The European Commission proposes 2011 be designated as the European Year of Volunteering

In a move that is bound to help the cause of volunteering in Europe, the European Commission has announced today that 2011 should be designated as the ‘European Year of Volunteering’. It was spurred on by the initiatives of a network of European organisations that are involved with volunteering. It is likely that the Council and the European Commission will endorse this proposal at the beginning of next year. 

More than 100 million people currently volunteer in Europe, strengthening the bonds of society with their valuable work. 

From a joint press release issued today, the objectives of the European Year of Volunteering 2011 are “rewarding and recognising voluntary activities; empowering volunteer organisations; and raising awareness about the value of volunteering in our societies.”

The network of organisations involved in this alliance will soon put up a website dedicated to EYV 2011. Meanwhile, you can find a lot of relevant information here.

Here’s hoping more people will learn about the benefits and value of volunteering by 2011.