




































AGORA International Journal of Economical Sciences, http://univagora.ro/jour/index.php/aijes 

ISSN 2067-3310, E-ISSN 2067-7669 

Vol. 18, No. 1 (2024), pp. 270-274 

 

270 

 

CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AND ITS 

IMPORTANCE 

  

S.O. DAVID 

                                                                                                                                                             

Sergiu Octavian David 

Faculty of Juridical and Administrative Sciences, Agora University of Oradea, Romania 

E-mail: sergiudavid93@yahoo.com  

  

Abstract: Volunteering, as defined, is an activity carried out voluntarily by an 

individual, without expecting directly or implicitly a financial reward or goods. It plays an 

important role in democratic societies, often being a form of social inclusion and integration, 

contributing to the development and implementation of state policies, and being an instrument 

for promoting social cohesion. “Volunteering is the best example of democracy. We vote in 

elections, but when you volunteer, you vote every day for the community in which you want to 

live.” - Marjorie Moore. 

Keywords: volunteerism, involvement, organizations, international law, war, society, 

democracy. 

 

INTRODUCTION 

      The concept of volunteerism, in the modern form as we know it today, developed 

mainly in the 19th century. Its emergence was based on the social and economic changes of 

that period, as well as philanthropic and humanitarian movements. Essentially, volunteering 

has always existed because people all over the world have offered to help their fellow human 

beings. In other words, with the appearance of human communities, that altruistic spirit that 

exists within each of us also appeared and manifested itself, urging us to help our fellow human 

beings, selflessly, without expecting anything in return. 

     The term volunteering was first used in the 17th century in the military sphere. More 

precisely, it referred to individuals who were enlisted in emergency military service and were 

not paid for their services, these individuals were called volunteers. 

      Volunteering in its modern form emerged in the 20th century, when the first 

international volunteer organizations appeared, such as the Peace Corps in the USA 

(established in 1960) and Voluntary Services Overseas (established in 1958) in the UK. The 

role of these international organizations was to train members of national organizations on 

various issues related to organizational management, providing them with consultancy and 

advice. Relying on the support of these organizations, volunteer centers began to progress and 

develop. Since then and to this day, the Peace Corps plays a crucial role in the development of 

volunteering at a global level, being the largest provider of volunteers in the world.  

       Today, volunteering and international volunteer organizations play an essential role in 

achieving sustainable development goals, addressing issues such as poverty, education, and 

climate change.  

In terms of regulations, international law recognizes volunteering through various 

instruments that emphasize its importance for social, economic, and cultural development. 

mailto:sergiudavid93@yahoo.com


Sergiu Octavian DAVID 

271 

 

These instruments include numerous documents and initiatives, conventions, resolutions, and 

declarations adopted by international organizations such as the United Nations or the European 

Union, promoting cooperation between states and international organizations to support and 

encourage volunteer activities.  

      Whether we are talking about interpersonal relationships or international cooperation 

between states, volunteer work helps strengthen social ties and build a more united and resilient 

community.   

 

    Considerations about volunteering and its importance  

       Volunteering has significant importance in a democratic society. It plays a decisive role 

in supporting and promoting democracy and in strengthening it. Starting from the statement of 

the American writer Marjorie Moore who said: "Volunteering is the best example of 

democracy.", we can say that volunteering breathes life into the noblest principles of 

democracy - freedom, peace, justice, security, advocating for their respect and enforcement.  

       Considering the social and economic aspects that the world is facing, volunteering 

represents an essential element of all societies, a status attributed also by the declaration of the 

United Nations adopted on December 10, 1948, which states that: "We, the people, have the 

power to change the world.".To bring about change, one must take action, and volunteering is 

the best way to act and get involved, so that you can put your ideas into practice and produce 

change. Additionally, volunteering is the simplest way to offer your energy and knowledge for 

the benefit of others and the community to which you belong.  

      Today, volunteering has become an important element in democratic societies, and the 

famous statement from the United Nations (UN) declaration has transformed into concrete 

actions of volunteer associations, thus gaining a global character, an example in this sense 

being the international organization Greenpeace, present with volunteers in over 55 countries, 

advocating for resolving environmental issues and adopting policies that combat pollution, 

abuse of water, land, and at the center of their actions a message of peace.  

       Every year, on December 5th, International Volunteer Day is celebrated, a day that 

honors volunteers and their work; it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 

December 17, 1985. This day is a recognition of the contribution volunteers make to achieving 

numerous development projects at the local, national, and international levels, and an 

opportunity to encourage more people to get involved in volunteering activities in a global 

effort to make the world a little better.  

       According to the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) report from 2018, approximately 

1 billion people worldwide were involved in volunteer activities, making volunteering one of 

the most widespread social activities. Volunteer activities contribute 2.4% to the global GDP, 

according to estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO), and also contribute 

to developing skills and increasing the employability of those involved, providing them with 

practical experience and networking opportunities. Another role that volunteer organizations 

play is providing social and economic services, often filling the gap left by government 

resources, especially in underdeveloped countries.  

       Promoting and supporting volunteering have been and remain important objectives for 

national governments, international organizations, and communities around the world. One 

such initiative is the European Solidarity Corps, supported by the European Union since 2016, 



CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AND ITS IMPORTANCE 

 

272 

 

when it was announced by the then President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude 

Juncker (President of the European Commission from 2014 to 2019), in his State of the 

European Union speech.  

       Officially launched in 2018, the European Solidarity Corps has become a strategic 

instrument for the European Union in engaging with the young generation. In 2021, it was 

allocated a budget of over 1 billion euros, available for the period 2021-2027. This budget is 

dedicated to volunteer projects aimed at young people aged between 18 and 30, providing 

opportunities for at least 270,000 volunteers.  

       Regarding Romania, in a study published by the European Solidarity Corps in 2019, it 

ranked 3rd, after France and the United Kingdom, old democracies, in terms of the number of 

participants in volunteer projects and it ranks 7th in terms of solidarity projects.  

        From a financial allocation perspective, in the period 2018-2020, over 11.5 million 

Euros were allocated and nearly 300 volunteer, solidarity and professional experience projects 

were funded, involving over 3500 Romanian young people. 

        In an increasingly tense international context against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine 

or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, volunteering and volunteers play an important role in refugee 

camps and post-conflict reconstruction, contributing to the defense of human rights, 

international stability and security, as well as to reducing the effects caused by war. With the 

support of the United Nations (UN), which carries out the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) 

program, thousands of volunteers are currently on humanitarian missions and in war camps 

around the world. Even if there is war in these regions, there are agreements and conventions 

that support the access of volunteers, these agreements and conventions make up International 

Humanitarian Law, an important part of Public International Law.  

      International humanitarian law encompasses rules that, during times of war, are 

intended to protect volunteers and individuals who are not taking part in the conflict, and to 

limit the means and methods of war used. The foundations of this branch of public international 

law are constituted by the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, and the Additional 

Protocols of 1977, to which a third additional protocol was added in 2005.  

       An explicit provision of International Humanitarian Law is that its norms apply to all 

types of conflicts and must be respected by all parties involved. Additionally, states have an 

obligation to sanction the violation of these norms and to criminally prosecute those who have 

violated them by committing serious violations, such as war crimes, and must also collaborate 

with other states for this purpose.  

     One of the bloodiest conflicts of the last century, the Battle of Solferino (June 24, 1859) 

in northern Italy, where the armies of France and Austria clashed, was an intense battle that 

lasted 16 hours and resulted in over 40,000 dead and wounded. This battle gave rise to one of 

the most important international volunteer organizations - the International Red Cross and Red 

Crescent Movement. The initiator of this movement was the Swiss businessman Henry Dunant 

(1828-1910), who drew international public attention to the necessity of establishing a society 

that would provide assistance and promote an international agreement regarding the care of the 

wounded and those who care for them.  

      Several decades have passed during which the movement has expanded to several 

states, and on May 5, 1919, the League of Red Cross Societies was formally established, 

headquartered in Paris, France, by the Red Cross Societies of France, Great Britain, Italy, 



Sergiu Octavian DAVID 

273 

 

Japan, and the United States. Starting in 1939, it has had its permanent headquarters in Geneva, 

Switzerland, and has become the leading humanitarian organization providing humanitarian 

protection and assistance to victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence. 

Additionally, in the field of International Humanitarian Law, the Red Cross or the International 

Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has become its main advocate, working for its 

strengthening and development.  

       In Romania, the Red Cross Society was established on July 4, 1874, being one of the 

oldest societies. It is the largest humanitarian organization in the country and also, the 

International Red Cross Federation is the largest humanitarian organization in the world, 

offering assistance to vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.  

      Volunteering has been and will remain a fundamental pillar of social and economic 

development at the international level, recognized through various legal and institutional 

frameworks. The rights of volunteers and the encouragement of active participation are 

important components for a healthy and functioning democratic society, and their recognition 

plays an essential role in supporting democracy and promoting human rights.  

 

CONCLUSIONS 

        Volunteering has played a significant role both in history and in the present, 

contributing to the development of communities and addressing important social problems.  

       Over time, volunteering has adapted to the needs of society, responding promptly and 

efficiently to contemporary challenges.  

       Through volunteering, people build strong connections within their communities, 

promoting solidarity, collaboration and respect for human rights. Today, volunteering not only 

supports local communities, but also has a global impact, contributing to solving global issues 

such as climate change, poverty, and global health. 

      The role of volunteering remains vital in modern, democratic society, continuing to 

promote positive change and support sustainable development, bringing together people from 

diverse backgrounds and perspectives. In this way, it promotes mutual understanding, 

tolerance, and respect for diversity - essential values in a democracy. Thus, through voluntary 

involvement, citizens exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities, contributing to 

building a fairer, more equitable and resilient society.  

 

REFERENCES 

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https://www.vsointernational.org/about/our-history 

3.  (n.d.).  Marjorie Moore. Http://www.citatepedia.ro. Retrieved mai 24, 2024, from 

http://autori.citatepedia.ro/de.php?a=Marjorie+Moore 

4. UN Human Rights Office (n.d.). THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN 

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