Solidarity through volunteering
As we bring this year to a close, it is an important time to reflect on the theme of this year’s International Volunteer Day which is Solidarity through volunteering.
IAVE’s mission is centered on creating collaboration among volunteers and on and weaving networks of leaders who catalyze and champion volunteering in their communities. This year especially, IAVE has focused on lifting these leaders up and showcasing their work.
In special honor of International Volunteer Day, IAVE hosted a webinar in partnership with the African Union entitled Decolonizing & Repositioning Volunteering for Development in Africa. The webinar highlighted what we can all do to center Southern expertise and re-imagine the connection between volunteering and development to deliver transformational and locally-owned change. The vibrant and candid discussion stands as one of the most important conversations we have facilitated this year.
In October, IAVE co-hosted its 26th World Volunteer Conference in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Emirates Foundation. The theme of this event—our first world conference in four years—brought to the forefront the imperative to deploy Volunteering for the Common Good, Making Life Better for People and Communities. The event was an opportunity to renew ties and to reaffirm our belief in the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism.
We encourage you to learn more about both of these events by scrolling the stories below, and wherever you are, we extend our sincerest appreciation for all you do as volunteers and in support of advancing the volunteer sector.
Happy International Volunteer Day,
Ruth Lewin
Board Chair
Nichole Cirillo
Executive Director