The United Nations' International Volunteer Day

December 5, 2011 marks the 26th United Nations’ International Volunteer Day and the tenth anniversary of the UN International Year of Volunteering (IYV+10). International Volunteer Day celebrates and promotes all types of volunteerism. It is a day for individual volunteers and volunteer organizations to share their contributions with the rest of the world, to learn from the community, and to support each other. Today also marks both the release of the first State of the World’s Volunteerism Report and a United Nations General Assembly to discuss volunteerism. Take this time to share your volunteer story and take pride in your contributions to society, no matter how big or small!

The Vision Statement of IYV+10 outlines the values and mission of the anniversary in three sections: “Volunteer Values”, “Volunteer Engagement” and “Volunteering in the Future.” Volunteerism is based on “a firm belief in the values of equality, solidarity, civic engagement as well as individual and collective freedoms.” The anniversary of IYV is a time to inspire others and celebrate achievements of volunteers.

The United Nations Volunteers program (UNV)

The United Nations

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) is the United Nations organization that “contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.” UNV believes in the benefits of volunteerism for individuals and societies and acts as an advocate, a partner, and a tool for volunteers. According to UNV international volunteerism supports the values of free will, commitment, engagement, and solidarity. The organization creates a place to highlight the importance of volunteerism and engage volunteers in key volunteering issues. The UNV acknowledges and promotes the huge potential volunteers have to change the world. Go to the website to share your photos and experiences with other volunteers around the world and to check out other submissions.

State of the World’s Volunteerism Report

For the first time, the UN released a State of the World’s Volunteerism Report through UNV. The report was written to examine the motivation and impact of volunteers worldwide.

The report discusses the developments and changes in volunteerism in the last ten years, like the impact technology has had on volunteerism and the flexibility it has added to engaging volunteers. The report also mentions the rise of new types of international volunteerism like gap year volunteers, the trend of “voluntourism,” and involvement of private sectors and corporations.

By reporting on the state of volunteerism, the UN also seeks to eradicate misconceptions about the nature and influence of volunteer work. For example, volunteer work is universal and takes place in every sector of society, from private sectors to the civil society sector. Another common misconception about volunteerism is that it’s reserved for the educated, wealthy members of society who have extra time and money.

According to the report, the increase in volunteer recognition has been a steady one but isn’t nearly enough. Robert Leigh, senior writer of the report, sees the report itself as another opportunity to show the public how essential volunteerism is to every society.

Millennium Development Goals

“End[ing] poverty by 2015” may sound like a tough task but the UN is promoting its Millennium Development Goals to do just that. The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were created in 2002 by the United Nations Millennium Campaign in a fight to end poverty. This campaign is another way for volunteers to focus on combating poverty, disease, and hunger affecting billions of people.

The UN General Assembly

International Year of Volunteering

At a United Nations General Assembly in Germany in 1997, 126 Member States agreed that 2001 would be the International Year of Volunteers, or IYV. The purpose of this designated year was to support the growth of volunteer service recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion to increase awareness of the achievements of volunteerism and further its potential. During the General Assembly, it was also proclaimed that 2011, the tenth anniversary of IYV (IYV+10), would be celebrated internationally to continue to build on the successes and momentum created for the first IYV.

In 2002, the outcome of IYV was noted in a statement on behalf of the European Union from Ole E. Moesby of Denmark. The statement noted the usefulness of the Internet in expanding volunteer networks. Moesby also said that IYV resulted in improvement of relevant legislation and policies around the world in creating volunteer opportunities. According to Moesby’s statement, the European Union emphasizes the importance of voluntary work to promote human rights and international solidarity, strengthen communities [#1], sustain development, and develop spirit, community [#2] and self-esteem among individuals.

“Voluntary work promotes social participation, active citizenship, and strengthens civil society.”- Moesby