For anyone who doesn’t currently volunteer (or even if you do), but has given some thought to the idea, keep this date in mind: Sunday, December 5, 2010. That day is International Volunteer Day (IVD).

What is great about this event is that it is an international movement that inspires people and organizations around the world to show their support and contribution to world peace and development issues. And this year marks the launch of the tenth anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), which happens to coincide with the European Year of Volunteering.

International Volunteer Day

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was originally adopted by the United Nations in December 1985. Since that time, world governments, the UN and organizations around the world have joined with volunteers to celebrate the day on December 5^th each year. This event offers volunteer organizations and individual volunteers the opportunity to make their contributions visible at the local, national and international level.

Over the years, rallies, parades, community projects, environmental awareness, free medical care and advocacy campaigns led by IVD national committees have been part of the IVD program. However, the goal is not to let the momentum fade on December 6. Instead the dream is to encourage people to volunteer 365 days a year.

“Volunteering for Our Planet” 2009

Recognizing the crucial role volunteers play in addressing environmental issues, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program launched the global campaign \’Volunteering for our Planet\’ in 2009 to promote voluntary effort for the environment.  But ensuring environmental sustainability is only one of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

So the theme for this year is “Volunteering for the MDGs.”  The hope is to achieve all eight MDGs, which along with saving the planet also include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education and promoting gender equality & empowering women.

Volunteers Can Get Involved Online

For those who feel their schedule is too full to add another commitment, know that everyone can make a difference. And everyone can share their skills, knowledge and ideas from their computer. There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities just a click away.

So if you are looking to volunteer and just need a place to start, start here, start now. And celebrate volunteerism on Sunday, December 5, 2010.