INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DAY

International Volunteers Day (IVD), initially known as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, is usually celebrated on 5th December every year. The UN General Assembly established this day in 1985 as a way of promoting voluntary service at local, national, and international arenas. The day celebrates acts of the people who try to make the world a better place for everyone through volunteerism. The day cuts across all the races, ethnic groups, and religious groups to bring volunteers to the same level where they can be appreciated in all facets.

History of International Volunteer Day

The United Nations General assembly first drafted the resolution 40/212 of December 1985 urging the governments to observe an annual event to commemorate the work done by volunteers. 5th December was picked to ensure global uniformity.

On 20th November 1997, the United Nations picked 2001 to be the International Year of Volunteers. This was one of the efforts to increase the number of the most needed volunteers as well as recognition of the previous work accomplished by volunteers.

In 2001, resolution 56/38 of the 5th December 2001, increased partnerships between the governments and the United Nations in promoting volunteerism worldwide. The national governments pledged to provide more room for the United Nations to disseminate their support for volunteer activities.

The United Nations Volunteers program was rolled out to provide clear and simple guidelines for international volunteers and to work on developing a special International Volunteers Day.

In 2011 International Volunteer Year marked its 10th anniversary by following up the achievement of the International Volunteers Day during the sixty-sixth general assembly session.

Who Celebrates the International Volunteers Day?

Well, all United Nations member countries recognize this day although it does not appear on their national calendars. The day is therefore marked by Non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross, the scouts' movement, and the St. John’s ambulance Cadets. Other minor organizations at the local levels also mark this day.

The United Nations Volunteer Program creates partnerships with governments in the development of policies that promote volunteerism in different countries. The international community joins hands with all the volunteers around the world on 5th December and celebrates their acts of kindness.

Why Celebrate the International Volunteers Day?

Many countries have used the International Volunteer Day to impress the importance of volunteerism at the national level. The volunteers’ contributions form an essential part of the strive to eradicate poverty, disease, hunger, illiteracy, diseases, and achievement of millennium goals.

The International Volunteer Day seeks to recognize individuals who have committed the lives and time to the acts of service to the needy. It involves representatives from media, private sector religious groups, foundations, and sports and recreational sectors.

The International Volunteer Day also provides a platform for volunteer groups to market their agenda to the public and dissipate crucial information such as the upcoming voluntary activities on their calendars. Furthermore, the International Volunteer day creates a sense of belonging to volunteers from the private sectors as they feel appreciated and part of a bigger team.

How is International Volunteers Day Celebrated?

Different organizations and groups of volunteers have different ideas for marking this great day. They organize activities such as parades, blood donations, exhibitions, workshops, fundraisings; group cleans up and volunteers fairs.

The United Nations usually announces the winner of the Online Volunteering Award which is an online volunteering platform where volunteers can offer free services over the internet such as advice to volunteer organizations.