Learning Bite

1.1. What do we mean by volunteering?

The values that underpin this charter are:  

• Recognising people as assets - not a commodity

• Building on people’s skills and experience

• Promoting reciprocity, mutual respect and trust - building and supporting strong social networks

The characteristics of volunteering based on the United Nations definition are;

• Mutual support/self-organising - where we meet our shared needs together in associational life.

• Formal service - normally through 3rd parties with agreed roles and responsibilities and management arrangements (the charter principles are especially relevant here).

• Civic participation and campaigning - such as youth forums, political movements, and public service decision-making

The principles of volunteering - are that volunteer activity of any kind is undertaken with free will, is not for payment, and seeks community benefits.