State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2011
Universal Values for Global Well-being

The first State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was launched at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, on 5 December 2011 and about 80 countries around the world.

The SWVR promotes a better understanding of volunteerism. It demonstrates the universality, scope and reach of volunteerism along with new trends in the twenty-first century. The report examines important contributions in diverse fields such as sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, social cohesion and disaster risk reduction. By suggesting how volunteerism can be taken forward, the SWVR also provides an alternative vision of a better society.

The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report shows that, in most societies around the world, volunteers make significant contributions to economic and social development. Through their voluntary actions, millions of people are contributing to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

Complete report
Cover
Foreword, Preface, Acknowledgement and contents
Overview
Chapter 1 - Volunteerism is universal
Chapter 2 - Taking the measure of volunteering
Chapter 3 - Volunteerism in the twenty-first century
Chapter 4 - Sustainable livelihoods
Chapter 5 - Volunteering as a force for social inclusion
Chapter 6 - Volunteerism, cohesion and conflict management
Chapter 7 - Volunteerism and disasters
Chapter 8 - Volunteering and well-being
Conclusion: The way forward
Notes
References
Errata print version

Overview
Report overview

Press Releases
Message from the Executive Coordinator
Volunteerism should become an Integral Part of the New Development Consensus
Reliable data and the addressing of misconceptions are vital for moving volunteerism forward
New Forms of Volunteerism Contribute Significantly to Human Development
Volunteerism Plays an Important Role in Overcoming Barriers
Volunteer Action is an Essential Asset in the Face of War and Disaster
Well-being should be an Essential Part of a New Development Architecture
Volunteer Action Essential for the Way Forward

Backgrounders
Biography UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri
Factoids
About the UNV programme and the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report
Countries and territories

Report presentation
Report Presentation