In 1985, the United Nations established December 5 as International Volunteer Day as a day of service throughout the world. From Bermuda to Bagladesh, from Malawi to Mexico, people all over the planet are joined together today in this peaceful effort to help others and celebrate volunteering.
In researching the holiday, I came across this article about volunteerism in Europe: 3 out of 10 Europeans volunteer in some capacity and if all the volunteers worldwide were added up, the Volunteer Nation would be the 9th most populous country in the world.
It's incredible to think about in a world fragmented by language, religion and politics that there is this one important unifying factor -- we want to help. And those of us who do help are a powerful force for good and for peace and for making the world (literally) a better place.
This year we are stressed beyond measure over wars, over hunger, and over the global financial crisis, but on this day, we can join together not only in relieving some of that stress but in changing the world that we live in. The global citizens of the Volunteer Nation will be reaching out in service to help improve their local environment by cleaning the Nile River in Egypt and by planting 2,000 trees in Damour, Lebanon. There are events planned from December 1 - 5 in countries throughout the world.
Here in the US, we are part of the global Volunteer Nation. We are often know for our proud stance as American, but we can reach out in global understanding that we are part of a more universal world as members of the Volunteer Nation as well. It is our service that changes environments, changes lives and changes minds. Thanks for what you do and celebrate your achievements in volunteering! And go add a stamp to your new passport!
For those inspired to take action with a group of friends, coworkers or neighbors, let VolunteerSpot simplify your service!
AMEN!! Proud to be a citizen of the Volunteer Nation!
Posted by: LJ | December 30, 2008 at 10:44 PM