Volunteering Australia proudly supports International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December, to raise awareness on the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.
Show your appreciation for a volunteer by sending them an International Volunteer Day e-card.
About International Volunteer Day (IVD)
International Volunteer Day (IVD) mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming.
UNV coordinates International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognise and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Download International Volunteer Day resources
2021 Theme: Volunteer now for our common future
The IVD campaign this year, Volunteer now for our common future, aims to inspire people, whether they are decision makers or citizens of this world, to take action NOW for people and the planet.
When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting. Volunteers engage communities and build a people-centric movement to help build a better and safer future for us all.
For the generations of TOMORROW, we must take responsibility for the changes needed to build a better future NOW. Encouraging, recognizing and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide.
If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.
Kofi Annan, late United Nations Secretary-General
Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensuring inclusion of those often left behind, driving #ClimateAction and advancing the #SDGs worldwide. In the lead-up to #IVD2021, join us in celebrating the contributions of millions who #VolunteerNow for our common future!
Join the campaign by posting a photo, video or graphic to show how you #VolunteerNow for our common future! UN Volunteers has developed a designated web page for the campaign and you can find visuals and other resources for common use in the campaign on this Trello Board.
Follow UN Volunteers and Volunteering Australia’s social media channels for the latest updates. Join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags #VolunteerNow and #IVD2021, and tag Volunteering Australia.
