International Volunteer Day
The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (5 December), more commonly referred to as International Volunteer Day (IVD), is an international observance mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985.
Why is International Volunteer Day important
Volunteerism is one of the most vital delivery mechanisms for social, environmental, and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes, and behaviours. People become actors of change and equal partners in the attainment of local, national, and international progress towards sustainable human development and global peace.
How to observe International Volunteer Day
Today offers an opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national, and international levels. International Volunteer Day celebrates active volunteers and attracts new volunteers.
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Tip:
Through the years, International Volunteer Day has been used strategically: many countries have focused on volunteer contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of time-bound targets to combat poverty, hunger, disease, health, environmental degradation and gender equality.
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Resources
Past Observances:
- International Volunteer Day 2018: Volunteers build Resilient Communities
- International Volunteer Day 2017: Volunteers act first
- International Volunteer Day 2016: #GlobalApplause
- International Volunteer Day 2015: The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!
- International Volunteer Day 2014: Make Change Happen, Volunteer
- International Volunteer Day 2013: Young, Global, Active
Reference Sites
- UN and other international NGO
- Non-Profits website for the observance
