International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development: What is the History Behind This?

By Madhav Gupta Last updated Nov 26, 2022

The 5th of December, also known as International Volunteer Day (IVD), honors individuals and organizations that donate their time and energy to better the lives of others. In addition to honoring volunteers, this day strives to promote volunteerism.

Every act of volunteerism is a charitable act. It is a method of giving without expecting anything in return. This is an act of peace and goodwill. Volunteers comprehend the adage “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Have you ever imagined a world without volunteers? They frequently represent the voiceless. Volunteers assist those in dire need. Volunteers keep charities and nonprofit organizations thriving.

Besides helping others, volunteering has additional advantages. Volunteering is beneficial to your health. In addition to strengthening the body, volunteering boosts mood and reduces stress. Volunteers have an even greater chance of finding employment.

There are 970,000,000 volunteers in the world. Even though there are millions of volunteers, more are always needed!

How to Observe

Do you volunteer? If this is the case, consider the accomplishments of your organization. How will it continue to positively affect your community? If you do not currently volunteer, investigate a service group. Offer your time or expertise. There are several service groups with diverse requirements. If you’re unsure where to start, the majority of towns require volunteers in the following areas:

Food pantries
Retirement homes
Local libraries
Animal rescue shelters
Hospitals
National parks

Additionally, some websites help you locate volunteer activities in your region. VolunteerMatch.org and AllForGood.org are two sites. If you wish to volunteer overseas, Peru, Australia, Puerto Rico, and South Africa are your best options.

Use #InternationalVolunteerDay to publicize this day on social media.

International Volunteer Day History

In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution establishing International Volunteer Day. The day has provided organizations, governments, foundations, and individuals with chances to establish and achieve goals and acknowledge the contributions of volunteers from all walks of life.

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, more commonly referred to as International Volunteer Day (IVD), is an international observance mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985. #IVD2020 #Imeyreach pic.twitter.com/LK0ykfGf4b

— ImeyReach (@imeyreach) December 5, 2020

Each year, the United Nations selects a theme that focuses on various elements of volunteering. Recent subjects include:

Volunteer for an inclusive future in 2019.
2018: Volunteers build resilient communities.
2017: Volunteers Act First
2016: Global Applause – provide a hand to volunteers.
Your world is shifting in 2015. Are you? Volunteer!

Solidarity Through Volunteering

The topic of International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2022 is solidarity via volunteering. This campaign emphasizes the capacity of mankind as a whole to effect positive change through volunteerism.

The UN Volunteers (UNV) program organizes International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December each year to acknowledge and promote the arduous work of not only UN Volunteers but volunteers worldwide.

Rising disparities around the globe demand that we collaborate to find common answers. Volunteers produce solutions to urgent development concerns and for the common good, united by solidarity.

Join us in celebrating all those who dedicate themselves in serving the community as we celebrate International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development pic.twitter.com/DTIZq0l4qR

— KWAL (@KWALOFFICIAL) December 5, 2020

Volunteering is the intersection of compassion and solidarity. They assist one another from a place of mutual trust, modesty, respect, and equality.

Join UNV and volunteers around the world to celebrate the spirit of volunteering in the lead-up to #IVD2022. We are proud of all volunteers who serve as role models in their communities by working in unity and exemplifying inspiration through their actions.

Un Volunteers, Making a Difference in the Lives of Many

Volunteering means giving, sharing, supporting causes you care about, standing by others, and creating a better future for everyone.

Help us spread the word and participate in our campaign by:

Posting a photo, video, or graphic that demonstrates how you are volunteering for our future! You can find images and other campaign tools on this Trello board ‘Nominating’ someone to also “volunteer today for our shared future” by tagging them with the hashtags #passiton #volunteernow #IVD2021 Example: “I volunteer to encourage environmental awareness, plant trees, and conduct community cleanups.” I #passiton to @UNVenture to volunteer today for #climateaction.

What is the Theme of the 2022 International Volunteer Day?

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
We celebrate our theme of unity via volunteering on International Volunteer Day (IVD) in 2022. Together and immediately, we must act for the future of our world. This is not a time to stand alone, but rather to stand united and in solidarity.

Why Do We Celebrate International Volunteer Day?

It provides volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers with the opportunity to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts, and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local, national, and international levels.

Who First Established International Volunteer Day?

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Volunteer Day in 1985 (A/RES/40/212).

What is International Volunteer Day?

International Volunteer Day is coordinated annually on December 5 by the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) to commemorate and promote the arduous work of not only UN Volunteers but volunteers worldwide.