International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day History

International Volunteer Day (IVD) aims to recognise volunteers' substantial role in promoting peace, humanitarianism, and sustainable development across the globe. Initiated by the United Nations, the day is dedicated to appreciating the countless hours volunteers invest in helping communities and individuals in need, as well as the social, economic, and environmental impact they generate. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness about the importance of volunteerism, encourage more people to engage in such meaningful activities, and foster collaboration among governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and citizens in addressing global challenges.

Introduced in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly, International Volunteer Day has since gained worldwide recognition, including in Australia. Australians are known for their great spirit of volunteerism, as a significant proportion of the population actively participates in diverse volunteering efforts, acknowledging and endorsing the value it brings to society. The Australian Bureau of Statistics report showed that in 2020, approximately 4.3 million Aussies, or 21% of the population aged over 15, participated in various volunteer work, contributing to the country's socio-economic well-being and community development.

In Australia, International Volunteer Day is marked with various events and activities aimed at celebrating the commendable work of volunteers and inspiring others to join the cause. Such events include award ceremonies to honour exceptional volunteers, campaigns and workshops to promote volunteering opportunities, organization-level activities to appreciate the contributions of their volunteers, and various community engagements to address local issues. On the 5th of December, International Volunteer Day reminds Australians to continue contributing to creating a better world by generously devoting their time, skills, and passion to those in need.

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!
• Due to advances in technology and a growing demand for remote work, virtual volunteering has become a popular option in Australia. This allows volunteers to contribute their skills and time to various causes from the comfort of their homes.
• Volunteering has been associated with mental health benefits, including reduced stress, increased self-esteem, and an overall sense of well-being.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Volunteer Day

Top things to do in Australia 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.
• Get involved in environmental projects such as tree planting, wildlife monitoring, or habitat restoration with organizations such as Conservation Volunteers Australia, Landcare, or Greening Australia.
• Serve meals, distribute food, or help with other services at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or food bank, such as the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or Foodbank Australia.