Volunteer

Image via: SEYLLOU / AFP

International Volunteer Day: Here’s what you need to know

Thursday 5 December marks another observance of International Volunteer Day. Here’s what you need to know about the special day.

Volunteer

Image via: SEYLLOU / AFP

International Volunteer Day (IVD), is an international observance that is celebrated every year on 5 December. 

Mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985, it offers an opportunity for volunteer-involving organisations and individual volunteers to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and international levels.

Here’s what volunteer day is all about

According to timeanddate.com, the day hopes to heighten people’s and governments’ awareness of voluntary contributions. It also focuses on stimulating people to offer their services, both at home and abroad. 

Over the years, governments, businesses, nonprofit organisations, and individuals contribute through various activities including:

  • Voluntary community projects.
  • Parades, marches, or rallies.
  • Award ceremonies for those who made significant contributions to their communities.
  • “Time donation” campaigns that involve people pledging hours of voluntary service to specific projects.
  • Companies launching voluntary programs as part of their corporate responsibility.
  • Volunteer competitions.

What you are volunteering for 

  • Help eradicate poverty.
  • Achieve universal primary education.
  • Promote gender equality and empower women.
  • Reduce child mortality and improve maternal health.
  • Reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases.
  • Help ensure environmental sustainability.

IVD 2019

The IVD2019 theme is ‘Volunteer for an inclusive future,’ highlighting SDG 10 and the pursuit of equality – including inclusion – through volunteerism. 

“Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by devoting their time and skills. Through volunteerism, communities around the world often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion,” added the UN. 

Devoted to inclusion

According to awarenessdays.com, each year, hundreds of millions of people give up their time and skills to help make the world a better place. When they do this, they help to improve the lives of others and also gain a greater sense of belonging to their communities.