INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY: EVERY ACTION MATTERS!

DECEMBER 5, INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY

Do you know that millions of individuals dedicate their time, efforts, and skills to serving communities, saving the planet, and advancing societies? The International Volunteer Day reminds us of the fact that the world is making progress as some ordinary people are taking good steps to bring a positive change to the world. December 5 is the day to pay tribute to all these unsung heroes in our surroundings.

Historical Background

International Volunteer Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985, spotlights the extraordinary efforts of volunteers at local, national, and international levels in development. It connects states, civil societies, nationals, UN agencies, academics, corporate groups, and communities to appreciate the contributions of the volunteers across the world. This day is playing an important role in promoting major development agendas, such as the Millennium Development Goals, by acknowledging volunteers' role in combating poverty, enhancing education, environmental conservation, and equality.

The global community has passed various resolutions over the years, such as the International Year of Volunteers (2001), and other commitments in 2008 to strengthen the volunteer communities, increasing their collaboration across the globe and facilitating favorable conditions for voluntary action.

S.O.P.I. is proud to be a part of this global force by contributing to environmental protection, social development, and humanitarian support. As we are celebrating this great day, we do not just remember about the significance of our volunteering in the world, but we also remember how our volunteers of S.O.P.I. are contributing to this noble task.

Mission of S.O.P.I.

1. Environmental Stewardship

The S.O.P.I. Volunteers contribute towards environmental sustainability by taking care of the natural ecosystems and restoring the degraded ecosystems. From tree planting to environmental education, we are committed to making this planet a better place for future generations.

2. Social Empowerment

We consider ourselves a strong community that is dedicated, well trained, and inclusive. Our volunteers organize youth empowerment programs, initiatives, and awareness campaigns that foster the sense of belonging and social cohesion.

3. Humanitarian Compassion

Our volunteers will be on the front line in human society, whether it is a natural disaster, pandemic, or any other emergency, to provide any critical support such as food distribution, medical assistance, and emotional support. These swift actions can make a significant difference in the recovery of the victim communities.

Why International Volunteer Day Matters

International Volunteer Day is more than just a ritual. It is proposed in memory of millions of individuals whose labor makes the communities more powerful. It is to remind the societies that the smaller social, environmental, and humanitarian gaps of the societies are mitigated by these volunteer activities.

The United Nations underlines the advancements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as volunteers now play their role in the reduction of poverty, action on climate, access to good education, gender equality, peace building, etc.

How the Public Can Help Us?

Every person can contribute to this worthy task. Every small beginning step has an impact. You can join S.O.P.I. and take part in the International Volunteer Day as follows:

• Volunteer Your Time: Make sure that you participate in environmental clean-ups, workshops, and relief/awareness programs organised or co-organised by S.O.P.I. (and not only).

• Use Your Skills: No matter which walk you belong to, your likeability can make a difference.

• Support Local Causes: Get engaged in planting trees, blood donation, distributing food, or educating.

• Raise Awareness: Join and share our awareness campaigns. Use your digital voice!

• Adopt sustainable habits: Environmental preservation consists of small daily jobs like reduction of waste, saving water, recycling, etc. Soon we will be executing a project to educate the public about these habits.

The International Volunteer Day of the year is a reward to all the volunteers that had given their time, passion, and heart to empower communities and save the planet. We admire their strength and their loyalty to the human race. S.O.P.I. is a goal-oriented volunteer team that aims at empowering its mission: environmental, social, and humanitarian.

References: 

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day/background

2. https://www.serveohio.org/the-unsung-heroes-the-role-of-volunteers-in-the-development-of-the-city/

3. https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector 

4. https://volunteeringredcross.org/en/proyecto/santa-martha-de-cuba-se-llena-de-vida-accion-y-esperanza/