The “Un’Ora per Palermo” Network is launched: over 35 associations united for the city

Official presentation on Saturday 14 March with the Mayor of Palermo
Sala Pietro Scaglione – Palazzo Palagonia

On Saturday 14 March 2026 at 10:00 a.m., the associative network “Un’Ora per Palermo” will be officially presented to the city at the Sala Pietro Scaglione of Palazzo Palagonia. The initiative brings together more than 40 associations from the Palermo area with the aim of strengthening collaboration among third sector organisations and promoting new forms of civic participation.

The initiative stems from the shared commitment of numerous organisations in the city to create a stable space for collaboration, capable of connecting experiences, competences and energies within the local associative sector. The network aims to foster dialogue and coordination among organisations working in the fields of social support, culture, sport and territorial development, enhancing the contribution of each organisation and strengthening the impact of activities carried out across the territory.

The Un’Ora per Palermo network is promoted by the participating associations and coordinated by FICUS ETS, a third sector organisation based in Palermo and chaired by Manfredi Barbaro. Its objective is to develop joint initiatives, share resources and knowledge, and create new opportunities for collaboration among organisations active in the area. While maintaining their organisational autonomy, the associations involved have chosen to work together in order to increase their capacity for action and contribute to the social and cultural development of the city.

Among the network’s main objectives are the promotion of solidarity and social cohesion, mutual support among organisations, the sharing of tools and experiences, and the possibility of developing joint projects and activities. The network also aims to encourage dialogue with public institutions and to promote initiatives that highlight the role of volunteering and the third sector within the community.

Alongside social and networking activities, Un’Ora per Palermo will also promote structured opportunities for training, exchange and capacity building aimed at the member associations. The goal is to strengthen the skills of local organisations and create shared opportunities for growth within Palermo’s third sector.

Starting from May 2026, the network will organise workshops, thematic meetings and operational working groups dedicated to practical aspects of association management and opportunities for the third sector. Topics will include the promotion and management of the 5×1000, fundraising strategies, access to national and European calls for proposals, social project design and updates on regulatory developments affecting the third sector.

These moments of exchange will allow associations to share experiences, tools and best practices, fostering the creation of new collaborations and joint initiatives. Through thematic and dynamic working groups, the network also aims to facilitate the development of shared initiatives and strengthen the capacity of organisations to access development opportunities at local, national and European levels.

A central element of the project is the direct involvement of citizens. Through the portal www.unoraperpalermo.it, citizens will be able to learn about the associations participating in the network, discover activities promoted across the territory and volunteer their time by taking part in initiatives organised by the associations.

The portal has been created to facilitate the meeting between citizens and the associative sector. Anyone will be able to dedicate even just one hour of their time to a social, cultural, sporting or solidarity-based activity, making a concrete contribution to the life of the city and supporting the initiatives promoted by local associations.

The event will take place under the patronage of the Municipality of Palermo and in the presence of the Mayor of Palermo, together with representatives of public institutions and the local associative sector.

The public presentation will also represent the symbolic launch of the network, with the official signing of the collaboration agreement among the participating associations, formally establishing the “Un’Ora per Palermo” network.

Through this initiative, the associations involved aim to promote a model of active citizenship based on collaboration, participation and the sharing of time, skills and responsibilities, contributing to the development of a Palermo that is increasingly participatory, inclusive and supportive.

If your association operates in Palermo and would like to become part of the “Un’Ora per Palermo” network, you can express your interest by completing the following online form:
https://forms.gle/AutbzBUB8jafDig46

The network is open to associations that share the values of collaboration, active citizenship and civic participation, with the aim of strengthening cooperation among local organisations and creating new opportunities for joint initiatives across the territory.

Information
FICUS ETS
www.unoraperpalermo.it
www.ficusets.org

Associations participating in the “Un’Ora per Palermo” network

R-EVOLUTION ETS

INSIEME PER LA COSTA SUD

SETTIMA ARTE

I DONI DEL CUORE ODV

D2EVENT

UNITI PER UN FUTURO MIGLIORE

ASSOCIAZIONE TETRA KORDES APS

COOP. SOCIALE KOINE’ ARL

ASSOCIAZIONE NAVI – NATI PER VIVERE

NATI PER VINCERE IN VOLO COME LE AQUILE