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International Volunteer Day

Make a difference this International Volunteer Day! Find local volunteer opportunities in your area and share your time, skills, and kindness.
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When it is?
December 5
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Country
International
Introduction

Celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5 by giving back to the community! This day has been around since 1985, when it was designated by the United Nations as a way to recognize and encourage volunteerism all over the world. It's also an opportunity for individuals and organizations alike to learn about different ways they can help out in their communities.

History of International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day Dates

International Volunteer Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Designation</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Volunteer Day was first designated by the United Nations, acknowledging the role of people’s participation in making a difference locally and globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First UN Volunteers</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was created, encouraging global volunteerism for peace and development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Year of Volunteers</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations designates 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, further emphasizing the importance of volunteerism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Online Volunteering Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UNV programme launches an online volunteering service, expanding the means of participating in volunteer activities internationally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>10th Anniversary Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers is celebrated, leading to renewed efforts for promoting volunteerism worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Volunteering</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers around the world step up their efforts, showcasing the crucial role of volunteers in times of crisis.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Volunteer Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a volunteer event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and organize a volunteer event at your local park, soup kitchen, or animal shelter. It's a great way to get involved in the community and make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you can't volunteer in person, consider donating to a charity that is making an impact in your area. Donations of money, goods, or services can go a long way in helping those in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness by sharing information about International Volunteer Day on your social media accounts. Encourage your followers to join you in volunteering in their communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a virtual event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>With the help of technology, you can host a virtual fundraiser or event in honor of International Volunteer Day. Collect donations through your website or through an online platform like GoFundMe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write thank you notes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your appreciation for volunteers by writing thank you cards and sending them out on International Volunteer Day. This small gesture goes a long way in showing gratitude for all their hard work.</p></div></div>

Why International Volunteer Day is Important

<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Giving back to the community</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>International Volunteer Day is a great opportunity to make a difference and give back to our communities. Whether it's through organizing volunteer events, making donations, or spreading awareness, every effort counts in making the world a better place.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Spreading positivity and kindness</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Volunteering allows us to spread positivity and kindness to those who need it most. This International Volunteer Day, let's show kindness to one another and remind others of the goodness humanity is capable of through volunteer work.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Developing skills and understanding</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Volunteering offers an amazing opportunity to expand our skills and understanding. It helps us learn about different people, challenges they face and how we can help solve these issues. Furthermore, volunteering enhances our own skills and introduces us to diverse outlooks.</p></div></div>

5 Unexpected Insights about International Volunteer Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Volunteer Day is observed across the globe</h3><p class='facts-content'>International Volunteer Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, creating a global connection of community service and compassion.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Each year holds a different theme</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, the United Nations sets a unique theme for International Volunteer Day to focus global volunteer efforts towards supporting relevant issues.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Corporate companies support volunteering</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many corporate companies recognize International Volunteer Day by organizing team volunteer activities or giving their employees a day off to volunteer. This supports community outreach and boosts employee morale.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>You don't need special skills to volunteer</h3><p class='facts-content'>While skills can be helpful, what truly matters is willingness and commitment. Whether it is environmental projects, health and education initiatives, or community development, volunteers contribute in all sorts of ways.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer work contributes billions to global economy</h3><p class='facts-content'>Worldwide voluntary work accounts for major hourly wage value when calculated per country, demonstrating its economic significance and the pivotal role volunteers play in society.</p></div></div>

International Volunteer Day FAQs

When is International Volunteer Day?

International Volunteer Day is celebrated on December 5th every year. In 2024, International Volunteer Day will occur on a Thursday.

International Volunteer Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Dec 5

Tuesday

2024

Dec 5

Thursday

2025

Dec 5

Friday

2026

Dec 5

Saturday

2027

Dec 5

Sunday

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