International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day is a global celebration of volunteerism, honoring people's participation in making a change at all levels.

On International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2014, we not only celebrate volunteerism in all its facets - but also pay special tribute to people's participation in making a difference locally, nationally and globally. IVD 2014 highlights the contribution of volunteers in engaging people from the grass-roots in decision-making processes, ultimately creating space for participation that leads to stronger governance, social cohesion, peace and sustainable development.

On 5 December 2014 join the world in recognising all volunteers' commitment and applaud hundreds of millions of people who volunteer to make change happen.

The power of volunteer work

• Volunteerism is recognised, within societies, as a way for all people and countries to achieve peace and development through the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. Volunteerism promotes social cohesion, good governance, and human security.
• Volunteers have a significant contribution in securing access for all people to the universal basic social services, which are the main pillars of development. Their work improves the capacities of local, institutional and national authorities to deliver these services, and also the capacity of communities themselves to make best of use of these services.
• Volunteer engagement promotes the civic values and social cohesion that reduceviolent conflict at all stages.
• Volunteerism can promote social justice, accountability and a culture of prevention that are foundations of sustainable development and durable peace.
• Volunteer engagement promotes the civic values and social cohesion that reduceviolent conflict at all stages.
• Volunteerism can promote social justice, accountability and a culture of prevention that are foundations of sustainable development and durable peace.

By offering our skills through volunteering, we can positively impact our communities, nation and the world. So make change happen, volunteer!

Remember, your nominated CSI could win GEMS support. Click here for more information. 

Sources
International Volunteer Day 2014: http://www.volunteeractioncounts.org/en/