Outline of this Document
1. Background
2. Aim of the workshop
3. Outline of the session
4. Composition of the panel and interventions order
1. Background
125 IYV National and 77 Regional Committees were set up to implement the four objectives of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001): recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of volunteering.
Throughout the Year, new projects were launched to highlight the work of millions of volunteers worldwide.
Several key international events contributed to "cross-fertilizating" ideas, creating new relationships and strengthening existing ones.
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On 5 December 2001, the United Nations officially launched IYV 2001 in New York in presence of the Secretary-General of the United Nations;
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From 14 to 18 January 2001, the World Conference of the International Association for Volunteer Effort in Amsterdam brought together 1,500 representatives from all geographic regions and walks of life;
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From 19 to 23 August 2001, the 4th CIVICUS World Assembly took place in Vancouver, Canada;
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From 18 to 21 November 2001, over 550 representatives from 126 countries gathered at the International Symposium on Volunteering (ISV 2001, Geneva, Switzerland) to review activities, share best practices, enhance networking and recommend actions beyond IYV 2001.
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On 5 December 2001, the UN General Assembly held its Special Event in New York to recognize the outcomes of the Year. 126 governments signed the UN Resolution A/Res/56/38, continuing their support of volunteer action.
Specialists and volunteers explored relations of volunteering to media, economy, generations, women, fundraising, legislation, social marketing, management, research, poverty alleviation, and more. Many of the examples provided indicated that IYV 2001 had been the opportunity to not only launch new projects, but also to reinforce the recognition and impacts of volunteers in 2001 and the future. The end of IYV 2001 was marked by the continuation of activities, both locally and internationally.
As a direct result of IYV 2001, several key documents were produced:
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The UN Secretary General report on "Support for volunteering" and the UN GA Resolution A/Res/56/38
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The Final Report of the International Symposium on Volunteering (ISV 2001, Geneva, Switzerland). The Report is available in web, print and CD-ROM formats. For more information, see http://www.isv2001.org;
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The Report of the two-day consultation of experts on volunteerism representing governments, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations system. The Report of 14 June 2002 call for a centralized information "clearinghouse" on voluntary action in the wake of the UN International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001). For more information: http://www.iyv2001.org;
2. Aim of the Workshop
At the time of writing, six months have passed after the closing event of the Year at the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (New York, December 2001). The present workshop will focus on the long-term outcomes and the evolution of volunteering at both international and local levels.
We aim to identify strategies to further strengthen short, medium and long-term cooperation between the various actors working with volunteers (United Nations, civil society, governments, private sector, media and the academic sector) at all levels (local, national, regional, international).
3. Outline of the Session
We propose the following outline:
a. Each of the panelist will present his / her perspective on cooperation among local, national and international volunteer networks (six presentations, 10 minutes each ? total on hour);
--Break of 15 minutes--
b. The discussion will be opened to the audience.
