International Volunteer Day, or IVD, is celebrated on December 5 every year throughout the world for economic and social development. It was a mandate of the UN General Assembly in 1985. It provides an opportunity for volunteer-based organizations and individual volunteers to promote volunteerism and encourage governments to support volunteer efforts.
International Volunteer Day 2024 Date
International Volunteer Day (IVD), observed on December 5 annually, was declared by the United Nations in 1985 as a day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism. Besides, it promotes volunteer contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing them at local, national, and international levels. This year, Volunteer Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 5th, 2024.
What is International Volunteer Day?
International Volunteer Day falls on December 5th every year recognizing the efforts of volunteers to transform societies, economies, and the environment. On this day, conscious residents focus on issues of concern in their communities and inspire others to join in the volunteering activities to serve communities.
History of International Volunteer Day
To support the contributions and efforts of volunteers over time, the International Day of Volunteers for Economic and Social Development was introduced by the UN General Assembly through a Resolution in December 1985. In 2012, responding to changing experiences and proposals, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program spearheaded a Five-Year International Volunteer Day Strategy to increase global recognition and grassroots-owned use.
Significance of International Volunteer Day
One should be proud of all the volunteers who are role models in their communities, working together in solidarity and personifying enthusiasm in action. Volunteering can be found in all cultures, nations, languages, and religions. Every year, millions of people contribute their time and talents to make the planet a decent place. When you volunteer, you contribute to the well-being of others. And when you volunteer, you also get greater feedback from the community.
International Volunteer Day Celebrations
Main celebrations of International Volunteer Day include Volunteer activities, volunteerism marches, and community work.
On December 5, people from all over the world gather at IVD for rallies, group cleanups, blood donation camps, conferences, volunteer fairs, presentations, fundraising, workshops, and volunteer recognizing events and exhibitions.
Why do we celebrate International Volunteer Day?
The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) corresponds to the IVD on December 5 each year to recognize and encourage the tireless work of not only UN Volunteers but volunteers around the world. Volunteering can boost your self-confidence, self-esteem, and joy in life. You're doing good things for others and the community, which gives you a realistic feeling of attainment. Volunteering can also provide you with a feeling of pride and a sense of individuality.
How to Celebrate International Volunteer Day?
1. Organize a volunteer appreciation gala
An annual gala allows volunteers to dress up and come together to celebrate all of their accomplishments. Invite family members, cater, and prepare a special compliment to volunteers to make the event momentous.
2. Play for volunteers
This entertainment activity is a social occasion for volunteers to get to know each other thoroughly. You may choose a film or play associated with your organization to make a double impact by educating volunteers about your cause. Besides, an entertaining comedy can be uplifting.
3. Film a “thank you” video
Record a flat video of your volunteers' activities throughout the year and compile short clips into an adorable message. This video can also include thanks from the community, organizers or leaders, clips from social services, and overall challenges from volunteers.
4. Donate to a volunteering organization
Donations are very important to help volunteer organizations fund their operations. Providing funds on International Volunteer Day to provide essential services to disadvantaged groups and frontline workers.
5. Get yourself involved in volunteer
You have to work hard to volunteer in your country. Feel open to post pictures or videos of your efforts online using the hashtags #VolunteerNow, #IVD, #IVD22, #UNV and encourage others to do the same.
Importance of International Volunteer Day
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) introduced International Volunteer Day (IVD) in 1985 to encourage more volunteer service in the communities. Below we discussed about the importance of IVD:
- Volunteering remains an important tool for creating a peaceful and sustainable world.
- Volunteering is one of the most important things that individuals do to help others unselfishly.
- The day aims to get as many people involved in community service and volunteer work as possible.
- When someone volunteers, he can choose to assist people, aid philanthropic causes, and support their local community.
- UN volunteers help run local or national elections and support humanitarian and peacekeeping projects around the world.
Facts About Volunteering
On the occasion of International Volunteer Day let's know about some amazing facts about volunteering:
- The first time volunteering took place in medieval Europe, where religion and compassion for the feeble and sick went hand in hand.
- There are more than 1 billion volunteers worldwide which are more than the unemployment rate in six out of ten countries.
- 70% of volunteer work is done not in any organization but informally amongst people in their communities.
- 57% of volunteer activities are done by women globally.
- Late in the 18th and early 19th centuries Red Cross, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Y.M.C.A. began fundraising, organizing volunteers, and doing charity and community service.
Happy International Volunteer Day 2024: Wishes, Messages, Greetings
Since 1985, the UN Volunteer Program has been celebrating IVD on 5 December globally. Send International Volunteer Day Wishes Messages and Greetings to your friends to encourage them to be a volunteer
- IVD provides a unique opportunity for volunteers and organizations to enhance their efforts, values, their role in the community. Happy International Volunteer Day!
- Never underestimate the power of volunteering, as it has made a world of difference in so many ways. Happy International Volunteer Day!
- Small groups of citizens attuned to voluntary service to their city or society have the power to bring about the impossible change. Happy International Volunteer Day!
- Happy International Volunteer Day! Although volunteers are not paid, the type of work they do is free of charge.
Happy International Volunteer Day 2024 Status
On the occasion of IVD, let's appreciate volunteers and their efforts to help communities globally. Post International Volunteer Day WhatsApp Facebook Instagram statuses to acknowledge their services –
- Let’s volunteer more and more because the world needs our help. Happy International Volunteer Day!
- We may not make a living volunteering but volunteering can help so many of us. Happy International Volunteer Day!
- Being a volunteer is not so easy as it says a lot about a person's character. Always be helpful towards mankind. Happy IVD to everyone!
- On International Volunteer Day, let’s get together and volunteer for causes because the world needs our assistance.
International Volunteer Day 2024 SMS
Let's get ready to appreciate the volunteers around the world and try to be a volunteer. Text your friends and loved ones with these international volunteer day short messages (SMS) to encourage them to get involved in volunteering –
- On International Volunteer Day, let’s encourage volunteering and thank everyone involved.
- International Volunteer Day reminds each of us to step forward to help others in times of need.
- Wishing every volunteer a very happy International Volunteer Day for making the world beautiful.
- Volunteering for different causes can make a huge difference. Happy IVD to every volunteer!
International Volunteer Day Quotes
Below is a collection of Volunteer Quotes that will surely inspire people to get involved in voluntery service –
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi
“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” – Helen Dyer
International Volunteer Day is celebrated by a lot of non-governmental organizations around the world. It is also underlined and acknowledged by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. UNV hosts an annual campaign to promote IVD, which brings to light the impact volunteers have on peace and development in their communities, nation, and world. By the end of the article, we hope that you found all the information regarding the day.