Volunteer organisations play a vital role in disaster management, civil protection and emergency services in many EU Member States and countries which participate in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the work of some of the volunteers making a difference in civil protection – view our story collection, here.
International Volunteer Day is about recognising the invaluable contributions volunteers make in support of individuals and communities in all kinds of areas. By offering their time and expertise, volunteers provide support that help to overcome challenges and develop new skills. At the same time, volunteering can give the individual who offers their services a healthy boost of self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
There is a huge variety of options for those who are interested in volunteering – in civil protection and beyond. For example, the European Solidarity Corps – with its motto “The power of together” – offers mainly cross-border volunteering activities. Projects cover a wide range of issues such as environment, health, inclusion, digital technologies, culture, and sport. They are an excellent opportunity to help where needed, learn new skills, spend time abroad, maybe learn a language – and come back with unforgettable memories.
Given the wide range of areas covered, Corps can be sure to find something to match one’s interests and background. People also have the choice between volunteering individually and in teams.
For more information, visit the European Youth Portal, where you will find a lot of European and country level information about opportunities and initiatives that are of interest to young people who are living, learning and working in Europe, including volunteering: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/volunteering_en and/or https://youth.europa.eu/go-abroad/volunteering/opportunities_en.
The International Volunteer Day is an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. Its full name is the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. The Day offers an opportunity for individual volunteers and organisations that involve volunteers to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of the sustainable development goals at local, national and international levels.
For more information: https://www.unv.org/international-volunteer-day
Thematic series