Volunteering,

A dictionary definition of the word ’’Volunteering’’ is an non-obligatory, unpaid work that individuals carry out the well-being of their neighbours, community or society at large. In more simple terms, ’’volunteering’’ means to offer, tender someone’s time and effort in his or her own accord for a good cause

In today’s world, there is no limit to the variety and forms of voluntary actions. What motivates millions of local people to go out and make a difference every day is both the diversity of voluntary experience and the spirit of volunteering. Each volunteers, indifferent of age has a story to tell about his or her personal experiences and activities.

There is no age restriction to volunteering.
You can volunteer your skills at every stage of your life.

Volunteering is an activity that joins generations. In launching voluntary action, age is not seen as a limitation but an asset. Younger Volunteers bring zeal and drive, while older volunteers bring a vast amount of experience and know-how.
Volunteers of all ages realise that volunteering is indeed time well spent.

The diversity and spirit of voluntary expressions have inspired poems, songs, painting, and orther more artistic depictions of volunteerism, especially among younger ages who express moer freely in a creative way. They find inspiration from their actions, motivations and ambitions.

Volunteer events are:

• An opportunity to make a difference in a community,
• Acknowledge voluntary,
• Consolidate ntworks of volunteers and
• Celebrate the completion of worthwhile projects.

  The United Nations have always actively supported volunteering among nations in a variety of ways. Major resent international events include the UN International Year of Volunteers which took place in 2001 and Internatinal Volunteer Day which takes place every 5 december (UN General Assembly 1985).

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrating by volunteers around the year each 5 december . It provides an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to work together in projects and campaigns bringing added visibility to their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels.

This year Cyprus through its Young Volunteers has developd a number of events to celebrate the Day and help expend understanding of the term 'volunteer' so that it becomes more acceptable to young people.

TIPS TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE!
A survey, carried out by the National Centre of Volunteering, suggests that better education from an early age about the full range of voluntary work and its significance, and more positive images, would make volunteering seem 'normal' and 'cool' to young people.