Featured Publication: Laws and Policies Affecting Volunteerism Since 2001 This report by ICNL and ECNL for United Nations Volunteers analyzes laws and policies affecting volunteerism since the International Year of Volunteers 2001. (Read more)

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Drafting and Implementing Volunteerism Laws and Policies

A Guidance Note published by UNVolunteers and developed by ICNL and ECNL based on a global research study. The Guidance Note provides examples of new laws and policies to improve the environment for volunteering. The note adopts a practical approach, with guidance on drafting laws and policies, as well as advocating for an appropriate framework for volunteers. (Read more)

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Law on Volunteers and Volunteering in Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia

This article from USAID's 2007 NGO Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia provides an overview of legislation on volunteers from Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, and Romania. (Read more)

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The Legal Framework for Volunteerism: Ten Years After International Year of Volunteers 2001

Volume 2, Issue 1 of ICNL's Global Trends in NGO Law provides a brief overview of legislative initiatives affecting volunteerism around the world. (Read more)

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Volunteerism and Legislation: A Guidance Note

The first in a series of Guidance Notes sponsored by United Nations Volunteers provides recommendations for governments, civil society, the private sector, and development cooperation agencies on how to develop laws and policies that support volunteerism. The Note was prepared following extensive consultations with parliamentarians from all regions, volunteer-involving organizations, and Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. (Read more)

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Developing a Volunteer Infrastructure: A Guidance Note

This UNV guidance note on volunteer infrastructure encompasses the systems, mechanisms and instruments needed to ensure an environment where volunteerism can flourish. (Read more)

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Comparative Analysis of the European Legal Systems and Practices Regarding Volunteering

This 2009 article from ICNL's quarterly journal The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law looks at the rationale for regulating volunteering and provides an overview of the principles that should underpin any framework for volunteer initiatives. In addition, the article discusses the legal issues that affect volunteering, highlights recommendations developed by international experts, and provides examples of laws that define and regulate volunteer activities. (Read more)

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Volunteering: The Long Arm of the Law

This 2002 article from ICNL's quarterly journal The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law considers the effects that expansion and increased professionalism in the voluntary sector, together with changes in funding patterns, have had upon volunteers. (Read more)

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United Nations Economic and Social Council Resolution 1997/44 (22 July 1997)

The UN Economic and Social Council's recommendation to the General Assembly requesting the establishment of an International Year of Volunteers in 2001. (Read more)

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United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/52/17 (15 January 1998)

This General Assembly Resolution proclaims 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers. (Read more)

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United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/56/38 (10 January 2002)

A General Assembly Resolution adopted immediately after the conclusion of the International Year of Volunteers providing recommendations on ways in which UN Member States and the UN system as a whole can continue to provide support for volunteering. (Read more)

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Report of the United Nations Secretary General A/60/128 (18 July 2005)

A report of the Secretary-General on follow-up to the implementation of the International Year of Volunteers, submitted during the sixtieth session of the UN General Assembly. (Read more)

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Opinion of the Committee of Regions on the Contribution of Volunteering to Economic and Social Cohesion

European Union recommendations, issued in February 2008, calling on Member States to issue policies considering the "important EU dimension to volunteering" and providing "a more coherent and comprehensive policy approach" to volunteerism. (Read more)