International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day History

International Volunteer Day aims to promote volunteerism and recognize the valuable contributions of volunteers both locally and globally. This observance encourages individuals to offer their time, skills, and expertise voluntarily to engage in community service activities, contribute to societal development, and foster a spirit of cooperation amongst citizens. Additionally, the day underscores the need for volunteer organizations to collaborate, share resources, and implement best practices to enhance their collective impact on communities.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985, International Volunteer Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of volunteering within our society. Americans have a long history of volunteering, with millions of citizens dedicating their time and energy to various causes such as education, health care, environmental conservation, and disaster relief. In recent years, the United States government has also implemented several initiatives to encourage volunteerism and create additional opportunities for citizens to make a difference in their communities.

International Volunteer Day is observed through various events and activities organized by volunteer organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and communities to celebrate the efforts of volunteers, raise awareness about the significance of volunteer work, and encourage more people to get involved in service projects. These events typically include award ceremonies, workshops, seminars, and volunteer fairs, enabling organizations to highlight the contributions of their volunteers and share their knowledge and experiences with others. International Volunteer Day takes place annually on December 5th.

Facts about International Volunteer Day

• The theme for International Volunteer Day in 2024 wasRecognize volunteers' contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023 the theme was The Power of Collective Action: if Everyone did.
• The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others -Mahatms Gandhi.
• The CNCS reports that about 25% of American adults volunteer, which is around 63 million people!
• According to Nonprofit Source, the top four national volunteer activities in the U.S are:
  1) Food collection or distribution (24.2%)
  2) Fundraising (23.9%)
  3) General labor or transportation (18.8%)
  4) Tutoring or teaching (17.9%)

In the News and Trending in the US for International Volunteer Day

Top things to do in the US for International Volunteer Day

• Donate to reputable charities or organizations that work toward causes you support.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the tags: #TogetherWeCan and #IVD2020.
• Help out your community by volunteering locally.
• If you're unable to volunteer directly, consider making a financial contribution to a reputable charity. Research organizations that align with your values and support their work financially.