Sarah Villelongue
Activ'Action
Improving the journey of unemployed people, creating commitment
The organization
Activ'Action is an association founded in June 2014 by three unemployed individuals, aiming to help jobseekers view unemployment as an opportunity rather than a setback. Over 850 workshops organized across 20 cities in France and internationally, for more than 6,000 participants.
"We want everyone to be aware and value all their potential, that can be technical, relational, intellectual…"
A full immersion
In situ observation
One-month immersion, participating in 5 workshops.
Scientific research
Review of relevant studies on unemployment and skill development.
Qualitative research
14 interviews examining participant needs, workshop impacts, and improvement opportunities.
Co-creation workshop
Collaboration with unemployed facilitators to validate findings and develop solutions.
Activ'Actor profiles
78.6% hold a Bachelor's degree or higher; 50% hold a Master's. Ages range 24–62. 67.8% have been unemployed over a year; 57.9% over two years. Diverse professional backgrounds.
Primary motivations: re-motivation and confidence rebuilding, breaking social isolation, personal curiosity.
Key findings
The workshops generate measurable psychological benefits: getting back on their feet, social reintegration, re-motivation, learning from others. They also improve communication, emotional intelligence and relational skills through collective intelligence. Friendly networks develop, but professional networking remains underdeveloped, due to a lack of tools to maintain it.
Recommendations
- → Online questionnaires to track psychological impact over six-month periods
- → Structured participant pathways with progression levels
- → Gamification elements to track career development
- → Multi-level facilitator certification programs
- → Sponsorship opportunities with clear guidelines
- → Community self-management tools under organizational oversight
- → Connecting soft skills to resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles
