Celebrating the art of service: The origins of volunteers Week
05/19/2024
In a world where time is a luxury and selflessness can be in short supply, Volunteers Week stands as a time to highlight and recognise those who selflessly give their time and energy to make a positive impact in their communities. But where did this celebration of volunteering come from, and why is it significant?
Origins of Volunteers Week
Volunteers Week, celebrated on the first Monday in June each year, originated in the UK. The concept first appeared in the late 1970s when a group of individuals and organisations recognised the need to formally acknowledge the contributions of volunteers to society. It wasn’t fully recognised until 1984 when it was known as Volunteering England. The UK government officially set up Volunteers Week to honour and celebrate the millions of volunteers who dedicate themselves to various causes throughout the UK.
It is thought that over half of the UK population are involved in an informal volunteering arrangement. Whether you’re helping your neighbour with their shopping or providing childcare for a fellow parent, you’re just as worthy of a celebration as someone working in a charity shop.
Volunteers Week Purpose
One of the key goals of Volunteers Week is to raise awareness on how important volunteering is to our communities and hopefully inspire others to get involved. Shining a spotlight on the selfless acts of individuals, Volunteers Week aims to promote a culture of giving back and encourage more people to volunteer their time and skills for their local communities.
Over the years, Volunteers Week has evolved into a week-long celebration filled with events, activities and celebrations aimed at highlighting and honouring volunteers. From awards ceremonies and appreciation dinners, to fairs and community service projects, the week gives multiple opportunities for people to come together and show their appreciation.
Recently, Volunteers Week has gained even greater significance as the world has faced difficult challenges such as natural disasters, global pandemics and social unrest. In times of crisis, volunteers often appear as the unsung heroes, providing much-needed support to those in need. Volunteers Week offers an opportunity to shine a light on these heroes and express our thanks for their tireless efforts.
The Big Help Out
As part of the King’s Coronation, an initiative called The Big Help Out was born with aims to encourage people to volunteer at local communities and groups over the coronation weekend. This year, The Big Help Out will take place over the 2nd weekend of June, coinciding with the end of Volunteers Week. Take a look at our article one what you could do to celebrate Volunteers Week and get involved in The Big Help Out.
ZCT – Zurich Community Trust
At Zurich, we have our own trust where we support both national and local organisations. Set up in 1973, ZCT has worked with over 100 charities across the UK, providing over £100 million in funding to the various charities since it started. From working with national partners such as Dementia UK and Barnardo’s, to supporting local charities chosen by colleagues, each charity receives a package of support consisting of volunteer time, money and skills. To find out more, check out Zurich Community Trust page.
To the next 40 years
Volunteers Week is not just about celebrating past achievements; it is also about looking to the future and exploring ways to further support communities in their efforts. This includes providing training and resources, creating volunteer-friendly policies and environments, and promoting collaboration and partnership among different volunteer organisations.
As Volunteers Week continues to grow and evolve, its message is still as relevant and inspiring as ever: that each act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference in the world. So, take this opportunity to celebrate the heart of service and express our gratitude to the millions of volunteers who embody the spirit of compassion, generosity, and selflessness every day.
