Tolerance & Inclusion: Volunteering Enabling Community Cohesion and Embracing Diversity

Introduction

Volunteering is vitally important to providing a sense of belonging to one’s community. It is a practical way to showcase resilience by including everyone, to help themselves and others overcome economic, social, humanitarian or environmental problems.

Summary

This paper explores how volunteers are working across divisions and between cultures showcasing in practical ways the respect for others that builds more tolerant societies. It also discusses ways volunteer-involving organisations can commit to the value of inclusion, showcasing tolerance and embracing diversity in their involvement of volunteers. 2020. It is free to download but asks for name, organisation and email. Available in English.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

Volunteer organisations can benefit from this document by understanding how to better engage marginalised communities and promote diversity. It offers insights into shifting from a service delivery model to a community participation approach, which can lead to more sustainable social change.

Application for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can apply the findings by challenging gender roles within their organisations and building upon existing community activities. The document encourages a critical examination of assumptions about volunteers' skills and promotes discussions among stakeholders to enhance volunteer programs.