2011 is the European Year of Volunteering, but what does this mean?

The Irish Times explains that EYV 2011 is about celebrating the impact of volunteers and inspiring others to contribute, making it an important means to improve communities at local, national and international levels.

Ultimately EYV 2011 aims to raise the profile of volunteer work: “there is a need at all levels…to increase volunteering and the awareness of the added value it brings, to celebrate volunteers, involve more volunteers and improve the structures that support volunteering”.

As well as giving recognition to the positive impact of volunteer individuals and organisations, the campaign is prescribed as “a challenge to the three-quarters of the European population who do not volunteer: To let them know that they too can get involved and make a difference.” Increasing understanding and willingness to volunteer will in turn create “a more democratic, caring and responsible society.”

Read more about why volunteering matters and who can contribute in the full Irish Times article.

Get in the EYV 2011 spirit by volunteering in Romania with Inspire!