ITS ALL ABOUT VOLUNTEERING!!! SOURCE VSO ZIMBABWE
Benefits of Volunteering Volunteering is a great way for people to get involved in the community and make a positive contribution. In addition, to the satisfaction of helping for the benefit of others, there are many reasons people volunteer.
VOLUNTEERING? There are many definitions of volunteering used nationally and internationally by government departments, VIO, ILO. The Government of Zimbabwe will use the following definition which states that ‘volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain’. This definition includes both formal and informal volunteering.
The benefits of volunteering are significant for our nation, for our local communities and for individuals. The benefits are economic, social, cultural, and environmental Volunteers play a significant role in local communities across the country. Zimbabweans contribute their time, energy, and expertise in many sectors, but particularly in the community development, education, religion, and sport sectors. Volunteers’ assistance during natural disasters and pandemics is crucial, as is their contribution to the arts and environmental sectors
Global Standards for Volunteering in Development Background of the Global Standards The Global Standard for Volunteering for Development was produced by VSO and members of the International Forum for Volunteering for Development (Forum). The Global Standard is the result of a year-long period of consultation, developed in a participatory way, by experts from Forum members and nonmembers, as a resource for any organisation involving volunteers in development. They listened to the voices of community representatives, volunteers, staff, hosting and sending organisations, government and others from over 80 countries. The Global Standard is a voluntary standard, with the aim of improving the outcomes of volunteering for development activities, ensuring organisations that work through and with volunteers are both impactful and responsible in their practice. Purpose of the GS4V4D GS4V4D aims: •To guide VIOs on how to partner with communities to improve their quality of life, their own Capacities, address the significant challenges facing them, and embrace opportunities for the future. •To help organisations to be impactful, responsible, well planned, transparent and respectful, and comes (outcomes-focused)
have genuine partnerships and measurable out-
•To improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities To strengthens the work of volunteer involving organisations, provides guidance & reassurance which assists the broader Volunteering for Development
Global Standards Themes 1.Designing
and Delivering
Projects
2.Duty of Care 3.Managing Volunteers 4.Measuring Impact
Link to Global Standard for Volunteering for Development
