National Volunteering Week – May 13-19, 2024

History of National Volunteering Week

The formal practice of volunteering dates back to twelfth-century England, with over 500 hospitals that operated because of volunteers. However, people have likely been helping others for many years before that. In the seventeenth century, the word ‘volunteering’ was used for the first time. The word entered daily vocabulary in the eighteenth century when people began willingly joining military service. Organized volunteering was born from war — young people, women mainly, would come together to help wounded soldiers and collect essential supplies. Officially organized volunteering began in the nineteenth century. For example, the American Red Cross emerged during the American Civil War when people came together to provide medical care under the supervision of Claire Barton.

The Second World War led to another boost in the number of volunteers. However, volunteering efforts became directed overseas; academic institutions and workplaces began sending their students and employees to volunteer.

The development of the internet again changed the nature of volunteering. The connectivity brought allowed individuals and organizations worldwide to collaborate and reach people easily. Today, crowdfunding campaigns, virtual volunteering programs, international volunteering programs, and other such opportunities have become available. Moreover, potential volunteers can now find such listings easily and become aware of the numerous ways by which they can make a difference, thus making volunteering more accessible. Many countries have even recognized specific days or weeks dedicated to raising awareness about volunteering.