William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2001-01-01 / 1. szám

International Year of Volunteers

Selling to the world the idea of donating time and effort

ON DEC. 5,2000, VOLUNTEERS IN more than 100 countries kicked off the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001, the largest global celebration of volunteerism ever conceived.

Through a series of national, state and local committees, a broad range of activities have been planned to promote and recognize the work of volunteers.

IYV 2001 was officially launched Nov. 28 at the United Nations headquarters by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. "Societies need to recognize and promote volunteerism as a valuable activity," Mr. Annan said. "They must facilitate the work of volunteers and encourage action at home and abroad."

The premise underlying IYV 2001 is that voluntary service is called for more than ever before to tackle social, economic, cultural and humanitarian concerns, and that more people are needed to offer their services as volunteers.

To increase the level of volunteerism, organizers of IVY 2001 have established four objectives. First is to increase recognition. National

Charity Links

For more information about the International Year of Volunteers 2001, contact:

Team IYV, New York, USA

do United Nations Representative Office in North America One United Nations Plaza UH-716 New York, NY 10017 Phone: (212) 906-3638 Fax: (212) 906-3659

or log onto the Internet at:

www.iyv200l.org

2 0 0 1

International Year of Volunteers

and local governments are being called upon to draw on the experience and knowledge of the volunteer sector when making decisions. Governments are also being encouraged to establish recognition programs for outstanding volunteers.

Another aim of IYV 2001 is to increase "facilitation," that is, encouraging more people to volunteer and making those who do so better volunteers. A whole range of ideasfrom opening government training facilities to volunteer groups, to granting special leaves of absence to employees undertaking volunteer service, to tax relief for those who support volunteer initiatives—are being presented to governments around the world.

The third objective for IYV 2001 is networking. Television, radio and the print media are being called upon to help spread the word about the volunteer practices that work best, so that others may learn by those examples.

Finally, IYV 2001 organizers hope to simply promote volunteers. The aim is to create a climate where public and official opinion is more supportive of voluntary action. By highlighting the competence and professionalism of volunteers, it is hoped more societies will turn to volunteers to aid in solving problems.

"The contribution of volunteerism in creating and enhancing economic and social capital is one of the bestkept secrets of the modern world," said Sharon Capeling-Alakija, executive coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers program in Bonn, Germany. "Volunteerism remains largely undervalued and overlooked as a positive force for social development."

A year from now, the organizers of IYV 2001 believe that will all change.

Promote Volunteerism During IYV 2001

* Get involved with the U.S. IYV

committee. Several states also have committees.

* If you are involved in a local

volunteer organization, register it on-line and contact the IYV committee for information on partnerships.

* Make sure organizations for

which you volunteer are aware of IYV 2001.

* Contact your local media and

government officials to make them aware of IYV 2001.

Ililliam I’m» Lile, Januaity! '200 I

3