Brief History

The first instances of volunteering can be traced back to medieval Europe, where religious care for the sick was closely intertwined with the practice of being a leper. In countries such as England, hundreds of churches tended to hospitals, caring for lepers and plague victims. By the 18th century, volunteerism had become more about military service than giving back to the community.Organized volunteering, as we know it today, began to take shape in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Organizations such as the Red Cross, Lions Club and Rotary Club started collecting donations and mobilizing volunteers for charity work and community services.

In the United States, volunteering started during the Revolutionary War. It was about ordinary people expressing their love for their country and supporting the war effort, rather than faith-based charity work as seen in other parts of the world. During the 1820s, America experienced the Second Great Awakening, which inspired many Americans to take an active part in addressing issues. The Salvation Army, American Red Cross and United Way were some of the organizations that stepped up. After the Great Depression of the 1930s, homeless shelters and soup kitchens appeared in the US.Since 1985, the UN Volunteers Program has coordinated International Volunteer Day on 5 December. They work with civil society, government agencies, corporations, non-profits and academic institutions to promote volunteerism as a tool for community and national development.

Volunteering remains a crucial part of building a peaceful and sustainable world. This day aims to engage as many people as possible in volunteering and community service.

How It’s Celebrated

Across the world, volunteers, organizations, and communities come together to mark the occasion. Common activities include volunteer recognition events, fundraising campaigns, and hands-on service projects. Many organizations use the day to thank their volunteers and highlight the positive impact of their work. Social media campaigns amplify the message, encouraging more individuals to volunteer and contribute to causes that matter most to them.

International Volunteer Day

Interesting Facts

• IVD, short for International Volunteer Day, is widely observed by a variety of groups.
• The day is recognized by governments, NGOs, and other organizations across the globe.
• Volunteers support a broad range of sectors, including education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental conservation.
• The day offers a chance to emphasize the vital role volunteering plays in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• In 2021, UNV (United Nations Volunteers) focused on the theme “Volunteer now for our common future,” underscoring the role of volunteers in shaping a better world.