International Volunteer Day, also known as IVD, is an annual international observance held on December 5. It commemorates different volunteer works worldwide. The United Nations initiated this work in 1985 to appreciate the efforts of people who usually dedicate their time and strength to helping others and to attract more people to take up or adopt the volunteer spirit. 

Volunteering is more than the hours donated; it's meaningful change, inspiring compassion, and building resilient communities. Read on to learn about this important day, the impact of volunteering, and how you can get involved.

Why International Volunteer Day Matters

Volunteers are agents of positive change in a world marked by poverty, inequality, climate change, and social unrest. They fill critical gaps in communities and offer support to those in need. From disaster relief to mentoring children, volunteers help with issues that governments and organisations cannot handle alone.

International Volunteer Day gives people the opportunity to:

• Acknowledge volunteers: It highlights the volunteer's selfless work and hails the success of volunteers.
• Encourage volunteerism: The day epitomises the good that people can do by recounting the stories of the heroes.
• Promote collaboration: It reflects that what changes the world for the better is governments, non-profits, and personal connections.

The Power of Volunteering

Both givers and receivers benefit from volunteering. It strengthens the sense of purpose and fulfilment and binds a person to their community, creating an emotional sense of empathy. The following are some significant ways in which volunteering makes a difference:

• Strengthening communities: Volunteers contribute to meeting urgent needs, whether educational, medical or during disasters. Such efforts build strong community ties and stability.
• Empowering persons: Volunteering is a ground for acquiring new skills, building confidence, and undertaking leadership positions.
• Promoting mental well-being: Research has shown that volunteering can improve mental health by reducing stress and combating feelings of loneliness.
• Advancing global goals: Volunteer efforts contribute to many of the United Nations' sustainable development goals, such as eradicating hunger, ensuring quality education, and promoting gender equality.

How to Celebrate International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day does not have to be celebrated with grand gestures. Absolutely minute and highly influential changes can become momentum-creating waves. Here is how you can participate:

• Volunteer locally: People can have a voice in their neighbourhood by serving at the local food bank or planting trees in the local park.
• Share stories with social media: Share stories of inspiring volunteers or personal experiences to inspire others. 
• Volunteer support organisations: Donate or partner with a nonprofit run by volunteers to achieve the mission.
• Advocate for volunteerism: Put an awareness in schools, workplaces, and communities of the need for volunteerism.
• Appreciate the volunteers around you: Sometimes, thanking these people for their efforts can make all the difference to them.

Building a Culture of Volunteerism

Creating a culture that celebrates and encourages volunteering requires collective action. Schools, workplaces, and communities are important in instilling the value of volunteerism in individuals. By incorporating volunteering into our daily lives, we can nurture a generation where compassion and action are valued. So, if you can spare an hour or dedicate a week, you can make that difference. 

The Future of Volunteering 

From online mentoring to raising awareness using digital campaigns, technology is reshaping how we think about giving. However, its essence remains: connecting with people, sympathising with them, and striving to change. 

On this International Volunteer Day, let us take some time to appreciate these unsung heroes in millions of people dedicating their time toward building a better world. Let their stories inspire us to do a little more. Let us not forget volunteers' work, which provides a foundation for stronger, healthier, and more inclusive societies. Give back to society by giving change. Change is not about the life that's being changed, but it's about changing the world.