Together Act Now

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”- Kahlil Gibran. Have you ever given of your time for a cause? The United Nations (UN) aptly describes the essence of volunteerism. The UN states volunteerism is one of the most vital delivery mechanisms for social, environmental and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviours. People become actors of change and equal partners in the attainment of local, national and international progress towards sustainable human development and global peace. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme recognizes the shared universal values underpinning volunteerism, free will, commitment, equity, engagement, solidarity, compassion, empathy and respect for others. On December 5 each year the international community observes International Volunteer Day (IVD). IVD is set aside to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. The UN adds that rising inequalities throughout the world implore that we need to work together to find common solutions. Volunteers, are drawn together by solidarity, develop solutions to urgent development challenges and for the common good. Volunteering is where compassion meets solidarity. Both share the same root values supporting each other from a position of trust, humility, respect and equality. International Volunteer Day this year celebrates the theme of Solidarity through Volunteering. This campaign highlights the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism. The United Nation Volunteer (UNV) campaign, “Together, act now”, encourages unity and urgent action and drives outreach aimed at promoting, mobilizing and advocating for volunteerism as well as recognizing the invaluable contribution of volunteers worldwide.

State of the World's Volunteerism Report The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) is a flagship United Nations publication that strengthens understanding of volunteerism and shows its universality, scope and reach in the twenty-first century. The SWVR report is produced every three years. The SWVR aims to enhance the recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of volunteerism worldwide. The key findings of the 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report states: Volunteerism can promote a culture of collaborative decision-making. Volunteers contribute to shaping and prioritizing issues that are important to them, by working collaboratively with state authorities. Secondly, volunteerism can alter unequal power relations. Volunteers have the capacity, through collaboration with state authorities, to reconfigure unequal power relations between ordinary citizens and state authorities. Thirdly, volunteerism offers diverse pathways to civic participation, but remains unequal. Volunteers have diverse causes to engage in and use various channels for, and approaches to, volunteering and finally, volunteers build bridges. Volunteers are often in the unique position of brokering relationships between service providers and beneficiaries. Most volunteer work continues to be arranged informally between individuals, with 14.3% of the global population participating, while 6.5% of working-age people worldwide engage in formal volunteering via an organization or association. A significant percentage of people carry out multiple types of volunteer work. While formal volunteers are mostly men, informal volunteers are more likely to be women. A Culture of Volunteerism Yes, the times are challenging, however, we cannot live only for ourselves and immediate families. For many of us the church has been instrumental in providing that space for us to volunteer. As educators we are aware of the importance of volunteers regarding the operations of our schools. Furthermore, many teachers give of their time to be part of the many clubs and societies across educational institutions. How can we forget those among us who are members of service clubs? Undoubtedly, the society owes a debt of gratitude to such individuals. Perhaps, for the New Year one of your resolutions can be that of volunteerism. The feeling one receives from becoming a volunteer is indescribable. Let us commit in creating or immersing ourselves into a culture of volunteerism given that no man/woman is an island. Let us re-imagine a world rooted in volunteerism as we scaffold each other along life's journey. There is an inner peace and joy when you give of your time and energy in the service of others. Those who volunteer are truly special. We can all agree that the world is a much better place because of your selfless effort to humanity. Thank you! In the words of Albert Pike, what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #TogetherActNow #InternationalVolunteerDay