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Get ready to celebrate and appreciate all the amazing volunteers in your community on Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20! This day was first established by President Richard Nixon in 1974, as a way to recognize and honor the selfless contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to make a positive impact on others. Whether it's helping out at a local charity, mentoring youth, or providing support during times of crisis, volunteers play an invaluable role in society. So let's take this day to thank them for all that they do and inspire others to join in making a difference.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1974</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Volunteer Recognition Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Richard Nixon officially established Volunteer Recognition Day to honor individuals who selflessly make a positive impact through volunteering.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Volunteers Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations established the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme to support peace and development worldwide through volunteerism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of AmeriCorps</div><div class='timeline-text'>AmeriCorps was established in the United States as a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors.</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 declared 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV), showcasing the achievements of millions of volunteers worldwide.</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 of IYV</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations marked the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, promoting the values of volunteering and recognizing its positive impacts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Times</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Celebration of Volunteerism</div><div class='timeline-text'>People continue to annually celebrate Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20, boosting awareness and appreciation for volunteerism globally.</div></div></div>
<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'>Plan a volunteer appreciation party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a party to thank all of your volunteers for their hard work and dedication. This can be a fun and festive way to show your appreciation and recognize their contributions.</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'>Create a volunteer recognition video</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a video highlighting the impact that volunteers have made in your organization or community. This can be a powerful way to show your gratitude and recognize their efforts.</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'>Send handwritten thank you notes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write personalized thank you notes to each of your volunteers. This small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation and recognizing their contributions.</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 volunteer awards ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create awards for different categories such as "most dedicated volunteer" or "most creative volunteer" and recognize your volunteers at a special ceremony. This is a great way to make them feel appreciated and celebrated.</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'>Organize a volunteer day of service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Volunteer Recognition Day, plan a special day of service where volunteers can come together to make a difference in the community. This is a great way to recognize their efforts and give back to the community at the same time.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Recognizes the hard work and dedication of volunteers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Volunteers play a vital role in many organizations and communities, often giving their time and energy without expecting anything in return. Volunteer Recognition Day is a special day to acknowledge and appreciate their selfless contributions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages others to get involved</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing the efforts of volunteers, Volunteer Recognition Day can inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact in their own communities. It serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes the importance of volunteering</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Volunteer Recognition Day brings attention to the valuable role that volunteers play in society, highlighting the importance of giving back and helping those in need. It can also encourage companies and organizations to create volunteer programs or offer incentives for employees to participate in community service.</p></div></div>
<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'>Volunteering Can Improve Mental Health and Well-being</h3><p class='facts-content'>Numerous studies have indicated that volunteering can lead to improved mental health and general well-being. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and can help fight stress and depression.</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'>There Are Estimated 1 Billion Volunteers Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to The United Nations Volunteers, it is estimated that there are approximately 1 billion volunteers across the globe, making an enormous contribution to various sectors of society.</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'>World's Largest Nonprofit Organization is Run Primarily by Volunteers</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Red Cross, the world's largest humanitarian network, relies greatly on its volunteers. These individuals provide support during disaster response and recovery, deliver first aid training, and perform many other vital tasks.</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'>Volunteers have a $24.14/hour Estimated Value</h3><p class='facts-content'>Independent Sector has estimated the average value of volunteer work to be $24.14 per hour in 2019 in the United States. This value varies across different states and sectors.</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'>Volunteering Can Enhance Career Opportunities</h3><p class='facts-content'>Volunteering provides an opportunity to develop new skills and gain experiences that can enhance career prospects. It's a powerful addition to a resume and shows commitment to community and personal growth.</p></div></div>
Volunteer Recognition Day is celebrated on April 20 every year. In 2024, Volunteer Recognition Day will occur on a Saturday.
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