As again demonstrated in this new initiative, the IILD fully endorses the concept of ‘lifelong learning’. There are numerous initiatives to create a ‘learning society’ in which learning is an integral part of our daily lives, inside and outside work and IILD is leading the way.
One of those initiatives is based on the traditional concept of volunteering and the IILD is a strong advocate of encouraging the important process of ‘giving back’. Whilst many people want to make a real difference when they volunteer, it’s not just about what they can do for others. Volunteers get a lot out of the experience too. Volunteering takes many designations; functioning at a local level, offering internships, global exchange programmes, international voluntary projects or placements. Volunteering is an exceptionally fulfilling and worthwhile experience for the community and the volunteer. It provides a two way learning process for people and place.
The IILD believes that through volunteering we develop civic engagement as a means of promoting people’s ideas and energy. This in turn can contribute meaningfully in community engagement, capacity building, working towards social change, and applying their leadership skills, all the while gaining access to services, supports, and opportunities that facilitate their own and society’s development.
Today’s volunteer workforce is generally more highly motivated, mobile, better educated, more skilled, and more professional than in previous decades. Volunteers have now placed a greater value on the quality of life and the commitment to rebuilding and regenerating the world.
Volunteers are people from all walks of life, all ages and stages. What they have in common is the desire to make a difference in their community/globally – and in their own life – by giving of their time.
Volunteers are involved in virtually every aspect of society including health, commerce, education, social services, industry, youth, sports and recreation, culture, the arts and the environment. While volunteers are changing the world, the IILD are at the vanguard of supporting global change through volunteerism.