International Volunteer Day is observed on December 5 every year. Established by the United Nations in 1985, it honors the millions of people who give their time and skills to help others, from food bank workers and youth coaches to disaster responders and hospital volunteers. The day also encourages governments and organizations to support volunteering and invites everyone to find a way to pitch in.
History of International Volunteer Day
Volunteering is as old as community itself, from neighbors raising barns together to religious and charitable groups caring for the sick and poor. In the United States, organizations such as the American Red Cross, founded by Clara Barton in 1881, relied heavily on volunteers.
In 1985, the UN General Assembly designated December 5 as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, created in 1970, coordinates the observance and highlights a theme each year. The UN also declared 2001 the International Year of Volunteers.
In the United States, national service programs grew in the 20th century, including the Peace Corps in 1961 and AmeriCorps in 1994. Surveys by AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau show that roughly one in four Americans volunteer through an organization each year, and many more help neighbors informally.
Why International Volunteer Day Matters
Volunteers strengthen communities by filling gaps that paid staff and government programs can't always reach, such as tutoring, mentoring, disaster relief and caring for older adults.
Volunteering also benefits volunteers. Research links volunteering with a greater sense of purpose and social connection, and it can help people build skills and work experience.
The day recognizes the often invisible work of volunteers and reminds organizations to thank them, train them well and include them in decisions.
How to Celebrate International Volunteer Day
- Volunteer locally: help at a food bank, shelter or library.
- Thank a volunteer: send a note to a coach, mentor or helper.
- Try skills-based volunteering: offer design, accounting or language skills.
- Volunteer virtually: tutor or mentor online.
- Organize a group project: plan a cleanup or donation drive with friends.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, organize a team volunteer day, match employee donations or give staff paid volunteer hours. In classrooms, students can plan a service project such as collecting food, writing letters to seniors or cleaning up the schoolyard, and reflect on what they learned. At home, families can volunteer together at age-appropriate events, sort donations, or help a neighbor with errands. Even small acts, like shoveling snow for an older neighbor, count as volunteering.
Fun Facts About International Volunteer Day
- The UN designated International Volunteer Day in 1985.
- United Nations Volunteers was created in 1970.
- About one in four Americans volunteer through an organization each year.
International Volunteer Day FAQs
When is International Volunteer Day?
International Volunteer Day is observed on December 5 every year.
Who created International Volunteer Day?
The United Nations General Assembly created the day in 1985.
How many Americans volunteer?
About one in four Americans volunteer through an organization each year, according to national surveys.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering helps communities and is linked with a greater sense of purpose and social connection for volunteers.
Can I volunteer online?
Yes. Many organizations need virtual tutors, mentors, translators and designers.
How can I celebrate International Volunteer Day?
Volunteer locally, thank a volunteer or organize a group service project.