Date: Tuesday, 5th December 2023; 38th Anniversary.
Full name: International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
Sponsor: United Nations
Objectives:
The International Volunteer Day is annually celebrated to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts, and recognize volunteer contributions to achieving economic and social development at local, national, and international levels.
Background:
Each year, hundreds of millions of people volunteer their time and skills to help improve the lives of others and make the world a better place. When they volunteer, they also gain a greater sense of belonging to the communities.
Inception:
The International Volunteer Day was first officially held on 5 December 1986.
On 17 December 1985, the United Nations General Assembly declared 5 December, through Resolution A/RES/40/212, as the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, commonly called International Volunteer Day.
How to celebrate the Day:
On 5 December every year, governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals worldwide celebrate International Volunteer Day with rallies, parades, volunteer fairs, group clean-ups, blood donations, conferences, exhibitions, fundraising, workshops, volunteer recognition events, and social media campaigns.
Annual theme in recent years:
2023 theme: “The power of collective action: if everyone did.”
2022 theme: “Solidarity through volunteering.”
2021 theme: “Volunteer now for our common future.”
2020 theme: “Together we can through volunteering.”
2019 theme: “Volunteer for an inclusive future.”
2018 theme: “Volunteers build resilient communities.”
2017 theme: “Volunteers act first. Here. Everywhere.”
2016 theme: “Global applause – give volunteers a hand.”
2015 theme: “Your world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!”
2014 theme: “Make change happen, volunteer!”
Official website:
www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day
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