International Volunteer Day takes place each year on 5 December. Led by the United Nations, International Volunteer Day is an opportunity for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, share their values, and promote their work within communities.
This year’s theme for International Volunteer Day is ‘Volunteers Build Resilient Communities.’ The theme recognises volunteer efforts that strengthen local communities in the face of conflicts and natural disasters.
Following the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes, ethnic communities were some of the most active volunteers, working tirelessly to support victims and rebuild communities.
Volunteering is a great way for ethnic communities to build skills, networks, and a positive sense of belonging to New Zealand. The Office of Ethnic Communities is currently undertaking a project on civic participation – an area which includes volunteering.
The aim of this project is to remove barriers and build opportunities for ethnic communities to participate civically, and contribute fully to New Zealand society.
The Office of Ethnic Communities has opened a survey to gather ethnic communities’ views and experiences of civic participation in New Zealand. We are interested in both your own personal views and experiences, and those of your wider communities.
If you are interested in making a submission, check it out here. The survey will close on 16 December 2018.