Source: Unsplash
Today, we’re celebrating International Volunteer Day to recognize and encourage the government to support the efforts of volunteers and their contributions around the world. Did you know that the monthly number of volunteers aged 15 years and over is 862.4 million worldwide?
Most volunteer work continues to be arranged informally between individuals, with 14.3% of the global population participating. In comparison, 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 primarily men, informal volunteers are more likely to be women.
Volunteerism is an enormous renewable resource for social, economic, and environmental problem-solving. As the world faces mounting challenges, volunteers are often the first to help. Volunteers are at the fore in crises and emergencies, often in testing and dire situations.
You can join the celebration by recognizing volunteers all over the world through the UN’s social media campaign using the hashtags #IfEveryoneDid and #IVD2023. You can also read more about this special day on their website.
Linnea, OLS Community Manager – Swedish