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Global Research Study

on Volunteerism Policies

and Legislation Since 2001

FORUM

Dublin, Ireland26 June 2008

Mae Chao, UNV

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General Assembly Resolution:Recommendations on support for volunteering

Recalling the General Assembly recommendedthe promotion of the involvement of volunteersin social developmentby encouragingGovernments, taking into account the views of

all actors, to develop comprehensive strategiesand programmes by raising public awarenessabout the value and opportunities ofvolunteerism and by facilitating an enabling

environment for individuals and other actors ofcivil society to engage in voluntary activities,and the private sector to support suchactivities

10 January 2002, A/RES/56/38

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Volunteerism InfrastructureDevelopment

Four Key Factors: Reach a common understanding of

volunteerism and a shared appreciation ofits value.

Establish and nurture an enablingenvironment

Adopt a diversity of approaches tomobilizing and facilitating volunteerism

Ensure sustainable funding

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A joint projectof the International

Federation

of Red Cross andRed Crescent

Societies,

the Inter-Parliamentary Union

and

United NationsVolunteers: 2004

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Goals

Identify changes in laws, regulations, and

policies governing volunteers, highlightingexperiences from all regions of the worldsince 2001

Provide an overview of different policyapproaches in providing an enablingframework for volunteering---analyzeeffectiveness, how to promote, resources

Highlight lessons learned on content as wellas process

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Expected Outputs

Research Report

Guidance note for use by government,parliamentarians, CSOs, volunteers, the UN,and other stakeholders with sample policies,

model provisions, recommended practices Research Template for future reviews

Roster of experts able to consult with policy-makers on development of volunteer relatedpolicies/legislation

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Project Approach

1. Survey the regions to identify those countrieswith significant changes since 2001

2. Select for in-depth study based on the criteria

defined in the Research Template,approximately 24 countries to identifylearnings for their regions and gloablly

3. The above plus a literature review will formthe basis of the outputs.

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Previews from Survey

At least 73 countries have adopted or introduced

new laws or policies to promote volunteerismsince 2001

In Europe, 35 countries passed or introducedvolunteer law (16 since 2005)

Sub-Saharan Africa: 12

Latin America:10

CIS: 7 Asia: 5

South Pacific: 4

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Areas Addressed by Policies

Promote awareness, legitimacy and status of

volunteering

Change regulations which discouragevolunteering

Government commitment for the establishmentof a volunteer participation or promotionschemes

Define the rights and responsibilities ofvolunteers generally or for specific focus area

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Examples Niger: national Decree on Volunteerism2007

Framework for volunteerism activities Increases opportunities for youth to gain skillsand increase employability

Built increased trust and alliances between

government, CSOs and businesses

Macedonia: Law on Volunteering 2007

Legal definition of volunteering Addresses work place safety and

reimbursement of expenses

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More Examples

South Africa: 2004 Immigration Act Amendment includes provision for the granting of visas tointernational volunteers

Bolivia: 2005 law

Mobilization of volunteers for emergencies

Short term public health insurance coverage Academic credit in public and private

universities

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Timeline

Global survey: June 2008

In-Depth Country Studies: Summer

Draft Document: Late Fall

Review and Feedback Process: End of Year

Expected Publication Date: 1st Quarter 2009

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Questions? Comments?