The FAI Phenomenon: Why Volunteer?
Ah, the Italian Environment Fund or FAI, a shining beacon of hope, attempting to salvage the glorious mess that is Italy’s historical, artistic, and cultural heritage. Think of it as the Avengers, but instead of saving the world from Thanos, they’re battling mildew and budget cuts. And leading the charge in Bisceglie is the dynamic Giulia Mastrodonato, head of the FAI Bat delegation, who clearly knows a thing or two about getting her hands dirty—or should we say ‘culturally enriched’?
Mastrodonato passionately emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating diversity within volunteer groups. “When volunteering,” she declares, “it’s crucial to appreciate diversity and bring out the best in people.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when I’m volunteering to restore an ancient chapel, I’m hoping the “best” I bring out is not just the ancient tiles—and believe me, that’s a challenge. We’ve got a volunteer squad that could easily qualify for a mid-life crisis support group, all aged between 45 and 50. Yes, it’s a bit like a vintage wine tasting—only they wish younger palates would join. Come on, kids! It’s not just Grandma’s heritage; it’s your future too!
The FAI takes its preservation work seriously, boasting three tactics to save cultural gems. They can manage, own, or, through what they affectionately call “extraordinary” openings, throw the doors wide open—like your Aunt Doris after one too many during Sunday dinner. The small church of Santa Margherita and the monastery of San Luigi have been focal points. It’s like giving a shout-out to those hidden treasures, reminding everyone that they’re worth more than just a dusty corner in an Italian travel brochure.
You see, FAI is not simply content with managing the old stones; they also toss in a sprinkle of education. After their lovely national days in autumn and spring, they dive into schools. It’s all about training the next generation of apprentice guides. “The student feels very taken into consideration,” Mastrodonato beams. They’re practically handing out diplomas for relic salvaging—who knew school could be this much fun? And don’t worry, even the little ones can start learning about the beauty of historical assets by age six. Why not instill a sense of awe in them before they can even tie their shoes? Because nothing screams ‘great upbringing’ like understanding Byzantine architecture while still in kindergarten!
Now, let’s talk about these events—they come in all flavors: cultural, social, and even everything in between, like a giant buffet where you can get your fill of knowledge. But Mastrodonato warns that organizing these events is like preparing for a date; if there’s no connection, it’s just a colossal waste of energy. You might as well be reciting Shakespeare to an empty room. Failure isn’t an option—not when there’s beauty to be preserved and stories waiting to be told. And volunteering? It’s an internal challenge, a test of the soul…or what’s left of it after a long day at the office, that is.
Exciting news, though! There’s a next big event coming this May that’s particularly hitting the stage at the Cathedral of Bisceglie. The local administration seems to be on board with the effort, which is quaint—certainly not something you’d expect to see during a process as bureaucratic as a government-backed play. Mastrodonato hopes that the Municipality will throw its hat into the FAI ring. Imagine that—a tangible bond between municipal grey suits and cheerful cultural warriors! Not a bad idea if you fancy a bit of synergy over mediocrity.
To wrap it up, one compelling reason to volunteer with FAI is straightforward: Because beauty is a balm for the soul. If nothing else, consider this an invite—splash your face with a bit of historical beauty, get your hands a tad sticky, and perhaps, just maybe, change the future for the better. If joining a passionate community dedicated to preserving Italy’s rich culture does not tickle your fancy, you might need to check your pulse. It’s vibrant over here!
Italian Environment Fund FAI is dedicated to safeguarding Italy’s rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the depths of this legacy. Within this framework, the Bisceglie garrison stands out for its remarkable engagement in preservation efforts. Giulia Mastrodonato, the head of the FAI Bat delegation, enthusiastically shared insights about the group’s initiatives and anticipated future commitments.
«When volunteering, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate diversity while nurturing the talents of individuals within a team. One must be open to self-reflection and adaptation. Our team consists of nearly ten dedicated volunteers in Bisceglie, with an average age between 45 and 50. We are eager to welcome younger individuals into our ranks» she elaborated.
The FAI employs three key strategies for asset management: they may oversee the property directly—such as their stewardship of the quaint church of Santa Margherita in the town—or they could take ownership of a site, or host “extraordinary” openings, as demonstrated during the FAI Autumn Days at the San Luigi monastery. This multifaceted approach not only preserves the properties themselves but also fosters a vibrant network of associations, enhancing the recognition of lesser-known sites that boast significant cultural and historical importance.
«After successful national events, like those held in autumn and spring, we direct considerable efforts towards educational institutions, implementing projects that connect us with aspiring young guides. It’s essential for us to nurture ongoing relationships with students beyond their high school years» explained Mastrodonato. «We primarily focus on middle and high school pupils in this initiative, which serves as an activation of active citizenship. The students feel valued and become true protagonists in the process. While we currently target these age groups, it’s possible to initiate the apprentice project as early as six years old. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet established programs in primary schools in Bisceglie. We believe fostering an appreciation for beauty from a young age is essential».
«Our events are diverse, including cultural activities, social initiatives, and workshops. Our primary goal is to reach a successful conclusion: organizing an event often demands immense energy and time. If we aren’t able to engage a new audience and raise awareness among those who remain uninformed, we will have missed our target. However, perseverance is vital. Volunteering is ultimately a challenge to oneself, and that is perfectly acceptable», she added.
Looking ahead, the next significant event in Bisceglie is scheduled for May, which will focus on the Cathedral of Bisceglie. «The local administration is highly engaged, fostering a relationship marked by respect and collaboration. There’s also a strong coordination with the Technical Office, particularly with Giacomo Losapio and Stefano Porcelli. We would be thrilled if the Municipality itself became a participant in the FAI network as it would represent a meaningful gesture with profound symbolic significance, reinforcing the partnership between public institutions and our foundation.» Mastrodonato highlighted that both volunteers and institutions must work together to realize their shared goals. «Why should one volunteer with FAI? Because beauty serves as a balm for the soul» she concluded passionately.
What are the key challenges faced by the FAI in engaging younger volunteers?
**Interview with Giulia Mastrodonato, Head of the FAI Bat Delegation**
**Editor:** Giulia, thank you for joining us today to discuss the wonderful work being done by the FAI in Italy, especially in Bisceglie. Let’s dive right in—what do you see as the primary role of volunteers in the preservation of Italy’s cultural heritage?
**Giulia Mastrodonato:** Thank you for having me! Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts at the FAI. Each person brings unique talents and perspectives, enriching our projects. It’s vital that we appreciate and nurture this diversity to create a vibrant and effective team. When individuals feel valued, they are more motivated to contribute, which ultimately enhances our collective impact.
**Editor:** That’s a fantastic perspective! You mentioned the age of your current volunteers. How are you planning to engage younger generations to join the cause?
**Giulia Mastrodonato:** Yes, we do have an aging volunteer base—most of our team is between 45 and 50. We really want to inspire younger people to get involved, showing them that this isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about shaping the future. We’ve implemented educational programs in schools, connecting with middle and high school students directly. We want them to see historical preservation as an exciting opportunity, not just a duty.
**Editor:** That sounds promising! Can you tell us more about those educational initiatives and their impact?
**Giulia Mastrodonato:** Absolutely! After our national events like the FAI Autumn Days, we focus on educational outreach. Our approach includes interactive workshops where students can learn about their cultural heritage firsthand. We’re not only teaching them about historical assets, but we’re also mentoring them as potential future guides. It’s rewarding to see students really connect with their cultural history, and we believe it instills a sense of pride that will encourage them to take an active role in preservation.
**Editor:** Speaking of events, you’ve got an exciting one coming up at the Cathedral of Bisceglie in May. What can we expect from that?
**Giulia Mastrodonato:** Yes! We’re thrilled about this event. It’ll be a celebration of both our cultural heritage and community involvement. We hope to showcase not only the beauty of the Cathedral but also engage the public with activities that invite them to learn more about our history. Our goal is to forge a tangible connection between our volunteers, the local administration, and the community. It’s about synergy—working together for a common purpose.
**Editor:** That’s a great way to foster community spirit. As we wrap up, why do you think people should consider volunteering with FAI?
**Giulia Mastrodonato:** Simply put, because beauty truly is a balm for the soul. When you volunteer with us, you’re not just preserving the past but also enriching your own life and the lives of others. It’s a chance to be part of something larger than yourself, connect with like-minded people, and create a legacy that future generations can cherish. If that doesn’t spark your interest, I’d recommend checking your pulse!
**Editor:** Thank you, Giulia! Your passion for cultural preservation is incredibly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful work the FAI continues to do in Bisceglie.
