English Learning Community and Resources

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Hi friends!

Welcome to International Volunteer Day (IVD)! 

This year's International Volunteer Day theme is "If everyone did..."

Started by the United Nations in 1985, this is a day to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and recognize volunteerism's value in peace and development.

Did you know that over a billion people volunteer worldwide to act for solidarity and humanity for people and planet?

According to United Nations Volunteers, "if everyone did" epitomizes the power of collective action.

"If everyone volunteered, the world would be a better place.  Imagine more than eight billion of us volunteering. Limitless possibilities for sustainable development – food and education for everyone, clean environment and good health, inclusive and peaceful societies, and more.

Volunteerism is an enormous renewable resource for social, economic and environmental problem-solving throughout the world. As the world faces mounting challenges, volunteers are often the first to help. Volunteers are at the fore in crises and emergencies, often in very testing and dire situations."

OLS & VOLUNTEERISM

In the OLS English community, we're no strangers to volunteerism, that's for sure! We've talked about the value and benefits of being a volunteer in our blogs and forums. If you haven't had a chance yet to read about it, see the list below:

Blog: How to Stretch a Dollar Series: Entertainment & Socializing on a Budget
Forum: UN Volunteers Young Talent Pipeline

Several of our delightful members have already shared their experiences as volunteers! Carlotta, Ekhlas, and several others told us about volunteering in Ireland, Turkey, and other places.

Perhaps you are a volunteer thanks to your mobility program! If so, we are curious to know about your experience as a volunteer. Where are you (or were you)? What are you doing? Or if you've completed your volunteerism, what did you do? We'd also love to know why volunteerism is important to you. Tell us everything in the Living Abroad forum discussion, "Where Are You Going On Mobility With Erasmus+ or ESC?"