The beginning of this year has a special meaning for volunteers in the European Union as 2011 is the year dedicated to volunteering. Our contribution as volunteers is an ongoing process but this year we are encouraged to reflect on the importance of the voluntary sector. The European Commission is promoting volunteering and the dedication that comes with it. The purposes outlined for the year of volunteering are to create an enabling and facilitating environment for volunteering in the EU, to empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering; to reward and recognise volunteering activities; and to raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering.
By dedicating a year to volunteering, the EU is recognising the key role of voluntary organisations in our societies. The active participation through volunteering strengthens common values and particular sectors such as the social, cultural, environmental and sports sectors. The voluntary sector in Malta is vibrant and diverse and for many years organisations have established themselves with very little regulation to support them. The enactment of the Voluntary Organisations Act in 2007 was a positive step forward regulating the voluntary sector while safeguarding the constitutional right of freedom of association and assembly. In the Year of Volunteering, discussions on the legal, administrative and role of voluntary organisations must be encouraged so as to ensure that the local voluntary sector continues to improve its practices in an environment that supports its work. 2011 should also serve as a call to academics and students to focus on research dedicated to the voluntary sector in Malta and in Europe.
YEL (Young Entrepreneurs and Leaders), a voluntary organisation established in 2009 with the aim of fostering entrepreneurial and leadership skills among young people, has taken the lead in bringing together youths to discuss the aims that the voluntary sector should be focusing on, throughout this year.
In December 2010, YEL invited the University Students Body (KSU) and the National Youth Council (KNZ) to organise a seminar on the role of voluntary organisations in the year dedicated to volunteering. In an informal discussion with the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sports, Clyde Puli, Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, Kenneth Wain, and chairman of the council, Robert Farrugia, a group of young people identified the challenges of youth organisations and the proposed initiatives for improving the sector.
Youths representing different organisations were also invited to share their views on the current situation. Many topics were discussed, among which was the element of recognition of work carried out by volunteers. In its communication on the Year of Volunteering, the European Commission has stated that voluntary work is essential for the enhancement of society but it also serves to enhance the skills of volunteers. Such skills improve employability opportunities for individuals and are therefore skills that are important especially in times of tough economic climates being faced by many countries in Europe. Creativity is a key element by which volunteers run organisations. With many facing the challenge of very limited resources and budgets, creativity becomes the means by which volunteers organise activities and sustain their organisations.
In their discussion, participants also noted that there is a “snow ball” effect of volunteering especially in the youth sector. Young people tend to engage themselves in activities common to their group of friends. Therefore the participation of one youth in a voluntary organisation may be the determining factor encouraging other youths to participate in a positive and altruistic activity. An important message in the discussion with the parliamentary secretary, commissioner and chairman for voluntary organisations, was the need for better cooperation and collaboration between voluntary organisations. Such organisations must network and share resources rather then compete with each other. The voluntary sector is strengthened when organisations remain focused on their main purpose which in most cases is a social purpose. If competition becomes the main aim of such organisations, the voluntary sector loses its effectiveness and altruistic mission.
2011 offers a challenge to voluntary organisations and volunteers around Europe. The success we will owe to this year depends on our efforts in the coming months. YEL remains committed to giving its contribution to promoting innovative activities and discussions on the improvement of the voluntary sector.
I take this opportunity to augur a successful year to all volunteers. I hope we will meet in common projects and activities organised during the Year of Volunteering.
www.yel.org.mt
The author is social entrepreneurship and leadership coordinator, Young Entrepreneurs and Leaders (YEL).