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Volunteering Really Can Change the World

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Terry Cullen

Oct 21, 2022

Worldwide

Categories:

Volunteerism, Inclusive, Equality, Society

The United Nations released its 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report - Building Equal and Inclusive Societies. This report is the fourth one, with previous reports done in 2011, 2015, and 2018. This year’s report focuses on the importance of volunteerism in building equal and inclusive societies.


The United Nations states that “[v]olunteerism is a powerful force, and an important part of the fabric of society. Globally, it remains an important vehicle for shaping and advancing development. Its potential to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development that delivers to all is, however, yet to be realized.”


Four key findings of the report point to the importance of volunteerism in all of our societies today:


Volunteerism can promote a culture of collaborative decision-making. Volunteers often become part of an organization’s decision-making process, consulted on viewpoints and sometimes with a seat at the leaders’ table. This role is true in both public, private and non-profit organizations.

Volunteerism can alter unequal power relations, such as volunteer groups working with public bodies. Volunteers can be a conduit between ordinary citizens and the government.

Volunteerism provides diverse pathways to civic participation but remains unequal. There is a large and diverse range of volunteer opportunities worldwide. Many leaders in business and government (at all levels) started or augmented their journey with volunteering. It can open the door for marginalized people to connect and become future change agents.

Volunteers build bridges. Volunteers have a latent potential to connect the organization’s mission to a larger audience.


Unfortunately, most people do not volunteer time or talent for any cause, even when they can do so. Yet, the benefits are much more than a feeling of personal satisfaction. Contributing your time to a cause you find worthwhile could unlock benefits you never anticipated. Some examples are building productive relationships with people you would not typically meet and becoming a valuable member of an organization’s team. Others include strengthening an organization important to you or influencing change in something that matters to you.


You can give your children a jumpstart in a successful life by exposing them to volunteer opportunities. Volunteerism develops good leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence. It builds connections and networks they would not realize in their everyday lives.


From a vast, global perspective, the simple act of volunteering can help us tackle the challenges humanity faces, and its importance cannot be underestimated.


Start something small today. Go beyond contributing money. Roll up your sleeves and get involved because the world needs our help.


Photo by Manh Phung on Unsplash

Indeed.com offers some useful information for people just starting out with volunteerism. Visit the second link listed below for more information.

Source:

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Catalog #:

1022.100.05.10212022

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