Over the last decade, there has been a general trend towards an increase in the number of volunteers worldwide, especially in European countries, where the rate of development of the non-profit sector exceeds the rate of economic growth. This is due to a deeper awareness of social and environmental issues, the involvement of volunteers in the provision of public services, increasing the activity of older people, as well as changing the public perception of volunteering.

However, despite the popularity of volunteering, not everyone interprets it properly. It is sometimes mistakenly said that if a person does something voluntarily, he is a volunteer. But in reality the concept of “volunteering” is much broader. First of all it is:

  • non-monetary (unpaid) activities;
  • an act committed out of good will, personal choice and motivation;
  • activities that benefit not only the volunteer, but also other people and society as a whole;
  • activities that correspond to human values ​​and contribute to the well-being of society.

According to the Law of Ukraine “On Volunteering”, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on April 19, 2011, “volunteering is a voluntary, altruistic, socially oriented, non-profit activity carried out by volunteers and volunteer organizations by providing volunteer assistance. Volunteer assistance means works and services that are performed free of charge and provided by volunteers and volunteer organizations. Volunteering is a form of charity.”

WHY BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

  • Volunteering connects you with other people. It allows you to meet other members of your community and make it better together. Even help with little things can significantly change the lives of people, animals and organizations in need.
  • Volunteering is good for your mental and physical health. It helps to overcome the consequences of stress, anger and anxiety, as well as fight depression. By measuring hormone levels and brain activity, researchers have found that helping others brings us great satisfaction.
  • Volunteering promotes career growth. Skills acquired during volunteering, such as teamwork, problem solving, creative thinking, project planning, task management and event organization, can be used at work.
  • Volunteering is fun. It’s a fun and easy way to explore your interests, creativity, and hobbies, as well as a relaxing distraction from daily work, school, or family responsibilities.

5 STEREOTYPES ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

1. Volunteers are a free workforce.
Yes, volunteers do work for free, but they spend their time investing in socially important issues. Therefore, they certainly deserve respect and the same attitude as full-time employees.

2. Volunteers have no rights.
Few people know, but volunteers actually have rights, and they are set forth in the Law of Ukraine. Volunteers are entitled to compensation (for example, food expenses if the activity lasts more than four hours, travel expenses to the place of assistance), to obtain complete and accurate information about the place, time and conditions of volunteering.

3. Volunteering is a waste of time.
Not everything is measured in money. Volunteering is about opportunities, experiences and acquaintances that are much more important than one-time income.

4. Volunteer organizations are a sect.
Volunteer organizations, unlike sects, often do not relate to religion or politics. They are built on voluntary mutually beneficial cooperation.

5. Volunteering is exclusively about war or raising money in the street.
In fact, you can volunteer in different areas. Everyone fulfills themselves differently. For example, they help the homeless, pensioners or sick children, protect animal rights or support the eco-movement. In addition, the help of volunteers is needed at various events, festivals, conferences etc.

Well, are you interested? Then fill out the registration form for our project. Perhaps this experience will help you realize someone’s cherished dream or just spend the last weeks of 2020 with benefit.