Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Position Paper
1 minute read

Universal Declaration on Volunteering

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

The Universal Declaration on Volunteering, adopted by the International Association for Volunteer Effort in 2001, underscores the critical role of volunteering in fostering a more humane and just society. It advocates for the rights of all individuals to volunteer, regardless of their background, and calls for the establishment of robust volunteer centres.

Summary

The Declaration encourages support from governments, businesses, media, education, religion, and NGOs to promote and sustain volunteering efforts. It highlights the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute through volunteering.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

The Declaration provides a framework that volunteer organisations can use to advocate for better support and recognition. It emphasises the need for strong volunteer centres, which can help organisations coordinate efforts more effectively and provide better resources for volunteers.

Application by Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can use the principles outlined in the Declaration to develop inclusive volunteer programmes. By promoting the rights of all individuals to volunteer, practitioners can create diverse and dynamic volunteer teams. Additionally, the support from various sectors encouraged by the Declaration can help in securing resources and partnerships.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) creates a more just and sustainable world by enabling the leaders, organizations, and environments that empower volunteers.

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Articles & Reports

Young People as Volunteers: A guide to moving beyond traditional practices

This report by Volunteering Queensland offers strategies for engaging young volunteers, highlighting the importance of a flexible culture, networking, and partnerships. It includes case studies of successful organisations and emphasises the benefits of youth involvement in community activities.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland
Youth or Student, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) +1 more
Templates

Organisations and legal structure

Guide explaining formal legal structures for volunteering groups and key considerations when choosing a structure.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
INVOLVE
Tech

INVOLVE

Volunteer management a headache? INVOLVE simplifies everything! Automate tasks, gain instant insights, schedule visually, track hours effortlessly, and collaborate seamlessly. Built in Australia, your data's safe. Focus on your purpose, not admin.
Volunteer database Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Event management
FreddyMatch
Tech

FreddyMatch

FreddyMatch is a web-based platform that facilitates and optimises the process of volunteering. We help match organisations and volunteers based on their unique interests, skill sets, location and availability using the “FreddyMatch” algorithm.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
Emergency Support Volunteering website
Tech

Emergency Support Volunteering website

The Emergency Support Volunteering website allows volunteers in Western Australia to register to help in emergencies, organisations needing support can also register to contact volunteers for assistance.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
scheduled

Becoming an Inclusive Volunteer Involving Organisation

This free inclusion workshop explores how to build inclusive volunteering opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Learn to identify and reduce barriers, support young people, and create inclusive teams and workplaces.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Future-Ready Volunteering Workshops

These workshops create space for local conversation, shared learning & connection that online sessions can’t match. You’ll unpack what the findings mean for your organisation, test ideas with peers, and leave with practical approaches to use straight away
Volunteering Victoria
Free
scheduled

What Matters Most to You? Identifying Skill Development Priorities for Volunteer Managers in the NT - ONLINE

Volunteering SA & NT is planning a Learning and Development Roadshow across the NT. This session invites volunteer managers to share priorities to shape relevant, practical training. Learn the proposed roadmap, and help define future development needs.
Volunteering SA&NT
Free