Volunteering in Global Perspective

Abstract

Volunteering time for a variety of purposes or caring and sharing has been a part of most societies throughout human history. The teachings of most major religions have supported care of the elderly, widows and orphans, and poor and otherwise dependent individuals. While most societies know these activities are ongoing along with other mutually supportive activities designed to build and support community, until recently, little attention has been paid to the role and contributions of volunteers. Data on volunteering is not regularly collected by governments, as is employment data. Although there is growing evidence of the contributions volunteers make to communities and society, there are few regular studies to document such assertions (Clotfelter, 1999). Practitioners assert that volunteers help to solve social and community problems, build social solidarity, and through organized citizens groups help to redress social wrongs, change public policy, and improve the quality of life of communities and nations. One of the purposes of the United Nations Year of Volunteers in 2001 was intended to address this information gap about volunteers and to encourage nations to conduct surveys of their volunteers and their activities.