We look ahead and dream of a World full of Joy, Hope and Kindness in every home.
We also look at what we do and what we leave behind everywhere we go. We want you to see us as those who sow Joy, Hope and Kindness. We want to carry our dream to each house, each volunteer and each partner. This vision is a real objective, for the lives of each one of the people involved, because if we have left Joy, Hope and Kindness in a house forever, the world has already been transformed for the better.
just a change programs
We have developed several intervention programs that allow us to act in different contexts in parallel, thus enhancing the social impact and social cohesion in local communities.
Turn Up
Between October and May the construction word doesn’t stop! The Just a Change shifts keep the joy alive in Lisbon, Porto and Minho.
Camp In
During the Summer months, the 15 day camps of Just a Change spread around the country and generate social impact in the local communities.
Bootcamp
In the beginning of each semester, 1 intense week of Just a Change spirit in the construction work, in Lisbon, Porto and Minho
1. The beneficiary
The beneficiary is the reason you are here. We want to rebuild their life and bring them joy and hope. The construction work is the means to do it. You should not judge the beneficiary or their home, their actions, words, appearance, possessions or cleanliness. You should be patient and attentive! Remember: you don’t know their story. Between the beneficiary and the construction, the priority is the beneficiary.
2. The commitment
Committing to Just a Change means remembering that there are people who depend on you: the team, the beneficiary and everyone involved in the project. Every hour is crucial and whenever there is a failure in the work, it impacts the beneficiary the most.
3. The Joy
The simplest gesture can change someone’s life. When you arrive at a house with joy, you increase the joy of others. You may not be the life of the party, but a “how was your day?” or a simple smile makes all the difference. Don’t worry if you give all the joy you have within you, you will receive it back… And there will be more. Joy is a responsibility.
4. The Construction
Take care of the construction work, follow the people who are there to help you and, very important, stay safe.
5. The T-shirt
Put on the Just a Change jersey, transforming small tasks into big actions. Make it a symbol of unity and pass it on from house to house. Let’s go, for Just a Change!
Veste a camisola, transformando pequenas tarefas em grandes ações. Faz dela um símbolo de unidade e transmite-o de casa em casa. Vamos lá… Pelo Just a Change!
6. The Service
It is not always easy, you go beyond yourself, you’re not here for yourself, but to serve others. Do the good, in a good way.
7. The Respect
Respect is universal. It is like a solid foundation of a house. It’s one of the pillars of a team and sustains this base. Respect gives us strength in order to build a new roof in the house. Don’t forget, more than hierarchical, respect must be mutual.
In short, being a volunteer with Just a Change is…
Make friends FOR LIFE
Give back to the COMMUNITY
Enjoy some FREE TIME AT THE END OF THE DAY
Have a COOL t-shirt
MAFALDA
“It’s with a silly smile on my face and a full heart that I say I wouldn’t be the same person today if I hadn’t joined Just. It’s difficult to summarize so many experiences and people in just a few words. Without a doubt, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made was taking that risk on that first day of construction.”
DIOGO
“At Just, I found the opportunity to dedicate my time to those in need, with a direct and concrete impact on their lives and their homes.
I found a huge community of volunteers, who would become friends, with the same values and mission.
I believe this project changes the lives of those who need help and those who choose to help. It’s impossible, in one way or another, not to leave feeling deeply affected by the experience.
MARIA
“After volunteering with Just a Change, the way we look at life changes: we start to value the little things in everyday life that we usually take for granted.”