2011 European Year of Volunteering gets the green light

The invaluable contribution of volunteers in encouraging active citizenship is due to receive extra recognition and support from the EU, after Culture Ministers in Brussels (27 November 2009) officially nominated 2011 as the ‘European Year of Voluntary Activities’.  The move has been applauded by UK volunteering charity CSV.

Over 40% of the UK population and millions of citizens across the EU took part in some form of volunteering last year alone.  By exchanging best practice at the European level, the EU hopes to increase recognition of this important work and encourage further participation.

Siôn Simon, Minister for Creative Industries, represented the UK at the meeting of EU Culture Ministers in Brussels today where the decision was formally adopted.  Commenting at the meeting he said:

“The benefits of volunteering for individual citizens and society as a whole are indisputable.  As well as fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit, it can offer new skills and greater confidence.

The UK already has a strong record on participation in volunteering and the Government is working actively to support these actions.

We look forward to working closely with our European partners to promote this valuable work even further."

The announcement has been welcomed by organisations representing the voluntary sector.  Tamara Flanagan, Director of European and Statutory Funding at Community Service Volunteers said:

““The message sent by the EU in designating 2011 as the year that celebrates active citizenship through volunteering will be enormously powerful.

We are overjoyed that the year will recognise the efforts of ordinary people across Europe giving time in their communities and involving more people in helping others.

We look forward to working with the UK government and at EU level to ensure that 2011 is successful, meaningful and leaves a lasting legacy.”

Notes for editors
    
1.    According to the annual citizenship survey 2008-2009 41% of adults volunteered formally at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey, with 26% having volunteered formally at least once a month.
2.      The main aims of the 2011 European Year of Voluntary Activities will be to raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering, and enable and empower volunteers and voluntary organisations.
3.    It will have a budget of €8 million, with possibilities for further funding under other EU funding programmes.

Further press information:
Delyth Evans – UKRep Press Office – delyth.evans@fco.gov.uk - +32 486 090 032
Jason Tanner – CSV Press Office - jtanner@csv.org.uk on 020 7812 0039 / 07941 433598 or Melissa Goss mgoss@csv.org.uk on 020 7812 0037