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A clear guide to key volunteerism terms and definitions to help individuals, organisations, and communities understand and embrace a culture of service.
What does volunteerism really mean? We break down simple definitions from the United Nations, Red Cross, and more. Learn how you can make a difference today.
Definitions from Top Organizations Around the World
Definitions from Top Organizations Around the World
Have you ever helped a neighbor carry groceries? Have you ever cleaned up a park without getting paid? If you have, then you have already taken part in volunteerism.
At Lains, we believe in the power of giving back. But sometimes, the word "volunteerism" can sound big and confusing. The truth is, it is a simple idea with many beautiful meanings.
In this post, we will look at how different major organizations around the world define volunteerism. By the end, you will see that whether you are in Zimbabwe or New York, helping others freely is a universal language.
The Basic Idea
The Basic Idea
Before we look at specific organizations, let's break down the simple meaning. At its heart, volunteerism is about giving your time and energy to help someone else or your community without expecting money in return .
Most definitions agree on a few key points:
It is free will - You choose to do it. Nobody forces you .
It is unpaid - You do not do it for a salary .
It helps others - It benefits a person, a group, or a cause .
However, different groups look at this act through slightly different lenses. Let’s explore how some of the world’s leading organizations define it.
1. The United Nations (UN): A Tool for Changing the World
1. The United Nations (UN): A Tool for Changing the World
The United Nations is a huge international organization that works for peace and development around the globe. They see volunteerism as a powerful way to achieve big goals.
According to the UN, volunteerism is "a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good and where monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor" .
But for the UN, it is more than just helping. They see it as a way for people to stop being passive (just watching things happen) and become active citizens who shape their own future. They believe volunteerism helps build stronger, more resilient communities that can handle challenges like disasters or poverty .
In simple words: For the UN, volunteerism is how ordinary people become heroes in their own communities to make the world a better place.
Source: State of the World’s Volunteerism Report, UN Volunteers (2018, 2022 editions), https://www.unv.org/swvr
2. The International Labour Organization (ILO): It's Still "Work"
2. The International Labour Organization (ILO): It's Still "Work"
The International Labour Organization (ILO) focuses on work, jobs, and the economy. They look at volunteerism from a practical point of view.
The ILO defines volunteers as people who perform "unpaid, non-compulsory activity to produce goods or provide services for others" .
This definition is important because it recognizes that volunteering is still "work" in the sense that it is productive. If you help build a school, you are producing a service (labour) and a good (the school). The ILO helps countries count and measure this work to show just how much volunteers contribute to the economy, even if they aren't paid .
In simple words: For the ILO, volunteerism is unpaid work that still has huge value to the economy and society.
Source: ILO Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work (2011), https://www.ilo.org
3. The American Red Cross: The Heart of the Mission
3. The American Red Cross: The Heart of the Mission
The American Red Cross is a well known charity that responds to disasters and provides blood services. For them, volunteerism is not just a nice extra, it is everything.
They state that volunteerism is "at the heart of our mission." In fact, a staggering 90% of their workforce are volunteers .
For the Red Cross, volunteers are "neighbours helping neighbours." They are the people who show up with a red vest after a house fire or a hurricane to provide comfort and shelter. Their definition is action based: it is about mobilizing people to prevent and ease suffering in emergencies .
In simple words, For the Red Cross, volunteerism means being the first to arrive and the last to leave when a crisis happens.
4. Academic Researchers: Formal vs. Informal Help
4. Academic Researchers: Formal vs. Informal Help
Universities and scholars study volunteerism to understand human behavior. Researchers at places like the University of Oregon point out that volunteerism comes in two main flavours
Formal Volunteering
This is what we usually think of helping through an organization, like a church, a school, or an NGO.
Informal Volunteering
This is the help we give directly to people outside our household, without any organization involved. Think of watching a friend's kids for free, or helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping .
They also note that volunteerism is driven by many motivations sometimes people volunteer to gain skills, sometimes to make friends, and sometimes because their faith tells them to help .
In simple words, For researchers, volunteerism is a complex human behavior that happens both inside organizations and in our daily relationships with neighbours.
5. A Broader Look: Beyond Just Helping
5. A Broader Look: Beyond Just Helping
Some experts argue that volunteerism also includes mutual aid (a group of farmers working together to dig a well for the village) and advocacy (campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities). It is not just about charity, it is about people coming together to solve shared problems .
As one quote beautifully puts it: "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth" .
Conclusion: Why These Definitions Matter for Us at Lains
Conclusion: Why These Definitions Matter for Us at Lains
So, what does this mean for you and me in Zimbabwe? It means that volunteerism belongs to everyone.
Whether you are a UN volunteer working on sustainable development goals,
Or a neighbour helping a family down the street,
You are part of a global tradition of generosity.
At www.lains.co.zw, we celebrate all forms of giving. You don't need a uniform or a title to be a volunteer but you just have to have that willing heart to serve.
Do you volunteer in your community? Tell us about your experience HERE. If you want your story featured on our website then just contact us
About the Authors
The LAINS Team supports hands on service projects under founder Cosmas Tendai Nemutenzi's guidance. We share proven strategies for mobilizing volunteers, sustaining energy, and amplifying community service across Zimbabwe
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