International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is a holiday that’s observed annually on December 5th each year. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the organizations and the people who work hard every day to improve the lives of other people. But this day just doesn’t recognize the hard work and dedication of volunteers.

It’s also a day that actively encourages people to volunteer in their own lives. Volunteering is a way of paying kindness forward and doing it without expecting anything in return. If everyone volunteered when they could, then this world would be a much nicer place for all of us to live.

The History Of International Volunteer Day For Economic And Social Development

This holiday was first created in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly. They adopted the resolution to create this holiday to provide opportunities for governments, organizations, the private sector, and individuals to start obtainable volunteering goals and to recognize the people who are already volunteering for their communities.

Fascinating Facts About Volunteering

Let’s take a look at just some of the many facts we’ve learned about volunteering while we were researching this holiday and other holidays like it. We think the following facts will illustrate the importance of volunteering in our communities.

• Volunteering can improve a person’s mental health and give them a general feeling of well-being.
• Volunteerism contributes a value of over $184 billion to the world’s economy.
• Only 4% of college graduates 25-years old or older volunteer every year.
• Every year, 30% of baby boomers volunteer each year.

Observing International Volunteer Day For Economic And Social Development

Anyone wishing to observe this holiday can do so simply by taking the time to donate their time, money, and effort to a worthy cause. This can be at a local food pantry, at a retirement home, or at an animal rescue shelter. While volunteering, be sure to use the hashtag #VolunteerDay on social media.