Strategy for Improvement and Development of Volunteering in the Republic of Srpska (2014-2018)

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  • Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Language: English
  • Document Type: Domestic Law or Regulation
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STRATEGY
FOR IMPROVEMENT
AND DEVELOPMENT
OF VOLUNTEERING
IN THE
REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
(2014–2018)
WITH VOLUNTEERING
LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS
DEVELOPMENT
OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES E u r o p e a n C e n t e r F o r N o t – f o r – P r o f i t L a w
This publication was developed under the Legal Enabling Environment Program (LEEP II)
implemented by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law. It was made possible
by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Center for Not-for-Profit Law,
USAID or the United States Government.

STRATEGY
FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF
VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
GOVERNMENT

Contents
1. IntRoDUC tIon ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
… 5
2. eURoPeAn tRenDs In PR oMotIon AnD DeVeLoPM ent
oF VoLUnteeRInG ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
2.1. the most important recommendations and conclusions that will serve
as a basis for the development of european volunteering policy …………………………………….. 6
3. VoLUntee RInG In tHe R ePUBLIC oF sRPsKA ………………………………………………………………
. 8
3.1. the history of volunteering in the Republic of srpska ……………………………………………………. 8
3.2. Status of volunteering in the field – consultations with relevant participants …………………….. 10
3.3. Previous financial investments in the area of volunteering in the Republic of srpska ……………………………………………………………………
………………….. 11
3.3.1. Financial funds from the budget of the Republic of srpska …………………………………. 11
3.3.2. Financial funds from donors and international organizations ………………………………. 11
3.4. Participation of citizens in volunteering programmes and activities ……………………………….. 12
3.5. Volunteering in formal and informal education systems ……………………………………………….13
3.6. Research in the area of volunteering …………………………………………………………………………. 14
3.7. Issues and difficulties in the promotion and development of volunteering
in the Republic of srpska ……………………………………………………………………
…………………… 15
4. VALUes, PRInCIPLes, VIsI on, MIssIon AnD tIMeFRAMe oF tHe stRAteGY ………………… 16
4.1. Values of the strategy …………………………………………………………………………………..
………… 16
4.2. Principles of the strategy …………………………………………………………………………………..
……. 16
4.3. Vision and mission of the strategy …………………………………………………………………………… 16
4.4. timeframe of the strategy …………………………………………………………………………………..
…… 17
5. MAIn ACto Rs In tHe IMPLeMentAtIon oF tHe stRAteGY ……………………………………….. 18
6. stRAteGIC DIReCtIons AnD oBJeCtIVes ………………………………………………………………
…… 19
6.1 strategic direction 1: Legal regulations of volunteering ………………………………………………… 19
6.2. strategic direction 2: Volunteer infrastructure …………………………………………………………….. 20
6.3. strategic direction 3: Volunteering in formal and informal education systems …………………. 20
6.4. strategic direction 4: Promotion of volunteering …………………………………………………………. 21
7. ACtIon PLAn FoR IMPLe MentAtIon oF tHe stRAteGY …………………………………………… 22
8. eXPeCteD s HoRt AnD LonG teRM IMPACt oF
tHe IMPLeMentAtIon oF tHe stRAteGY ………………………………………………………………….. 36
9. MonItoRI nG AnD PeRF oRMAnCe MeAsUReMent t He oF
tHe IMPLeMentAtIon oF tHe stRAteGY ………………………………………………………………….. 37

5 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
1. IntRoDUCtIon
the constitutional basis for developing the strategy for the promotion and development
of volunteering in the Republic of srpska (2014–2018) is contained in the 32nd Amendment
(Amendment XXXII) item 18 to the Article 68 of the Constitution of the Republic of srpska,
according to which the Republic of srpska regulates and provides other relations of interest
of the Republic in accordance with the Constitution. Pursuant to Article 27 of the Law on
Volunteering (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska”, No. 89/13) the Republic and local
self-government units, in accordance with their responsibilities, may establish measures and
activities aimed at supporting the development and promotion of volunteering in the Republic.
Measures and activities are related to the adoption of strategies and policies at the level of the
republic and local self-government units, support to establishment, operation and networking
of volunteer services, establishment of volunteer services and awarding legal and natural
persons contributing their work to the development of volunteering and implementation of
measures of the adopted strategies and policies.
In accordance with the Law on volunteering, volunteering is considered “an activity of
general interest for the Republic of srpska which contributes to the improvement of quality of
life, the active participation of citizens in social life and the development of a more humane and
egalitarian democratic society.” Volunteering is an organized voluntary activity or provision
of services or performance of activities with the aim of general and common welfare or that of
another person without monetary compensation or material gain, otherwise provided in the
law. Volunteering helps gain experience and skills necessary and useful for active participation
in society, personal development and the common good.
Drafting the Law on Volunteering (adopted in 2008), as one of the first legal frameworks in
the region, marked the path of system organization of volunteering in the Republic of srpska.
the Government of the Republic of srpska provides system support to the promotion and
development of these human activities in the Republic of srpska by adopting the new Law
on Volunteering (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska”, No. 89/13) in 2013, as well as
by drafting this strategic document. During the monitoring of the implementation of the Law
on Volunteering, the need for better access and work on the development of volunteering
in the Republic of srpska was recognized. thus, the Ministry of Family, Youth and sport, in
partnership with the Youth Council of the Republic of srpska and Youth Communication Centre,
launched the project “Volunteer legislation to community development”, which is funded by
the european Union through the european Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and
the Government of the Republic of srpska, with the aim of establishing a sustainable growth of
the promotion and the development of volunteering in the field of economy and social sector
supported by the government and local authorities. the project is being implemented over the
period of 2012 to 2014, and the expected results are achieved through four groups of activities:
participation in the process of creating mechanisms for better implementation of the Law on
volunteering of the Republic of srpska; promotional campaign in order to inform relevant
actors on the Law on Volunteering of the Republic of srpska (presentation of the project to all
the heads of local self-government-units of the Republic of Srpska and ten presentations of the
Law on volunteering of the Republic of srpska) and support to the process of adoption and
implementation of local volunteer policies in at least 30 local self-government units.

6 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
2. eURoPeAn tRenDs In PRoMotIon AnD
DeVeLoPMent oF VoLUnteeRInG
Volunteerism has existed since the very beginning of organization of communities and it
still exists today as an activity that is carried out for the common good and which animates the
noblest aspirations of humankind, such as the struggle for peace, freedom, opportunity, security
and justice for all people. Definition of the term “volunteering” in the EU ranges from “the
activity that requires the use of time without reimbursement” through “the personal spontaneous
activity” to “the voluntary work”. The essential components of the definition of volunteering
are: voluntary nature, performing activities or providing services without reimbursement, and
performing activities or services for the common good. through volunteering citizens are helping
their neigbours and the community they live in, and at the same time they are developing their
own personality while contributing to the general well-being. In 1985, the General Assembly
of the United nations (Un) declared 5
th December the International Volunteer Day, and the
Council of Europe Recommendation No. R (94) 4 recommended Member States to define
volunteering, emphasizing its educational aspects and importance to society. the Council of
Europe Recommendation 1496 (2001) “Improving the status and role of volunteers in society”
recognizes the role and value of volunteer work, asking for the identification and elimination of
all obstacles that can prevent a person in voluntary activities, and the adoption and promotion
of political and legislative solutions that will stimulate volunteering. the Council of europe
adopted a series of documents, such as the european Convention on the Promotion of a
Transnational Long-term Voluntary Service for Young People (ETS no. 175), which further
promotes international volunteering of those over 18 and 25 years of age. the General
Assembly of the Un declared 2001 the International Year of Volunteers (Document 8917), and
on this occasion it also adopted the Resolutions and recommendations on how Member states
and the Un can and should support volunteering, and launched various initiatives to promote
volunteering. The UN General Assembly Resolution 56/38 (2002) recommends states to create
“fiscal incentives, legal and other frameworks, including those relating to the organizations
engaged in volunteering” through the introduction of legislation, tax incentives and subsidies,
and to facilitate the establishment of partnerships in relation to volun
teering in civil society.
the european Union declared 2011 the european Year of Volunteering during which, with
the support of the Delegation of the European Commission, over 100 experts in the field of
volunteering worked on drafting the recommendations and guidelines for the development of
european volunteering policy
1. this process was coordinated by informal network of european
associations and civil society organizations. the european Union and its member states have
recognized the need to highlight volunteering as a separate component that influences to a
great extent the development of civil society with a focus on specific sectors/areas, such as
economy, social sector, lifelong learning etc.
2.1. the most important recommendations and conclusions that will serve as a basis for the development of european volunteering
policy
Alliance for the european Year of Volunteering in europe provides recommendations
within the document entitled Policy Agenda for Volunteering in Europe – P.A.V.e. on more
effective and more efficient European framework for the support and promotion of volunteers,
volunteering, organizations engaging volunteers and their partners. the recommendations
1 Related reading: “ Policy Agenda for Volunteering in Europe (P.A.V.E) “, Retreived November, 2013, from https://
www.eyv2011.eu/images/stories/pdf/EYV2011Alliance_PAVE_copyfriendly.pdf.

7 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
include proposals for measures that should respond to different aspects of volunteering
identified by the decision of the European Council in 2009, which marked the year 2011 as
the european Year of Volunteering. through communication with the european Commission
P.A.V.e. the recommendations promote and support volunteering as a demonstration of
european values, providing the driving force for civic participation and the contribution to the
growth of economic and social capital.
P.A.V.e. emphasizes the need for a partnership approach that constantly involves all
participants to work towards the development of supporting infrastructure for volunteering
in europe. such infrastructure includes adequate and necessary mechanisms to support
volunteers and organizations engaging volunteers, as well as adequate and sustainable funding.
This should provide coherence and inter-sectoral approaches that would reduce barriers to
volunteering, and development of appropriate framework for volunteers and organizations that
engage volunteers, including the respect of their rights and obligations
.
P.A.V.E. reflects the fact that, in order to provide the basis for evidence-based policy
making, it is necessary to improve the collection of statistical data on the value and impact of
volunteering in europe. such data should take into account the economic and social value of
volunteering, and the measurements should reflect the specific nature of volunteering in order
to provide reliable data.
P.A.V.e. also emphasizes the need to improve the access to statistical data and other
information regarding opportunities for volunteering as an addition to harmonization of common
principles for the provision of quality volunteering in order to increase the number, impact and
value of volunteering in europe. It is now a recognized fact that quality volunteering always
stems from harmonized and mutually approved actions among participants, and includes a
strong and transparent partnership of multi-sectoral participants.
Acknowledgement of individual and collective achievements of volunteers were identified
as crucial for enabling volunteers to implement the acquired knowledge and experience
better, through volunteering in other areas of their lives, and thus to increase the impact of
volunteering. Improved mechanisms for recognizing volunteering as a contribution to lifelong
learning are recommended as a solution.

8 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
3. VoLUnteeRInG In tHe RePUBLIC oF sRPsKA
3.1. the history of volunteering in the Republic of srpska
one of the oldest activities that is similar to and linked with volunteering in its contemporary
form and which was applied to our country is moba. “Moba” is a folk custom of merging
labour and the most common form of support in the countryside. The word “moba” derives
from the Serbian word “molba” meaning request. Urgent and immediate tasks surpassing the
capacity of a household occurred very often in rural households are often, and it was common
practice to invite neighbours to help. the host of the house would then convened moba. the
work was complimentary and voluntary, and the host was obliged to show hospitality and
accomodate the workers in the best possible way. there was also a charity moba to which
people were coming without being call upon in case of a needy family or when a house was
left without a host. In this case, the hosts did not have an obligation to provide food for the
people performing moba.
In the former Yugoslavia (hereinafter referred to as sFRY) one of the most popular types
of volunteering activities was Youth Work Action. Youth Work Actions have arisen in the
course of national Liberation Movement. they were especially popular after World War II
and aimed to re-establish and build the economy, the infrastructure, the scientific, sporting,
cultural and entertainment facilities in the former Yugoslavia. In the first post-war federal work
actions millions of young people have built motorways, railways, factories, and even entire
cities. the largest federal work actions were occurring in the period from 1946 to 1952. In
a new, original way Youth Work Actions were a mechanism to make new friends and to
create a unity among young people from the former Yugoslavia, but also from around the
world. Data show that more than 20,000 young people from many countries participated in
the actions in Yugoslavia
2. In addition to youth work actions, it is important to mention the
Boy scouts and the environmental Movement that organized and provided, apart from their
regular reforestation activities, a variety of other volunteering activities. the main link in all
volunteering activities in the former Yugoslavia was still the volunteer work more related to
the construction of infrastructure and less to volunteer activities in the social sector through
provision of assistance to socially vulnerable groups. the reason for this was the social and
health sector of that period, which did not have any of the problems that these sectors are
facing today with – the lack of resources in financial and other terms, which adequatly meets
the needs of these groups of citizens.
After 1995, various associations based on voluntary work were being formed in the
Republic of srpka. In addition, temporarily interrupted due to ongoing war, the Boy scouts
re-organize again. From 1995 to 2008, when the Law on volunteering of the Republic of
srpska was adopted, the number of different and specialized associations, and their partnership
with a variety of social and other participants significantly increased, in the same way as the
number of volunteering programs and activities and the engaged volunteers did. During this
period, volunteering was characterized by a large shift in terms of end-users/beneficiaries
of volunteering. the war had a negative effect on the large increase of socially vulnerable
groups of citizens (refugees and IDPs) and destabilization of the economic sector, which is still
disadvantaged due to these effects, and as a result an increase in the number of unemployed
and socially disadvantaged citizens. For this reason, volunteering is mostly directed towards
2 Related reading: “the state of Volunteerism in southeastern europe and CIs Region“, 2009, (local language
only) Retreived November 2013 from https://www.smart.hr/dokumenti/UNV%20country%20report_CRO%20
FInAL.pdf
Mihailović, Srećko and Spasojević, Grujica. 1979. Tito na radnim akcijama. Istraživačko-izdavački centar SSO
srbije.

9 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
those target groups of citizens and it is beginning to play an important role in the social sector,
contributing to the improvement and development of personal and social skills and skills of
volunteers, and thus affects the simpler and better employment. In addition to these groups
of citizens, volunteering is gradually developing the aspect of aid and assistance for socially
excluded groups of citizens such as persons with disabilities, which in the past was not the case.
Certainly, one should not forget that volunteering began playing the important role in other
sectors such as environmental protection, culture, art, and so on, but not yet to on satisfactory
level. new voluntary practice in the Republic of srpska enabled and developed volunteering
for persons with disabilities in that part of their work and psycho-physical abilities, thereby
contributing to their socialization as volunteers.
In the Republic of srpska, since its foundations to the present, several youth organizations
– citizens’ associations promoting volunteering and its values to society as a whole were
prominent. one of these examples would be a citizens’ organization Youth Communication
Centre (hereinafter referred to as: YCC), due to the number of activities and their continuity. It
was founded in 1997 in Banja Luka and it actively focused on the promotion and development
of volunteering in the Republic of Srpska. The first volunteer programs YCC were focused
on humanitarian activities, summer volunteer camps, long-term international exchange of
volunteers and high school students’ and college students’ volunteering in public institutions.
At present, the only active component of previously mentioned projects is the programme
for students and high school students volunteering in public institutions and a traditional
humanitarian volunteering action “One sweet one child,” which has been implemented since
2003, while its further implementation was assumed and continued by the High school student
Councils of the Republic of srpska. Programme for college students and high school students
volunteering in public institutions every year, made it possible for more than 600 high school
students to organize volunteering activities as well as other educational, sporting, cultural and
entertainment activities for children and youth with special needs and for the elderly placed
in homes and public institutions. In 2004, YCC organized the first conference on volunteering
in the Republic of srpska, with active participation of representatives of all sectors, which was
very important for the development of volunteering in the Republic of srpska. In 2005, within
the framework of YCC, the first local volunteer service was established the Republic of Srpska.
since then to the present day, YCC has developed local volunteer services, in cooperation with
other organizations and local governments, in other local communities also (Mrkonji ć Grad,
novi Grad, Gradiška, Laktaši, Derventa, Doboj, srebrenica, Zvornik, trebinje, Bijeljina, srbac,
Prijedor and Pale). In collaboration with partners in the region YCC transfers methodology,
knowledge and experience related to the development of volunteering infrastructure to other
countries in the region (Croatia, serbia, Macedonia and Albania). In 2010, YCC also supported
the development of volunteer centers in China, as part of long-term cooperation with Voluntary
service overseas (Vso).
In 2010, seven local self-government units (Banja Luka, Derventa, Doboj, Mrkonji ć Grad,
srebrenica, trebinje and Laktaši) began working on the development of local volunteer policies,
whose aim was to support the implementation of the Law on volunteering at the local level. In
early 2011, the first local volunteer policy was adopted in Mrkonji ć Grad. With the adoption of
the Law on Volunteering of the Republic of srpska in 2008, and the new Law on Volunteering
in 2013, volunteering became institutionally recognized as an activity of general interest
for the Republic of srpska and opened a new chapter of the promotion and development of
volunteering in the Republic of srpska as one of the positive values of civil society.
Volunteering enables building partnerships among different sectors, such as civil
society organizations and social public institutions, within which it is possible to develop
new approaches and methodologies in order to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion of
socially marginalized groups of citizens in social processes. Civil society organizations play
a leading role in the process of the promotion and development of volunteering, because
many of them fulfill their vision and mission through volunteering programmes and activities,

10 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
by linking relevant participants in finding adequate solutions to the challenges and problems
the community is facing. Flexibility and permanent field presence enables organizations to
intervene and respond quickly and effectively using volunteering as a major tool in solving
community problems.
3.2. Status of volunteering in the field – consultations with relevant participants
Within the project »From volunteer legislation to local community development«, jointly
implemented by the Ministry of Family, Youth and sport, YCC and the Youth Council of the
Republic of srpska, ten presentations of the Law on Volunteering were done during 2012 (in
Banja Luka, Doboj, Pale, Mrkonjić Grad, Prijedor, Bijeljina, Vlasenica, Višegrad, Trebinje and
nevesinje). During these presentations, citizens, representatives of associations, institutions,
and volunteers from 55 local governments presented their suggestions for the improvement of
legislation in the field of volunteerism. The aim of the presentation was to familiarize participants
with the legal regulations of volunteering, as well as with the current status and trends in
the development and promotion of volunteering. In addition, each presentation provided the
participants with the opportunity to present their own experience and knowledge gained in the
field, and to provide specific comments, suggestions and proposals on the development of the
strategy for the promotion and development of volunteering in the Republic of srpska and the
new Law on volunteering.
The situation in the field identified the following:
a) engaging volunteers was mostly done by civil society organizations, while very few of the local self-government units and public institutions engaged volunteers for their own
purposes as a result of insufficient knowledge of legislation and specific aggravating
administrative barriers;
b) In most cases, young people were engaged in the role of volunteers, while a smaller
number of people over 30 years of age was engaged; c) In most cases organized
volunteer activities were organized and aimed at providing assistance and support to
socially vulnerable groups in various promotional campaigns and activities related to
environmental protection;
d) There was no unique record system of the number and profile of people interested in
volunteering at the local level. In communities where there were active local volunteer
services, there was a record system, but this system did not include all the volunteers
and participants who were directly involved in various volunteering activities of local
self-government units, public institutions and civil society organizations;
e) There was insufficient information regarding legal regulations of volunteering and
misunderstanding regarding the meaning of the term “volunteer” arising from its in the
Labour Law in which it is used to describe trainees without an employment contract,
which according to the Law on Volunteering is not a defined as volunteering. In most
cases, local self-government units and public institutions defined volunteering by the
term “volunteer – trainee” and without being familiar with and aware of the existence of
the Law on volunteering;
f) In two of the local self-government units, mechanisms of awarding the most prominent
volunteer and organizer of volunteering followed by legal framework for the promotion
and development of volunteering at local level were established
3;
g) The attitude of representatives of local self-government units, public institutions and
3 During the presentations, local volunteer policies were adopted in Doboj and Mrkonjić Grad. Currently these
policies are being drafted in 30 local self-government units of the Republikc of Srpska.

11 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
civil society organizations towards volunteering as an activity of general interest for
the Republic of srpska, was that volunteering should be strengthened and promoted
as an activity that would create positive values, stronger individual development and
contribute to quality education and prepare the young for their future employment, as
well as to provide an opportunity for adult education in order to become competitive in
the labor market and generally to contribute to building social and econ
omic capital.
3.3. Previous financial investments in the area of volunteering in the Republic of srpska
3.3.1. Financial funds from the budget of the Republic of srpska
the Ministry of Family, Youth and sport supports the development of volunteering in the
Republic of srpska, and in the past seven years it has provided over KM 100,000 for funding
volunteer projects of high school student councils in the Republic of srpska and functioning
of the network of high school student councils of the Republic of srpska. In the same period
national awards were presented to the best volunteers and to the best organizers of volunteering
in the Republic of srpska amounting to KM 36,000. From 2011 to the present, the Ministry
of Family, Youth and Sports awarded KM 972,485 in the competitions for co-funding of youth
projects, where the promotion of volunteering was one of the specific criteria to be met by
the procjets submitted to the competition. The Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports will co-
finance the project »From volunteer legislation to community development« in the amount of
KM 60,000, which is implemented in cooperation with the Youth Communication Centre and
the Youth Council of the Republic of srpska from 2012 to 2014, and is actively involved in its
implementation. Activities of the Red Cross Youth of the Republic of srpska are supported in
the amount of KM 30.000.
3.3.2. Financial funds from donors and international organizations
the data obtained from the Youth Communication Center, as one of the leading
organizations in the area of promotion and development of volunteering, are showing a
significant contribution of foreign funds invested in the area of volunteering in the period from
2003 to 2013:
– A total of KM 470,000 were allocated for the development program for volunteering
infrastructure (establishment of 14 local volunteer services in the Republic of srpska) in
the period from 2005 to 2013;
– A total of KM 175,000 were allocated for the development programme for legal regulation
of volunteering (the Law on Volunteering in the Republic of srpska, the strategy for the
promotion and development of volunteering in the Republic of srpska and the local
volunteer policy in 30 local communities) in the period from 2010 to 20
13;
– A total of KM 500,000 for the volunteer programme for high school students in public
institutions (Banja Luka, Gradiška and Prijedor) in the period from
2003 to 2008;
– A total of KM 265,000 for the volunteer programme for college students (Banja Luka and
east sarajevo) in the period from 2010 to 2012, and
– A total of KM 150,000 for a support programme for volunteer activities of the Network of
high school student councils of the Republic of srpska in the period from 2004 to 2007.
The total amount of international finantial funds that the Youth Communication Centre
provided and spent on the development and promotion of volunteering in the Republic of
srpka in the period from 2003 to 2013 amounted to KM 1,560,000. these funds were provided
by various international donors and organizations: the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA), the swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (sIDA), the
Us Agency for International Development (UsAID), the swiss Agency for Development and

12 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Cooperation (sDC), the Volunteer service overseas (Vso), the olof Palme International Center
(sweden), the Balkan trust for Democracy (BtD), the national endowment for Democracy
(neD), the Dutch embassy and the Us embassy in sarajevo, the In Foundation (netherlands),
the Foundation of Youth Communication Centre (netherlands), the Independent Bureau for
Humanitarian issues (IBHI), the Fund for social Inclusion and the european Union programmes
(IPA and the european Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights).
these data suggest that there is a real possibility that a large part of the funds required for
the implementation of this strategy can be provided by the foreign funds, primarily keeping
in mind the available funds of the european Union, as well as the ones of other donors and
international organizations. Certainly, one should take into account that these are the data of
only one organization in the Republic of srpska.
3.4. Participation of citizens in volunteering programmes and activities
According to available relevant data 4, only 5% of the citizens of the Republic of Srpska are
volunteering. For the time being these are the only available data on the number of volunteers.
YCC provided real data on the nuber of volunteers engaged during 2013 in eight local
communities in the Republic of srpska based on the records of local volunteer services (Banja
Luka, Doboj, Laktaši, Gradiška, srebrenica, novi Grad, srbac and Zvornik):
1. The area of “Democracy and Human Rights” a total of 69 volunteers engaged and
volunteered for 1,893 hours;
2. The area of “Health and Social Protection”: a total of 214 volunteers engaged and
volunteered for 8,942 hours;
3. The area of “Environmental Protection”: a total of 305 volunteers engaged and
volunteered for 1,894 hours;
4. The area of “The Media”: a total of 49 volunteers engaged and volunteered for 2,365
hours;
5. The area of “Art and Culture”: a total of 180 volunteers engaged and volunteered for
2,117 hours and
6. The area of “Computers and Information Technology”: a total of 2 volunteers engaged
and volunteered for 92 hours.
In 2013, eight local volunteer services in the Republic of srpska engaged the total number
of 819 volunteers who volunteered for 17,303 hours or 2,163 working days. taking into
account the average salary in the Republic of Srpska, the financial value of volunteer work was
KM 78,640. Bearing in mind that these data refer only to the eight local communities of the
Republic of srpska and that volunteers engaged by local volunteer services are the only ones
listed, we can conclude that these figures are much higher in reality, as well as their financial
value.
This is supported by the data regarding the most numerous one-day volunteering action
“Let’s do it”, whose implementation began in 2012 and was a part of the world’s major initiative
in the area of environmental protection. In 2013, two major environmental activities were
implemented: the cleaning action, which was implemented in 107 local self-government units
and attended by 47,970 volunteers who removed 5,000 tons of waste, and the action aimed
at planting seedlings, which was attended by 9,000 volunteers who planted 230,000 seedlings
in 72 local self-government units in BiH (50 local self-government units in FBiH and 22 local
self-government units in the Republic of Srpska).
4 National Human Development Report: “The Ties That Bind: Social Capital in Bosnia and Herzegovina”,
UnDP, 2009

13 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
A large number of citizens participating in volunteering programmmes of the Red Cross of
the Republic of srpska operating in the Republic of srpska for over 20 years. Its programme goals
of the Red Cross of the Republic of srpska are achieved through nine coordinating committees
and 63 municipal organizations. the largest number of volunteers are young people performing
voluntary work in the following areas: the promotion of human values; social and humanitarian
activities; home care programme; health education; first aid; blood donations; preparation and
response to disasters; ecology; warnings on the danger of mines. the Red Cross of the Republic
of srpska does not have an updated records of volunteering activities, and there are no precise
data on the number of engaged volunteers and hours of volunteering. However, in 2011, a total
number of 14,275 volunteers engaged in campaigns and other actions (organizing collecting
actions, stamp sales, various humanitarian performances, engaging volunteers in disasters and
the like) is recorded.
Hundreds of volunteers over the past few years contributed to the successful implementation
of international sporting competitions in the Republic of serbian, such as the World Rafting
Championship, the World Bowling Cup, the ICF World Cup in kayak canoe on white water, the
european Karate Championship, the european Youth Chess Championship, the Balkan Kayak
Canoe Championship, the Balkan Volleyball Championship, Balkan Judo Cham
pionship, etc.
It is also important to mention the “Youth Bank” programme that has been implemented
since 2008 by the Mosaic Foundation. only in 2012, the Mosaic supported 326 volunteering
action worth over KM 2,162,831. The implementation of the action in 14 local self-government
units in the Republic of srpska (Brod, Kotor Varoš, Kozarska Dubica, Lopare, novi Grad,
Modriča, Mrkonjić Grad, Pelagićevo, Petrovo, Srbac, Šipovo, Šekovići, Vukosavlje and Zvornik)
included 1,988 volunteers who volunteered for 31,717 hours.
these are just rough data, and we certainly should not forget a large number of regular
activities of civic associations in the different sectors in which volunteers were engaged. the
fact that should not be ignored is the volunteering occuring sporadically and spontaneously,
without designated organizer of volunteering, on a voluntary basis and without reimbursement,
with the aim of general, common welfare or that of another person, as well as voluntary
educational activities for children up to 15 years of age organized for general social benefit,
and happening almost every day throughout the Republic of srpska, and not a subject to the
provisions of the Law on volunteering.
3.5. Volunteering in formal and informal education systems
The Law on Volunteering in the Republic of Srpska clearly defines the obligation of
transferring knowledge related to volunteering to children and young people through formal
and informal education. shifts are visible in the higher education system, due to tha fact that
the Law on Higher Education defines the opportunity to gain ECTS credits
5 by volunteering.
University of Banja Luka in cooperation with the Youth Communication Centre adopted a
regulation on the evaluation of student volunteering through eCts credits, thus opening the
door to the promotion and development of volunteering in the higher education system in the
Republic of srpska. During 2012 and 2013, the Youth Communication Centre in collaboration
with the University of east sarajevo, and several private universities developed such rules that
will enable the students of these universities to gain eCts points through volunteering. A large
number of civil society organizations planned and implemented various forms of non-formal
education (training courses, seminars, informative workshops, etc.). Within these activities,
5 Articles 38, paragraph 1 of the Law on the Higher Education (“Official Gazzette of the Republic of Srpska”,
No. 73/10, 104/11 and 84/12), prescribes that a collection of 60 ECTS credits is equivalent to a total of weekly
40 hour student engagement through one year of academic study which cons
ists of the following: a) courses b)
independent student work, c) colloquiums, d) final exams, e) drafting of final report, f) practical report and g)
performing volunteer work in accordance with the regulations prescribed
for this area.

14 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
volunteering is a topic often represented, and thus children and young people gain knowledge
related to volunteering and the ways how they can engage as volunteers. this is evident through
the constant flow of information in connection to the calls for participation in various seminars
and training sessions, both internationally as well as locally.
3.6. Research in the area of volunteering
There are insufficient reliable statistics on volunteering in the territory of the Republic of
Srpska due to the fact that there has been no research in this area. Statistical data are insufficient
since this is a voluntary activity that by its nature often remains unrecorded and the efforts of
the Ministry of Family, Youth and sport in the coming period will be to analyze the volunteer
activities through an electronic system used by local volunteer services merged into Volunteer
service of the Republic of srpska. However, during the period from 2010 to 2011, the Youth
Communication Centre as a part of an informal network of local volunteer services implemented
the first study on volunteering
6, which served as a basis for understanding the situation in the
field. The study was organized in the period from April 2010 to March 2011. Starting with the
key skills, defined by the European Union as a set of different skills, knowledge and values that
form the basis for lifelong learning and creation of a successful and flexible workforce that can
adapt to market demands and enable long-term flexible adaptation and greater employment of
the population in European countries (Hozjan, 2009), the study aimed to assess the impact of
volunteering on the development of certain personality characteristics, paying special attention
to the development of competences necessary for active participation in social processes and
increase of competitiveness in the labor market. For the purposes of this research, a set of
standardized questionnaires was created, which collected data on interpersonal competence,
metacognitive skills, social distance and specific emotional characteristics among volunteers
and non-volunteers. The survey included 1,742 subjects, namely 844 volunteers and 898 non-
volunteers categorized by their age. This research was done in seven local self-government
units, including five in the Republic of Srpska: Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Tuzla, Doboj, Trebinje,
Mrkonjić Grad and Srebrenica.
The highest percentage of surveyed volunteers (36.6%) participated in the activities of
helping other people, followed by participation in promotional campaigns (25.2%), provision
of assistance in the area of education (16.9%) and participation in environmental actions
(15, 3%). Leading motives/reasons for volunteering for both volunteers and non-volunteers
are highlighted as follows: desire to help others, to meet new people and socialize, to have
a sense of usefulness and to provide contribution to the improvement of society. A large
percentage of volunteers (93.2%) and non-volunteers (84.4%) believe that volunteering is a
good way to meet new people, while 77.5% of volunteers and 69% of non-volunteeers find
that volunteering is a good way to acquire professional skills. A total of 90.9% of volunteers
and 76% of non-volunteers consider that volunteering offers enriching experience. The results
obtained by means of instruments measuring personality traits (IPIP-50) showed that volunteers
are statistically and more significantly extrovert, more diligent and willing to cooperate and
open to new experiences, and emotionally more stable than non-volunteers. Furthermore, a
more detailed analysis indicates that a positive attitude towards people, and understanding
of others and the need to help others grow together with the duration of the volunteering
experience.
examination of social skills such as initiating contact, providing emotional support, problem
solving, trust in others and assertiveness (Inventory of interpersonal competence), shows that
volunteers in comparison to non-volunteers achieve better results, and that they have more
6 Related reading: https://www.okcbl.org/publikacije/pdf/pro_socijalna_dimenzija_volontiranja_u_bih.pdf
.Retreived november, 2013.

15 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
developed social skills than non-volunteers. Also, volunteers with longer experience have more
developed social skills than volunteers with shorter volunteering experience, which suggests
that volunteering affects the development of social skills.
Results on the Inventory of metacognitive awareness show that volunteers have statistically
more significant and pronounced knowledge of cognitive processes and the ability to control
thought processes. Specifically, with the length of the volunteering experience the ability
to regulate thought processes also grows, namely, the awareness of the need for planning,
information management, monitoring, evaluation and elimination of errors in the thought
process.
the analysis of the research on social distance and inclination towards prejudice, also
shows statistically significant differences: volunteers are less biased and are more likely to
interact with certain groups of people and minorities than non-volunteers. This situation is
reflected by specific vulnerable groups (eg. those with certain mental and physical handicaps,
or suffering from an incurable disease). What is interesting is that the level of tolerance and
willingness to interact is increasing with the development of volunteer experience, which also
reveals this significant potential that volunteering has in reducing prejudices and developing
those types of behaviour that will result in the reduction of social exclusion of marginalized
groups of citizens.
3.7. Issues and difficulties in the promotion and development of volunteering in the Republic of srpska
During the monitoring of the implementation of the Law on volunteering since 2008
and after a detailed analysis of the conclusions of ten presentations on volunteering, some
difficulties in providing continuous and quality promotion and development of volunteering
in the Republic of srpska were noticed. the working group for drafting the strategy for the
development and promotion of volunteering identified four crucial issues to be responded to
by this strategy:
1. Due to the lack of awareness of employers and organizers of volunteering, engaging
volunteers may be difficult because of the term “volunteer” that appears in the Labour
Law and the Law on volunteering;
2. Underdevelopment of volunteering infrastructure (local and national level) that should
support all relevant processes to promote and develop volunteering (volunteer cnters,
local volunteer policies and possible sources of funding, adequate human
resources);
3. Volunteering in education systems in the Republic of srpska, especially in primary and
secondary schools, is insufficiently present and
4. Insufficient media promotion of volunteering and the lack of awareness and/or
misconception of volunteering by citizens, especially young people, about the role,
capabilities, benefits and contribution of volunteering in the development of the
individual and the society.

16 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
4. VALUes, PRInCIPLes, VIsIon, MIssIon AnD tIMeFRAMe
oF tHe stRAteGY
4.1. Values of the strategy
Considering that volunteering is an activity based on the principle of voluntariness with the
aim of general, common welfare or that of another person, for the benefit of others or society as
a whole, without monetary compensation or other material gain, the strategy seeks to promote
and put into practice the following values :
a) Identification and recognition of traditional humanism and solidarity expressed through
volunteering of citizens of the Republic of srpska;
b) encouraging the establishment of a healthy society of conscious and dilig
ent citizen
c) Promotion of cooperation and a sense of common benefit of all social groups and
segments;
d) strengthening of social cohesion by creating a sense of trust and solidarity among citizens;
e) Proper implementation of the legal framework of volunteering;
f) Increase of public awareness of volunteering and creation of proper culture of promotion
and implementation of volunteering;
g) Preparation of plans, mechanisms and measures of incentives and support for volunteering
in all sectors of society (civil society, public institutions, central government and local
authorities, education, etc.):
h) support the further development of society and human resources through voluntariness and commitment to the processes of social development;
j) Construction of organized networks of communication and cooperation that promote
and develop volunteering simultaneously and dynamically in the Republic of srpska
and
k) support to processes and initiatives at european and global level in relation to the
promotion and development of volunteering.
4.2. Principles of the strategy
the strategy will be based on the following principles:
a) the voluntary nature of volunteer engagement;
b) Active involvement of volunteers, civil society organizations, institutions, and other
relevant participants;
c) Cooperation and partnership;
c) openness and transparency and
e) Mutual trust and respect.
4.3. Vision and mission of the strategy
Vision: the Republic of srpska actively supports the development and promotion of
volunteering as a way of building a democratic society, civic activism and positive values of
society, namely humanism, solidarity and altruism.

17 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
Mission: In the period from 2014 to 2018, the mission is to create a stimulating environment
for sustainable growth of the promotion and development of volunteering in the Republic
of srpska through following measures and activities: promotions, education, development of
volunteering infrastructure and the establishment of an adequate legal framework, all of which
are planned, implemented and coordinated by the relevant actors both on local and national
level on the principle of multi-sector partnership and cooperation.
4.4. timeframe of the strategy
the timeframe for the implemention of the strategy is from 2014 to 2018.

18 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
5. MAIn ACtoRs In tHe IMPLeMentAtIon oF tHe
stRAteGY
The main actors who will seek to fulfill the principles, objectives and measures referred to
in this document are:
a) the Ministry of Family, Youth and sport,
b) the Ministry of education and Culture,
c) The Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government,
d) Local Self-Government Units,
e) Volunteer service of the Republic of srpska,
f) Local Volunteer services,
g) the media and
h) the organizers of volunteering and volunteers.
Taking into account the interrelationship and interaction of all the above-mentioned actors,
and in order to encourage the promotion and development of volunteering in the Republic of
srpska, it is necessary to promote and support partnerships and involvement of all stakeholders.
In this regard, the planned support measures outlined in the strategy will be successful and well
implemented with the multi-sectoral approach in the process of developing partnerships and
accomplishing common interests in the field of promotion and development of volunteering.
In order to achieve successful implementation of the strategy, as well as of the overall
process of development and promotion of volunteering in the Republic of srpska, it is necessary
to establish and support the continuous operation of a structure that will bring together local
volunteer services. For this reason, the strategy envisages the formation of the Volunteer service
of the Republic of srpska. Its role is to enable the process of the development and promotion
of volunteering through:
– Developing and providing educational services aimed at promotion and development of
the capacities of organizers of volunteering;
– Providing expertise and advisory work in order to improve the work of organizers of
volunteering;
– Design and implementation of research projects in order to obtain relevant data and
statistics related to the development and promotion of volunteering;
– Establishment, networking and coordination of local volunteer services;
– Establishment and coordination of multi-sectoral partnerships aiming to support the
development and promotion of volunteering;
– Establishment and implementation of international partnerships in order to improve the
methodology, implementation of international projects and other activities in the field of
the promotion and development of volunteering.

19 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
6. stRAteGIC DIReCtIons AnD oBJeCtIVes
General objective of the Strategy is to provide support to sustainable promotion and
development of volunteering, as well as to increase volunteer engagement in the Republic of
Srpska..
this general objective will be delivered through four strategic directions and their objectives,
providing a response to identified difficulties and issues in the promotion and development of
volunteering in the Republic of srpska:
1. Legal regulations of volunteering,
2. Volunteering infrastructure,
3. Volunteering in formal and informal education systems and
4. Promotion of volunteering.
6.1 strategic direction 1: Legal regulations of volunteering
Strategic objective: Establish harmonized and appropriate legal regulation of volunteering
effectively and adequately supporting the continued and sustained promotion and development
of volunteering in the Republic of Serbian.
Description of measures and activities:
1.1. Analysis of the impact of legislation in the area of finance, labor and the like, which
directly or indirectly have an impact on the processes of promotion and development
of volunteering
the objective of this measure is to perform a comprehensive analysis of the existing
legal regulations in the Republic of srpska, which directly or indirectly affects the
processes of development and promotion of volunteering with the identified list of
recommendations and precise proposals for amendment.
1.2. Launching initiatives and participating in the activities of amendments to laws and
regulations in the Republic of Srpska based on the results and recommendations of
the analysis
The objective of this measure is to launch initiatives for the amendment of identified
legal regulations that have a negative impact on the process of promotion and
development of volunteering identified in the implementation measure listed under
1.1.
1.3. Promotion, development and adoption of local volunteer policy
The objective of this measure is to promote and provide support to local self-government
units to create and adopt local volunteer policies/strategies that will identify priorities
and measures for the promotion and development of volunteering at the lo
cal level.
1.4. Monitoring the implementation of the Law on Volunteering and the Strategy for
the promotion and development of volunteering of the Republic of Srpska, and if
necessary their improvement
the objective of this measure is to ensure that the Law on Volunteering is applied
successfully and in accordance with the defined rules in the Republic of Srpska by the
end of 2018, and, if necessary, to define recommendations for improvements to the
Law.

20 WITH VOLUNTEERING LEGISLATIVE TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
6.2. strategic direction 2: Volunteer infrastructure
Strategic objective: Define and establish adequate and efficient volunteer infrastructure at
the local and national level which creates the conditions and opportunities for continued and
sustained promotion of volunteering in the Republic of Srpska.
Description of measures and activities:
2.1 Directing local volunteer service towards the establishment of the Volunteer Service
of the Republic of Srpska
the objective of this measure is to establish infrastructure at the level of the Republic
of srpska, whose role would be to support the implementation of all segments of the
strategy. the role of the Volunteer service of the Republic of srpska role would be
to provide training, expertise, instructive and advisory work, research, establishment,
networking and coordination of the work of local volunteer services, and establishing
partnerships at the level of the Republic of srpska and international level.
2.2. Establishing and defining uniform standards and the role of local volunteer services in
the process of promotion and development of volunteering at the local le
vel
The obective of this measure is to establish and define the common standards of work
and the role of local volunteer services in the Republic of srpska. this would establish
a uniform approach and a methodology of work which will enable the processes
of promotion and development of volunteering at local levels to take place in an
identical and high quality manner.
2.3. Establishing and developing new local volunteer services in partnership with local
self-government units, public institutions and civil society organizations
the objective of this measure is to provide initial support for the establishment and
operation of local volunteer service in the Republic of Srpska in accordance with defined
uniform standards. In order to implement this measure entirely and successfully, it is
necessary to provide the support and commitment of local self-government units and
other relevant actors at local levels.
2.4. Strengthening the role and actions of college student and student representative
bodies in the process of promotion and development of volunteering
the objective of this measure is to support the programmes and activities of promotion
and development of volunteering by college student and student representative bodies.
support to these programs and activities should be primarily directed to the mass
volunteer programs and activities that can have an impact on the wider community or
more user groups of citizens.
6.3. strategic direction 3: Volunteering in formal and informal
education systems
Strategic objective: Establish the framework and methodology for the transfer of knowledge,
experience and information on volunteering in formal and informal education systems, and
the clearly positioned role of volunteering in the process of lifelong learning in the Republic
of Srpska.
Description of measures and activities:
3.1. Development and implementation of informal education on volunteering in
educational institutions of the Republic of Srpska
the objective of this measure is to develop and apply appropriate models of informal
education on volunteering in educational institutions of the Republic of srpska in

21 STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (2014–2018)
order to enable the expansion of the culture of volunteering among young people and
to increase the number of volunteers. In addition, young people would then have the
opportunity to recognize the potential of volunteering in their personal development,
especially the development of competencies that will enhance their competitiveness
in the labor market.
3.2. Development and implementation of volunteering activities of students and college
students in the Republic of Srpska
the objective of this measure is to support the programmes and activities of volunteering
of students and college students, in accordance with the Law on Volunteering and
the Law on Higher education. Legal regulations enables students to acquire eCts
credits through volunteering, and pure volunteering in programmes and activities
closely related to their studies would enable the acquisition of practical knowledge
and development of competencies that will enhance their competitiveness in the labor
market.
6.4. strategic direction 4: Promotion of volunteering
Strategic objective: Constantly promote knowledge, opportunities, examples of good
practice and other relevant information related to volunteering by the existing and available
electronic, print and other media, and other promotional activities in high quality and adequate
manner.
Description of measures and activities:
4.1. Development and implementation of th promotion of volunteering in the media
through partnership with public and private broadcasters
the objective of this measure is to encourage the public and private media to include
volunteering in their programme schedule, and to inform the public on the preparation,
implementation and achieved results of volunteering programmes in local communities
in order to promote and evaluate the work of volunteers in this way. this measure will
support the development and implementation of quality information and educational
media programs which should contribute to raising public awareness regarding
volunteering and its impact on social development as well as civic engag
ement.
4.2. Development and implementation of activities for the promotion of volunteering by
the Volunteer Service of the Republic of Srpska and local volunteer serv
ices
the objective of of this measure is to support the promotional activities of the Volunteer
Center of the Republic of srpska and local volunteer service, aimed at raising public
awareness regarding the impact of volunteering on the development of society as well
as civic engagement.
4.3. Development and implementation of activities for the promotion of volunteering by
the Government of the Republic of Srpska
the objective of this measure is to support the promotional activities implemented by the
Government of the Republic of srpska: awarding the national Award for Volunteering,
celebrating 5 December, the International Volunteer Day, and organizing conferences
and professional seminars in the area of volunteering.

22 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
7. ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY Strategic direction 1: Legal regulations of volunteering Strategic objective: Establish harmonized and appropriate legal regulati
on of volunteering effectively and adequately supporting the
continued and sustained promotion and development of volunteering in the
Republic of Serbian
Measure Activities IndicatorsTimeframe and
financial framework Responsible actors
Results
1.1. Analysis of the
impact of legislation
in the area of
finance, labor and
the like, which
directly or indirectly
have an impact
on the processes
of promotion and
development of
volunteering. • Development,
implementation and
drafting of the analysis
• Adoption and presentation of the
analysis • The analysis is drafted
and adopted
• The analysis is presented to the
public and relevant
actors (organizations,
government and
public intitutions, etc.) 1 Jun, to
31 Dec, 2014 • The
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska (from the date
of establishment – 1
Jun, 2014 as provided
in the Strategy) Performed compre­
hensive analysis of the
existing legal regulations
in the Republic of
Srpska, which directly
or indirectly affects the
processes of development
and promotion of
volunteering with
the identified list of
recommendations and
precise proposals for
amendment.
2014: 0 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
1.2. Launching
initiatives and
participating in
the activities of
amendments to
laws and regulations
in the Republic of
Srpska based on
the results and
recommendations of
the analysis • Making initiatives
and advocating for
the implementation
thereof
• Active participation in the implementation of
initiatives • The number of
made initiatives
and activities for
the implementation
thereof
• Number of initiatives in which responsible
persons actively
participate
• The number of successfully
mplemented and
adopted initiatives 1 Jan, 2015 to
31 Dec, 2018 • The Ministry of
Family, Youth, and
Sport (hereinafter
referred to as:
MFYMFYSS)
• The Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska (from the date
of establishment – 1
Jun, 2014 as provided
in the Strategy) Launched initiatives
for the amendment
of all identified legal
regulations that have a
negative impact on the
process of promotion
and development
of volunteering and
identified in the
implementation measure
listed under 1.1.
2014: 0 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM

23 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
1.3. Promotion,
development and
adoption of local
volunteer policy • Initiating and
establishing
cooperation with SGU
• Establishment of working groups and
drafting the local
volunteer policies
• Adoption of the local volunteer
policies

• The number of SGU with which
cooperation is
established
• The number of working group
meetings related to
drafting the local
volunteer policies
• The number of adopted
local volunteer
policies

1 Jan, 2015 to 31 Dec, 2016 • Self-government
units (hereinafter
referred to as: SGU)
developing local
volunteer policies
• MFYS
• The Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska
• Local volunteer services By the end of 2016, in
30 local self­
government
units of the Republic of
Srpska the processes of
drafting local volunteer
policies are initiated.
2014: 0 KM
2015: 40.000 KM Sources:
SGU: 15.000 KM
Donors
1: 25.000 KM
2016: 40.000 KM Sources:
SGU: 15.000 KM
Donors:25.000 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
1.4. Monitoring the
implementation
of the Law on
Volunteering and
the Strategy for
the promotion and
development of
volunteering of the
Republic of Srpska,
and if necessary
their improvement • Inspection supervision
of the implementation
of the Law
• Entry research on the current state
of volunteering
in the Republic of
Srpska and defining
recommendations
and solutions on
improvements to the
Law and the Strategy
• Monitoring and final evaluation
of the success of
implemen tation of the
Strategy

• The number of performed inspection
supervisions
• Report on Entry Research
• Report on external evaluation of
the Strategy
implementation
performance
1 Jan, 2014 to 31 Dec, 2018 •
Republic
Administration for
Inspection Activities
of the Republic of
Srpska
• MFYS
• The Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska
• Local volunteer services By the end of 2018, the
Law on
Volunteering
is applied successfully
and in accordance with
defined rules in the
Republic of Srpska, and
if necessary, defining
recommendations and
solutions to improve the
Law.
2014: 10.000 KM
Sources:
MFYS: 10.000 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 20.000 KM Sources:
Donors: 20.000 KM
_________________________7 Funds planned to support strategic objectives and directions of the strategy provided in the framework of the minimum funds planned in the Budget of the Republic of
Srpska under the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports intended for the development of volunteering in the period from 2014 to 2018. These amounts of financial support
to local self-government units are planned with the consent of the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Republic of Srpska and the resources provided by donors have
realistic expectations based on the analysis of previous participation o
f above-mentioned sources in the development of volunteering in the Republic of Srpska (see p. 9).

24 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
Strategic direction 2: Volunteer infrastructure Strategic objective: Define and establish adequate and efficient volunteer infrastructure at the local and national level which creates
the conditions and opportunities for continued and sustained promotion o
f volunteering in the Republic of Srpska.
Measure Activities IndicatorsTimeframe and
financial framework Responsible actors
Results
2.1. Directing local
volunteer service
towards the
establishment of the
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska. • Invitation to all
organizations
mediating until now
between the organizer
od volunteering and
volunteers in the
Republic of Srpska
• Administrative, technical and
financial support to
eastablishment of the
Volunteer Service of
The Republic of Srpska
• Support to continuous operations of the
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska • The number of
organizations which
made their response
• The decision on the establishment 1 Jan, 2014 to
31 Dec, 2018 • MFYS
• Local volunteer
services Established infrastructure
at the level of the
Republic
of Srpska, whose
role is to support the
overall implementation
of all segments of the
Strategy.
2014: 15.000
Sources:
MFYS: 15.000 KM
2015: 30.000 Sources:
MFYS: 20.000 KM
Donors: 10.000 KM
2016: 30.000Sources:
MFYS: 20.000 KM
Donors: 10.000 KM
2017: 30.000Sources:
MFYS: 20.000 KM
Donors: 10.000 KM
2018: 30.000Sources:
MFYS: 20.000 KM
Donors: 10.000 KM

25 strateg Y f or i mprovement a nd d evelopment o f v olunteering i n t he r epu Bl ic o f s rps Ka (2014–2018)
2.2.

Establishing and
defining unif

orm
standards and
the role of local
volunteer services
in the process of
promotion and
development of
volunteering at the
local level.

The analysis of
oper

ations achieved
until now and of the
role of local volunteer
services
• Development
of
unif

orm standards
using the analysis,
examples of good
practice and the needs
f local communities • The
work analysis
of the r

ole of local
volunteer services is
designed
• The
document on
unif

orm standards of
work and the role of
local volunteer services
is designed 1 Jan, 2015 to
31 Dec, 2015 • The

V
olunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpsk

aUniform
standards of
w

ork and the role of local
volunteer services in the
Republic
of Srpska are
defined

.
2014: 0 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
2.3.

Establishing and
dev

eloping new
local volunteer
services in
partnership
with local self
­
go

vernment units,
public institutions
and civil society
organizations.


Providing support for
the establishmen

t and
operation of new local
volunteer services
in the Republic of
Srpska
through the
ac

tivities of capacity
building, monitoring,
supervision and
evaluation activities,
and other support
activities


20 new local
v

olunteer services
are established in
the Republic of
Srpska

1 Jul
, 2014 to
31 Dec, 2018 • The

V
olunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpsk

a (from the date
of establishmen

t – 1
Jun, 2014 as provided
in
the Strategy)
• SGU

A
t least 50% of SGU of
the

Republic of Srpska
established func

tional
local voluntary services
in accordance with the
uniform standards of
work and the role of the
above
­

mentioned.
2014: 34.000 KM
Sources:
SGU:
4.000 KM
Donors:
30.000 KM
2015: 34.000 KM Sources:
SGU:
4.000 KM
Donors:
30.000 KM
2016: 34.000 KM Sources:
SGU:
4.000 KM
Donors:
30.000 KM
2017: 34.000 KM Sources:
SGU:
4.000 KM
Donors:
30.000 KM
2018: 34.000 KM Sources:
SGU:
4.000 KM
Donors:
30.000 KM

26 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
2.4. Strengthening the
role and actions
of college student
and student
representative
bodies in the process
of promotion and
development of
volunteering. • Providing support to
strengthen the capacity
of the college student
and student bodies
for the preparation
and implementation
of volunteering
programs through the
activities of capacity
building, monitoring,
and supervision and
evaluation activities,
and other support
activities • Minimum of 50%
college student and
student representative
bodies have
developed capacities
for the revelopment
and implementation
of high quality
volunteering
programmes
• Increased participation of
college students
and students in
existing as well as
new volunteering
programmes 1 Jan, 2015 to
31 Dec, 2018 • The
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska
• Local volunteer services Programmes and
activities for promotion
and development
of volunteering by
college student and
student representative
bodies are supported
and successfully
implemented.
2014: 5.000 KM
Sources:
MFYS: 5.000 KM
2015: 15.000 KM Sources:
MFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 12.000 KM
2016: 15.000 KM Sources:
MFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 12.000 KM
2017: 15.000 KM Sources:
MFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 12.000 KM
2018: 15.000 KM Sources:
MFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 12.000 KM

27 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
Strategic direction 3: Volunteering in formal and informal education systems Strategic objective: Establish the framework and methodology for the transfer of knowledge, experience and information on
volunteering in formal and informal education systems, and the clearly positioned role of volunteering in the process of lifelong
learning in the Republic of Srpska.
Measure ActivitiesIndicatorsTimeframe and
financial framework Responsible actors
Results
3.1. Development and
implementation
of volunteering
activities of students
and college students
in the Republic of
Srpska. • Development of the
model of informal
education customized
to pupils, students and
teaching staff
• Preparation, printing and distribution of
educational and
promotional materials
• Planning and implementation of
the developed model
of informal education
in educational
institutions of the
Republic of Srpska
• By the end of 2018,
in minimum 30%
of the educational
institutions of the
Republic of Srpska,
at least one informal
education on
volunteering and
the importance of
volunteering for the
development of the
entire society of the
Republic of Srpska is
implemented 1 Jan, 2015 to
31 Dec, 2018 • The Ministry of
Education and
Culture
• MFYS
• The Volunteer
Service of the
Republic of Srpska
(from the date
of establishment
– 1 Jun, 2014 as
provided in the
Strategy)
• Local volunteer services
• Appropriate models
of informal education
on volunteering
are developed and
implemented in minimum
30% of the educational
institutions of the Republic
of Srpska
• A minimum of 10% of students and college
students attended
informal education on
volunteering
2014: 0 KM
2015: 10.000 KM MFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 7.000 KM
2016: 10.000 KMMFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 7.000 KM
2017: 10.000 KMMFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 7.000 KM
2018: 10.000 KMMFYS: 3.000 KM
Donors: 7.000 KM

28 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
3.2. Development and
implementation of
informal education
on volunteering
in educational
institutions of the
Republic of Srpska. • Support to the
development and
implementation
of high quality
volunteering
programmes for
students and
college students
through small grants
programme • A minimum of
100 volunteering
programs designed
and implemented
by the college
students and students
are supported
and successfully
implemented 1 Jan, 2015 to
31 Dec, 2018 • MFYS
• The
Volunteer
Service of the
Republic of Srpska
(from the date
of establishment
– 1 Jun, 2014 as
provided in the
Strategy)
• Local volunteer services Increased number of
volunteering programmes
including college students
and students as volunteers.
2014: 0 KM
2015: 30.000 KM MFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 28.000 KM
2016: 30.000 KMMFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 28.000 KM
2017: 30.000 KMMFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 28.000 KM
2018: 30.000 KMMFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 28.000 KM

29 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
Strategic direction 4: Promotion of volunteering
Strategic objective: Constantly promote knowledge, opportunities, examples of good practice and other relevant information related
to volunteering by the existing and available electronic, print and other media, and other promotional activities in high quality and
adequate manner.
Measure ActivitiesIndicatorsTimeframe and
financial framework Responsible actors
Results
4.1. Development and
implementation
of th promotion
of volunteering in
the media through
partnership with
public and private
broadcasters .

• Making initiatives towards public and
private media to
introduce volunteering
in their program
schedule
• Providing support and cooperation
with the media on
the preparation and
implementation of
media promotion of
volunteering • Public and private
media create and
implement regular
informative and
promotional content
on volunteering
• Partnership with at least 20% of existing
media on the design
and implementation
of continuous
informative and
promotional content
on volunteering is
established
1 Jan, 2015 to
31 Dec, 2018 • MFYS
• The
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska
• Public and private media By the end of 2018, at
least 20% of public and
private media include
volunteering into their
programme schedule,
and regularly inform
the public regarding
the preparation,
implementation and
achieved results of
volunteering programs in
communities.
2014: 0 KM
2015: 10.000 KM MFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 8.000 KM
2016: 10.000 KMMFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 8.000 KM
2017: 10.000 KMMFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 8.000 KM
2018: 10.000 KMMFYS: 2.000 KM
Donors: 8.000 KM

30 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
4.2. Development and
implementation
of activities for
the promotion of
volunteering by the
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska and local
volunteer services. • Celebrating 5
Decembre, The
International Volunteer
Day
• Annual national work action simultaneously
implemented in at
least 10 SGU
• Development and regular updating of the
Volunter Service of the
Republic of Srpska web
portal
• Preparation, printing and distribution of
promotional material
and brochures in local
communities • The number
of volunteers
participating in work
actions and the
number of SGU that
supported the action
• The public in local communities of the
Republic of Srpska is
regularly informed
on volunteering,
volunteering
opportunities and
examples of good
practice
• The community recognizes the
Volunteer Service of
the Republic of Srpska
and the local volunteer
services as informative
and promotional
points for the area of
volunteering 1 Jul, 2014 to
31 Dec, 2018 • The
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska
• Local volunteer services
• SGU
• MFYS The
Volunteer Service of
the Republic of Srpska
and the local volunteer
services regularly plan
and implement activities
promoting volunteering
throughout the Republic
of Srpska.
2014: 15.000 KM
MFYS: 5.000 KMSGU: 10.000 KM
2015: 30.000 KM MFYS: 5.000 KMSGU: 10.000 KM
Donors: 15.000 KM
2016: 30.000 KMMFYS: 5.000 KMSGU: 10.000 KM
Donors: 15.000 KM
2017: 30.000 KMMFYS: 5.000 KMSGU: 10.000 KM
Donors: 15.000 KM
2018: 30.000 KMMFYS: 5.000 KMSGU: 10.000 KM
Donors: 15.000 KM

31 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
4.3. Development and
implementation
of activities for
the promotion of
volunteering by the
Government of the
Republic of Srpska. • Awarding the National
Volunteer Award for
Volunteering and
organizing the event to
celebrate 5 December,
the International
Volunteer Day • The National
Volunteer
Award for Volunteering
and the celebration
of December 5, the
International Volunteer
Day, are organized and
held every year 1 Jul, 2014 to
31 Dec, 2018 • MFYS
• The
Volunteer Service
of the Republic of
Srpska The Government of
the Republic of Srpska
provides continuous
support to promotional
activities and evaluation
activities of volunteering
that are planned and
implemented by the
competent ministry.
2014: 15.000 KM
MFYS: 15.000 KM
2015: 15.000 KM
MFYS: 15.000 KM
2016: 15.000 KM
MFYS: 15.000 KM
2017: 15.000 KM
MFYS: 15.000 KM
2018: 15.000 KM
MFYS: 15.000 KM

32 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
SUMMARY OF NECESSARY FUNDS:
Strategic direction and objective Measure/activityPer yearTotal
Strategic direction 1: Legal regulations of
volunteering
Strategic objective: Establish harmonized and
appropriate legal regulation of volunteering
effectively and adequately supporting the
continued and sustained promotion and
development of volunteering in the Republic of
Serbian. 1.1.
Analysis of the impact of legislation in the area
of finance, labor and the like, which directly or
indirectly have an impact on the processes of
promotion and development of volunteering. 2014: 0 KM
0 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
1.2. Launching initiatives and participating in the
activities of amendments to laws and regulations
in the Republic of Srpska based on the results and
recommendations of the analysis 2014: 0 KM
0 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
1.3. Promotion, development and adoption of local
volunteer policy

2014: 0 KM 80.000 KM
2015: 40.000 KM
2016: 40.000 KM 2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
1.4. Monitoring the implementation of the Law
on Volunteering and the Strategy for the
promotion and development of volunteering
of the Republic of Srpska, and if necessary their
improvement

2014: 10.000 KM 30.000 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 20.000 KM

33 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
Strategic direction and objective Measure/activityPer yearTotal
Strategic direction 2: Volunteer
infrastructure
Strategic objective: Define and establish
adequate and efficient volunteer infrastructure
at the local and national level which creates
the conditions and opportunities for continued
and sustained promotion of volunteering in the
Republic of Srpska. 2.1. Directing local volunteer service towards the
establishment of the Volunteer Service of the
Republic of Srpska. 2014: 15.000 KM
135.000 KM
2015: 30.000 KM
2016: 30.000 KM
2017: 30.000 KM
2018: 30.000 KM
2.2. Establishing and defining uniform standards and the role of local volunteer services in the process
of promotion and development of volunteering
at the local level. 2014: 0 KM
0 KM
2015: 0 KM
2016: 0 KM
2017: 0 KM
2018: 0 KM
2.3. Establishing and developing new local volunteer services in partnership with local self­
government units, public institutions and civil
society organizations. 2014: 34.000 KM
170.000 KM
2015: 34.000 KM
2016: 34.000 KM
2017: 34.000 KM
2018: 34.000 KM
2.4. Strengthening the role and actions of college student and student representative bodies in
the process of promotion and development of
volunteering. 2014: 5.000 KM
65.000 KM
2015: 15.000 KM
2016: 15.000 KM
2017: 15.000 KM
2018: 15.000 KM

34 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
Strategic direction and objective Measure/activityPer yearTotal
Strategic direction 3: Volunteering in formal
and informal education systems
Strategic objective: Establish the framework
and methodology for the transfer of knowledge,
experience and information on volunteering in
formal and informal education systems, and the
clearly positioned role of volunteering in the
process of lifelong learning in the Republic of
Srpska. 3.1. Development and implementation of
volunteering activities of students and college
students in the Republic of Srpska. 2014: 0 KM
40.000 KM
2015: 10.000 KM
2016: 10.000 KM
2017: 10.000 KM
2018: 10.000 KM
3.2. Development and implementation of informal education on volunteering in educational
institutions of the Republic of Srpska. 2014: 0 KM
120.000 KM
2015: 30.000 KM
2016: 30.000 KM
2017: 30.000 KM
2018: 30.000 KM

35 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
Strategic direction and objective Measure/activityPer yearTotal
Strategic direction 4: Promotion of
volunteering
Strategic objective: Constantly promote
knowledge, opportunities, examples of good
practice and other relevant information related
to volunteering by the existing and available
electronic, print and other media, and other
promotional activities in high quality and
adequate manner. 4.1. Development and implementation of th
promotion of volunteering in the media through
partnership with public and private broadcasters . 2014: 0 KM
40.000 KM
2015: 10.000 KM
2016: 10.000 KM
2017: 10.000 KM
2018: 10.000 KM
4.2. Development and implementation of activities for the promotion of volunteering by the
Volunteer Service of the Republic of Srpska and
local volunteer services. 2014: 15.000 KM
135.000 KM
2015: 30.000 KM
2016: 30.000 KM
2017: 30.000 KM
2018: 30.000 KM
4.3. Development and implementation of activities for the promotion of volunteering by the
Government of the Republic of Srpska. 2014: 15.000 KM
75.000 KM
2015: 15.000 KM
2016: 15.000 KM
2017: 15.000 KM
2018: 15.000 KM TOTAL RESOURCES NEEDED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY PER YEAR:
2014 94.000 KM
2015 214.000 KM
2016 214.000 KM
2017 174.000 KM
2018 194.000 KM
TOTAL 890.000 KM

36 With volunteering legislative toWards development of local communities
8. EXPECTED SHORT AND LONG TERM IMPACT OF THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY
The adoption and implementation of strategic directions and objectives seeks to contribute
to the expansion, development and strengthening of the culture of volunteering, and thus
promoting humanism, social cohesion and active contribution of citizens in the development
of society.
Identified strategic directions and objectives, and their measures and activities and achieved
results will seek to support the implementation of the following both short and long term
impacts in the area of promotion and development of volunteering in the
Republic of Srpska:
– Different groups of citizens (the young, the unemployed, the elderly and the like) actively
participate in social activities;
– Volunteering is promoted and recognized, and volunteers who have achieved remarkable
accomplishments and results serve as an inspiration for similar and other volunteering
programmes and activities;
– Volunteering is recognized in formal and informal education system as a socially desirable
activity of an individual and as the way of expansion and establishment of civic activism,
humanity and solidarity;
– Increased influence and capacity of organizers of volunteering for initiating and increasing
the number of volunteers and volunteering opportunities;
– National and local government units and institutions actively involved in the development
and implementation of volunteering programmes and activities, primarily the ones that
directly influence the improvement on the quality of life and social cohesion;
– Established high quality and efficient volunteering infrastructure that provides information
regarding volunteering and volunteering opportunities, and the direct and indirect
support to development and implementation, and
– The media, within their editorial policies, continually report and promote volunteering,
volunteering programmes and activities and volunteers as examples of civ
ic activism

37 strategY for improvement and development of volunteering in the repu Blic of srps Ka (2014–2018)
9. MONITORING AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT THE
OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY
In order to make the strategy successful, its development and implementation should
represent a continouous learning process based on theoretical knowledge and empirical data.
This learning process includes the following phases:
– defining the strategy (based on the conducted analysis, defined objectives, existing
knowledge and evaluation of the impact of measures and activities);
– implementation of the strategy, and
– performance measurement (evaluating the real results of previously defined measures
and activities).
Performance measurement based on continuous monitoring of the outcomes of implemented
measures and activities is important, since it will thus enable improvement and redefinition of
combination of instruments. It is important to ensure that the strategy is regularly updated and
adapted to the varying external influences and established priorities.
From the above-mentioned, it is determined that it would be very important, at the initial
implementation of the strategy, to conduct entry research that would provide a starting point
for the measurement of success of the measures and activities defined by the strategy. The
research would, in addition to insights into the current situation, enable the measurement
of the performance and the indicators for each year of the implemention of the strategy and
planned measures and activities. The evaluation would serve as a comparison of the invested
financial and other resources to the results achieved, as well as the comparison of results in the
planned-achieved ratio.
The Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports, in cooperation with responsible parties will
prepare the annual action plan of the implementation of the Strategy. The Annual action plan
of the implementation of the Strategy will be adopted by the Government of the Republic of
Srpska, as well as the Report on the implementation of the Annual action
plan.
Promotional activities and raising awareness campaigns will include sociological research
approaches in order to assess the changes in society’s attitude towards volunteering and the
overall impact of the implementation of the Strategy.

Copyright © 2014 by the Youth Communication Center,
the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law
and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law. All rights reserved.