A Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering

13 Mar 2025 | Articles

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, underscoring the pivotal role that volunteerism plays in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This global initiative serves as a call to action, encouraging nations to recognise and bolster the contributions of volunteers in fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

The Global Call to Action

Volunteerism is a powerful mechanism that bridges communities, empowers individuals, and drives grassroots initiatives. The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 aims to:

Highlight Volunteer Contributions: Showcase how volunteers address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, thereby advancing the SDGs.
Promote Inclusive Participation: Encourage diverse groups, including marginalised communities, to engage in volunteer activities, ensuring that volunteerism reflects the society it serves.
Strengthen Support Structures: Urge governments, corporations, and civil society to create environments that facilitate and value volunteer efforts.
Enhance Collaboration: Foster partnerships across sectors to amplify the impact of volunteer initiatives and share best practices globally.

Implications for Volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand

In Aotearoa New Zealand, volunteerism is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, reflecting values of community support and collective responsibility. The 2026 initiative presents an opportunity to:

Recognise Volunteer Impact: Acknowledge the significant contributions of volunteers in areas like disaster response, social services, and environmental conservation.
Address Challenges: Tackle issues such as declining volunteer numbers and the need for more inclusive volunteer opportunities that cater to diverse populations.
Leverage Technology: Utilise digital platforms to connect volunteers with opportunities, especially in remote or underserved communities.

Role of Government

The New Zealand government plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment for volunteerism:

Policy Development: Formulate policies that recognise and protect volunteer rights, ensuring that volunteering is accessible and valued.
Funding and Resources: Allocate financial resources and infrastructure to support volunteering infrastructure and volunteer programmes, particularly those addressing critical social and environmental issues.
Public Awareness: Launch campaigns that highlight the importance of volunteerism, encouraging citizen participation and appreciation.

Role of Philanthropy and Civil Society

Philanthropic organisations and civil society are instrumental in:

Funding Initiatives: Provide grants and financial support to volunteering infrastructure and grassroots volunteer projects, enabling innovation and responsiveness to community needs.
Capacity Building: Offer training and development programmes to enhance volunteer skills and effectiveness.
Advocacy: Champion the value of volunteerism in public discourse, influencing policy and societal attitudes.

Role of Corporate and Community Sectors

The corporate and community sectors can significantly contribute by:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Develop CSR programmes that encourage employee volunteering and allocate resources to community projects.
Partnerships: Collaborate with non-profits and community groups to address local challenges through combined efforts.
Recognition Programmes: Establish awards and incentives that honor volunteer contributions, motivating continued engagement.

Creating an Enabling Environment for Volunteering

To cultivate a thriving volunteer ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Inclusive Opportunities: Design volunteer roles that are accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages.
Flexible Engagement: Offer diverse volunteering formats, including short-term, virtual, and skills-based opportunities, to accommodate varying lifestyles.
Recognition and Support: Implement systems that acknowledge volunteer efforts and provide necessary support, such as training and resources.

Conclusion

The UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 serves as a catalyst for Aotearoa New Zealand to reaffirm its commitment to volunteerism. By leveraging the collective efforts of the government, philanthropic entities, civil society, and the corporate sector, New Zealand can enhance its volunteer infrastructure, ensuring that volunteerism continues to be a cornerstone of sustainable development and community resilience.

Written by: Cheryll Martin QSO, Volunteering Auckland