New York, NY, December 5, 2025 – The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) announced today the global launch of the Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The Call to Action draws on the voices of almost 14,000 volunteers and stakeholders from 164 countries and outlines what is needed to strengthen and protect volunteering now and into the future.
“As a global leader in volunteering, IAVE felt it was important to give leadership to determining what needs to change in order for volunteering to thrive,” said Nichole Cirillo, IAVE Executive Director. “This Call to Action lays the groundwork for how we can work together to provide better recognition, support and investment for this critical element of society.”
This launch aligns with the upcoming International Volunteer Year 2026, declared by the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the vital role of volunteers in advancing sustainable development. The Call to Action responds directly to this global moment by setting out a clear, evidence-based agenda for governments, civil society, donors, the private sector, and volunteer-involving organizations.
Led by IAVE in Partnership with Global Volunteering Organizations
IAVE coordinated the overall process together with a group of global partners that provided leadership and facilitation across regions. These partner organizations are:
- Global Volunteering Forum
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
- UNICEF Generation Unlimited
- Volunteer Groups Alliance
These organizations, along with IAVE, will continue supporting the Call to Action through International Volunteer Year 2026 and beyond.
The Call to Action is the result of a broad, eight-month global consultation that included a survey of more than 10,000 respondents and 126 dialogues across global, regional, and national levels. This extensive engagement brought together volunteers, community organizations, youth leaders, government representatives, corporations, funders, and humanitarian actors.
Participants affirmed that the contributions of the 862 million people who volunteer each month are essential to social cohesion, local development, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, yet volunteers often receive too little recognition or support.
A Call to Action Across Three Priority Areas
The Call to Action outlines three areas where coordinated action is needed most:
1. Recognition
The global consultation emphasized the need to recognize volunteers as strategic contributors to the public good. The Call urges stronger policies, visibility, and evidence-building to measure and communicate the value of volunteering.
2. Support
Volunteering depends on enabling environments. Findings highlight gaps in volunteer management, inclusion, policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration. Stronger structures and resources are needed to help volunteers participate safely and meaningfully.
3. Safeguarding
Safety, rights, and well-being emerged as urgent issues, especially in humanitarian and conflict settings. Volunteers called for stronger legal protections, dignity in engagement, and systems that prevent exploitation.
Insights Underpinning the Call
The accompanying Insights Paper, authored by Dr. Chris Millora, highlights the themes that informed the final recommendations. Key insights include the essential role of volunteers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the need for more inclusive and equitable volunteering systems, and the widespread underinvestment in volunteering initiatives. It also underscores the pressing need for stronger protection and safeguarding measures.
IAVE’s Ongoing Commitment
IAVE and its partner organizations will continue to support the implementation of the Call to Action throughout International Volunteer Year 2026. Resources will be developed to help institutions, governments, and volunteer-involving organizations take concrete action, improve volunteer experiences, and strengthen national and local volunteering systems.
Join the Movement
IAVE encourages individuals and organizations to:
- Share the Call to Action with their networks
- Register to participate in the movement – www.iave.org/calltoaction
- Take steps during the International Volunteer Year 2026 to advance at least one commitment
- Read the Call to Action and Insights Paper to understand the evidence behind the recommendations – www.iave.org/calltoaction
About IAVE
The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) is a global network dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world by enabling the leaders, organizations, and environments that empower volunteers. Through advocacy, research, and partnership, IAVE works with governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and volunteers to create the conditions that allow volunteering to flourish worldwide. Since its founding in 1970, IAVE has served as a convener and champion for the global volunteering community.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Han
Marketing and Communications Manager
jessica@iave.org