Euro 2008 Unv Research Policy Regulatory Framework

Global Research Study on Volunteerism Policies and Legislation Since 2001 FORUM Dublin, Ireland 26 June 2008 Mae Chao, UNV

General Assembly Resolution: “Recommendations on support for volunteering” Recalling… the General Assembly recommended the promotion of the involvement of volunteers in social development…by encouraging Governments, taking into account the views of all actors, to develop comprehensive strategies and programmes by raising public awareness about the value and opportunities of volunteerism and by facilitating an enabling environment for individuals and other actors of civil society to engage in voluntary activities, and the private sector to support such activities… 10 January 2002, A/RES/56/38

Volunteerism Infrastructure Development Four Key Factors: • Reach a common understanding of volunteerism and a shared appreciation of its value. • Establish and nurture an enabling environment • Adopt a diversity of approaches to mobilizing and facilitating volunteerism • Ensure sustainable funding

A joint project of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the InterParliamentary Union and United Nations Volunteers: 2004

Global Research on Volunteerism Policy & Legislation Researchers: International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is leading the research European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) is partnering Also Regional Experts for Asia, Africa, Arab States, CIS, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific

Goals • Identify changes in laws, regulations, and policies governing volunteers, highlighting experiences from all regions of the world since 2001 • Provide an overview of different policy approaches in providing an enabling framework for volunteering---analyze effectiveness, how to promote, resources • Highlight lessons learned on content as well as process

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 policymakers on development of volunteer related policies/legislation

Project Approach 1. Survey the regions to identify those countries with significant changes since 2001 2. Select for in-depth study based on the criteria defined in the Research Template, approximately 24 countries to identify learnings for their regions and gloablly 3. The above plus a literature review will form the basis of the outputs.

Previews from Survey • At least 73 countries have adopted or introduced new laws or policies to promote volunteerism since 2001 • In Europe, 35 countries passed or introduced volunteer law (16 since 2005) • Sub-Saharan Africa: 12 • Latin America:10 • CIS: 7 • Asia: 5 • South Pacific: 4

Areas Addressed by Policies • Promote awareness, legitimacy and status of volunteering • Change regulations which discourage volunteering • Government commitment for the establishment of a volunteer participation or promotion schemes • Define the rights and responsibilities of volunteers generally or for specific focus area

Examples • Niger: national Decree on Volunteerism 2007 – Framework for volunteerism activities – Increases opportunities for youth to gain skills and 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

More Examples • South Africa: 2004 Immigration Act Amendment – includes provision for the granting of visas to international volunteers • Bolivia: 2005 law – Mobilization of volunteers for emergencies – Short term public health insurance coverage – Academic credit in public and private universities

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

Questions? Comments?