This weekend we celebrate two very special events with the Asociación Liber : the Gala of its 30th anniversary and the XV National Volunteer Meeting. Som – Fundació was actively present, as a member organization, as part of the board of directors, and above all, as a community that believes in support, autonomy, and a full life for people with intellectual disabilities.
An anniversary that looks to the future
On Friday, October 17, the Assembly Hall of the Centro Dotacional Integrado Arganzuela in Madrid was filled with memory, emotion, and commitment. The Gala for Liber’s 30th anniversary was a tribute to three decades of advocacy for the quality of life and rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
Institutional representatives, sector professionals, individuals linked to Liber’s history, and member organizations like Som – Fundació took part. Our Head of Institutional Relations, Josep Tresserras—Vice President of Liber—was actively involved in the event and received a special recognition for highlighting the journey taken to promote personalized support, inclusion, and self-determination as central values.
With inspiring speeches, a commemorative video, and a musical performance, the gala made it clear that Liber is a living commitment that continues to build a network of organizations that support people in decision-making and in shaping their life projects.
Volunteering: heart-to heart
While celebrating Liber’s past and present, we also looked to the future with the XV National Volunteer Meeting, held from October 17 to 19 at the Monastery of Santa María de los Negrales in Alpedrete (Madrid). A peaceful and accessible space that welcomed over a hundred volunteers from across Spain.
Som – Fundació participated with Aitor Sánchez, Head of the Volunteering Program, Josep Tresserras, and a group of volunteers from our “Tu a tu” program, who share leisure time with the people we support. Over three days, we exchanged experiences, held workshops, and reflected on the transformative role of volunteering in improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. In fact, Aitor led a training session on what we expect from volunteers.
This model of volunteering—close, stable, and meaningful—has the power to turn people into agents of inclusion. It is a key element in promoting autonomy, social relationships, and community inclusion. It’s a way of working that puts people at the center, builds real connections, and highlights the value of accompaniment based on trust and respect.
We are part of a network that transforms
This weekend reminded us that being part of Liber means being part of a movement that believes in people. That defends the right to decide, to live with dignity, and to have the necessary support to make it possible.
At Som – Fundació, we will continue working for a full life, for a fairer society, and for a volunteering model that not only accompanies but transforms.
Thank you, Liber, for 30 years of shared journey. And thank you to all the volunteers who make this path a collective one.