Laws and Policies Affecting Volunteerism Since 2001 This report by ICNL and ECNL for UN Volunteers analyzes laws and policies affecting volunteerism since the International Year of Volunteers in 2001.

Drafting and Implementing Volunteerism Laws and Policies

This Guidance Note published by UN Volunteers and developed by ICNL and ECNL is based on a global research study. It provides examples of new laws and policies to improve the environment for volunteering.

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 nine Eastern European countries.

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

This issue of ICNL's Global Trends in NGO Law provides a brief overview of legislative initiatives affecting volunteerism around the world.

Volunteerism and Legislation: A Guidance Note

This is the first in a series of Guidance Notes sponsored by UN Volunteers. It provides advice on drafting laws and policies to support volunteerism and was prepared after consultations with parliamentarians from all regions, volunteer organizations, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.

Developing a Volunteer Infrastructure: A Guidance Note

This UN Volunteers Guidance Note discusses the systems, mechanisms and instruments needed to ensure an environment where volunteerism can flourish.

Comparative Analysis of the European Legal Systems and Practices Regarding Volunteering

This article from The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law (IJNL) explains principles that should underpin any framework for volunteerism and examines the rationale for regulating volunteerism.

Volunteering: The Long Arm of the Law

This article from the IJNL discusses the effects that the expansion and increased professionalism of the voluntary sector, together with changes in funding patterns, have had upon volunteers.

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

This is a recommendation to the General Assembly endorsing an International Year of Volunteers in 2001.

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

This General Assembly Resolution proclaims 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers.

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

This General Assembly Resolution provides recommendations on how UN Member States and the UN system can continue to provide support for volunteering after the International Year of Volunteers in 2001.

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

This is a report of the UN Secretary-General on the follow-up to the implementation of the International Year of Volunteers. It was submitted during the sixtieth session of the UN General Assembly.

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

These EU recommendations call on Member States to issue policies that consider the "important EU dimension to volunteering" and "a more coherent and comprehensive policy approach" to volunteerism.