In the European Union, almost 100 million citizens of all ages invest their time, talents and money to make a positive contribution to their community by volunteering in civil society organisations, youth clubs, hospitals, schools, in sport clubs, etc. For the Commission, volunteering is an active expression of civic participation which strengthens common European values such as solidarity and social cohesion. Volunteering also provides important learning opportunities, because involvement in voluntary activities can provide people with new skills and competences that can even improve their employability. This is especially important at this time of economic crisis. Volunteering plays an important role in sectors as varied and diverse as education, youth, culture, sport, environment, health, social care, consumer protection, humanitarian aid, development policy, research, equal opportunities and external relations.
Objectives of the Year:
The EU will use the Year to work towards four main objectives:
1. To create an enabling and facilitating environment for volunteering in the EU;
2. To empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering;
3. To reward and recognise volunteering activities; and
4. To raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering.
remote benefits donations development generous volunteers donating community
1. We need more ... for our community development projects.
2. Our volunteer club received large ... from the students and their parents.
3. When teenagers do volunteer work, they gain numerous ... .
4. My brother is very ... .
5. This charity group raises money to build more schools in the ... areas.
6. Doing volunteer work is also an opportunity for career ... .
7. To build a better ..., everyone needs to join hands.
8. Besides ... money, there are other ways you can do to help people in need.