Media Release
16 June 2014
Youth driving global volunteerism
Volunteering is returning to the forefront of the global conscience, and youth are a critical motivation for this shift.
The World Giving Index 2013 by the Charities Aid Foundation attributes a renewed focus on volunteering to the
involvement of global youth, aged 15-24.
This age group saw the biggest transformation in volunteering spirit, moving from the least likely to volunteer in 2008
to the second most likely in 2012. This holds great significance for the youth of New Zealand, demonstrating the
positive impact that they can have on global communities through volunteering.
VNZ Chief Executive Vanisa Dhiru says, “It is easy for young people in Aotearoa to be mistaken about the effect that
their actions can have, due to the size and remoteness of our nation in relation to the rest of the world. But let’s
remind them of our strong standing as a top-ten global leader in volunteer effort.”
Youth involvement in volunteering has the potential to make a lasting impact on communities of all kinds, but also on
the volunteers themselves.
Vanisa explains, “Volunteering is not just a great way of giving back, but also building a professional profile. By
starting this culture of volunteering with our youth, we hope that it will become a sustained practice within
organisations of the future.”
This National Volunteer Week, Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) wishes to recognise the effect that New Zealand youth have
on volunteering in our communities, and encourage active engagement from more young people in the future.
“Let’s not forget that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders – and we need active engagement to sustain our future. A
culture of giving and volunteering will enhance any society and a nation’s wellbeing.”
For more information on the World Giving Index 2013 visit: https://www.cafonline.org/publications/2013-publications/world-giving-index-2013.aspx
Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering,
such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations. Their mission is to promote, support and advocate for
volunteering. www.volunteeringnz.org.nz
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