Definition of a volunteer

A volunteer is a person who carries out activities benefiting society, by free will. These activities are undertaken for a nonprofit cause, benefiting the personal development of the volunteer, who commits their time and energy for the general good without financial reward.

Definition of volunteering activity

Volunteering represents the activity that is undertaken for a non-profit cause and does not replace paid staff. The activity can be done within the framework of a volunteering provider or through a volunteer’s own initiative.

Definition of volunteering providers

Volunteering providers are non–profit organizations and groups that are independent and self- governing as well as other non–profit entities, such as public authorities. They are active in the public arena and their activity must be aimed, at least in part, at contributing to the public’s good.

The European Charter on the Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers presents the rights and responsibilities of the volunteers, but also those of the providers. 

The value of volunteering is identifiable on two major dimensions: the individual development of people involved in volunteering and the development of communities and society as a whole.

The contribution of volunteering to INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT is reflected in the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities transferable to the labor market, in the potential of volunteering as a lifelong learning opportunity, in cultivating social skills such as confidence, tolerance, self-esteem, respect for diversity.

The contribution of volunteering to the DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITIES is reflected in solving local problems by financial contribution with the work of volunteers, facilitating social cohesion by bringing people together for a common goal, facilitating social integration and combating the risk of social exclusion of vulnerable social groups.

The contribution of volunteering to the DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY as a whole is reflected in cultivating interpersonal trust and increasing the level of social capital, putting intro practice the European values of solidarity, tolerance and social cohesion, being a form of active aging and active citizenship.

Any involvement in volunteering involves a form of social learning, even if it is often unaware. Involvement in volunteer activities develops a range of social skills and competences, such as: solidarity, tolerance, trust, civic spirit and social responsibility.

The benefits of volunteering can be numerous, because it means more than carrying on several activities. It means new experiences and opportunities for the volunteers, bringing, at the same time, a positive impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place.

1. Volunteering means connecting with new people
   Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, extend your network, and develop your social skills. In other words, volunteering represents a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. More than this, the opportunity to practice and develop your communication and interpersonal skills arises. You will socialize more, you will be more active, spending you time in a pleasant and useful manner, you will become part of a team, because volunteering builds bridges between people.

    

2. Volunteering promotes well-being and mental health
   Volunteering can contribute to eliminating the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety, promoting, at the same time, well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person or a group of persons. More than this, volunteering can combat depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others, helping at the development of a solid support system.

    

   By doing good to others and contributing to the community, volunteers get a natural sense of accomplishment and their self-confidence increases. Having an important role can also provide a sense of pride and identity to the volunteer, feeling better about themselves, and having a positive view of their life and future goals. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose, especially to people coming from vulnerable groups.

    

3. Volunteering brings career opportunities
   Even if you have professional experience or not, volunteering gives you this opportunity which involves practicing the most important and required workplace skills, such as: teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization, providing at the same time extensive training for volunteers.  More than this, it represents a great method to gain experience, which will bring great value to your CV.

    

4. Volunteering to explore interests and passions
   Volunteering can also be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments, providing volunteers with creativity, motivation, and vision.

   While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day, and has a remarkable educational value.

5. Goals and values of volunteering
   1. Increase Engagement
      • Gives people the opportunity to put action to their values
      • Enables others to see, discuss, and take action
   2. Increase Empathy
      • Directly connecting with the needs of the community
      • Identifying volunteering as a value
   3. Increase Awareness
      • Awareness of the world as we all impact our world together
      • Be part of something greater than yourself

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, but the most important aspect is to find an area or a position that you are interested in, that you like and you will enjoy while carrying out the activities. You can ask yourself, as a future volunteer, the following questions:

• Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?
• Consider your goals and interests

Your experience as a volunteer will be more meaningful, if you first take some time to identify your goals and interests. The opportunity will be useful, enjoyable and fulfilling if your goals and interests will match with the volunteering programme. 

Where to find volunteer opportunities?

• Nongovernmental organizations;
• Community theaters, museums;
• Children or elderly centres;
• Orphanages;
• Churches;
• Teaching in schools;
• Sport events;
• Women’s empowerment projects;
• Homeless shelter;
• Hospitals;
• Activities for the handicapped;
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers;
• Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs.
• Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations.
• Online volunteering.