Why volunteer?
You develop decisive skills for your personal and professional life. All volunteers will follow a path of personal preparation. Training proposals where you will have the opportunity to share your experience, while learning and developing essential skills to put into practice in all dimensions of your spiritual, personal and professional life.
You live an experience of faith in a multicultural environment. With people from all over the world, from different backgrounds and cultures, WYD is a wealth for all participants. As a volunteer, with the particular mission of serving all pilgrims, this experience will be even more enriching.
You contribute to making possible the biggest event for young people around the world. We still don’t know how many people will come to Lisbon to attend this meeting of young people with the Pope. But we know that the meetings with the Pope at the various WYDs were the largest concentrations of people around the world. It is an honour to be part of the team that made it possible!
You approach the Pope and the Church. Being close to the Pope and feeling his presence is a unique and remarkable experience. It is around the words of the Holy Father that the Catholic Church gathers, opening its doors to all who want to approach it. By being part of the WYD volunteer team, you will experience unique moments and you will be a witness of faith in Jesus.
