The UN Volunteers Programme published the Guidance Note on Drafting and Implementing Volunteerism Laws and Policies, developed by ICNL and ECNL. The Guidance note builds on a previous research by ICNL and ECNL considered trends and lessons in the development of supportive volunteerism policies and legislation.
An overall review was conducted in seven regions, complemented by country specific case studies in each region. The research study further analyzed considerations in drafting and implementing volunteerism laws and policies and highlighted the need to tailor them to specific local, national and regional contexts.
This Guidance note provides a primer on the process of drafting and implementing volunteerism laws and policies that support social, political, and economic development. It emphasizes an approach in which policymakers, civil society leaders, and other stakeholders:
- Determine the specific goals of a volunteerism law or policy and the potential challenges to achieving these goals;
- Embrace a participatory and open process for analysis, drafting, and implementation;
- Draft laws or policies targeted to achieve the goals determined; and
- Ensure that new laws or policies are effectively and sustainably implemented.
The Guidance note will be shared with governments, UN, civil society, and other partners to strengthen the support to volunteerism and help realize its potential for accelerating the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as ongoing inclusive growth. The research and guidance note was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Guidance Note on Volunteering Laws and Policies
UNV Report - Laws and Policies Affecting Volunteerism