Volunteerism

Volunteerism has existed in various forms since early civilization. A sense of mutual obligation to the general good underpinned pre-industrial societies and assumes a central place in the ethical framework of most religious belief systems. In the U.K., formal structures based on volunteerism date to the Middle Ages, when churches recruited volunteers to operate hospitals for people living in poverty. The earliest volunteer association in the U.S. dates to 1736, when Benjamin Franklin founded the nation’s first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia. During the industrial era, organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army relied on volunteers to fulfill their charitable missions, while in the 20th century civic groups such as Rotary International made volunteerism a core aspect of their identities.

Volunteerism takes place at all levels of society. Individuals strengthen their communities by volunteering at food banks, health clinics or other social resources dedicated to helping people in need. Parents contribute to the educational development of their children and the strength of local schools by chaperoning field trips or organizing fundraisers. Companies often promote corporate social responsibility by providing incentives to employees who engage in volunteer work. In the case of natural disasters or other emergencies, volunteers are essential to ensuring that food, shelter and other forms of relief reach people in crisis.

Volunteerism can also represent a form of activism. In its 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (2021), the United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) notes that volunteers can mobilize their fellow citizens to engage in social issues that impact their lives. At the same time, volunteers can act as mediators between government agencies and underserved sectors of society, helping ensure that marginalized groups have a voice in the political process. In light of these efforts to promote and strengthen civil society, the UNV suggests, volunteerism can play a central part in helping the UN pursue its strategic development goals (SDGs).

Volunteerism has continued to thrive in the era of globalization. According to the UNV, an average of 862.4 million people aged 15 and older performed some type of monthly volunteer service worldwide in 2021. By cultivating a sense of shared commitment to building an equitable society and a sustainable planet, volunteerism can play a vital role in addressing the critical challenges confronting the 21st century.

Contributor: Stephen Meyer