Volunteering: an essential resource for associations

Volunteering is the selfless act of devoting time, skills, or resources to contribute to the general interest. It comes in different types of commitments, whether they are one-off, regular or focused on the sharing of skills (skills sponsorship).

According to IFOP, in 2023, 23% of French women volunteered, representing an increase of three points compared to 2022.

In recent years, we can observe a growing commitment of those under 35 (25% against 22% in 2019) while the participation of those aged 65 and over is experiencing a continuous decline (25% against 31% in 2019), according to An IFOP study.

Volunteers play an essential role in associations:

• Operation supportIn: Volunteers play a central role in operational support, actively contributing to essential activities such as fundraising, event planning, schedule management or by carrying out recurring actions.
• Increased resources for associationsWe: By offering their skills (marketing, communication, accounting, etc.) without incurring financial costs, volunteers are an invaluable resource. Their commitment significantly reinforces the mission of the organization, and their flexibility allows them to adapt quickly to changing needs.
• Improving the visibility of the assOsociation: Volunteers act as ambassadors and increase the visibility and credibility of their association among the general public!

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Volunteering: it's good for society and for volunteers who are committed!

Volunteering not only brings benefits to associations, but also to the volunteers themselves.

It is an opportunity to share your knowledge, to experiment with new fields, and to enrich your resume with varied experiences.

For companies, engaging employees in actions of general interest not only makes it possible to attract new talent, but also to strengthen the motivation and involvement of teams.

Indeed, in businesses offering opportunities Of commitment , 90% of employees say they are proud of their company, compared to 66% in companies that do not offer such opportunities.
Korn Ferry, employee engagement study, 2018

Also to read: How to mobilize your employees with associations?

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Celebrating Global Corporate Volunteer Day: 5 ideas for committed actions

1. Conduct an internal campaign to recruit new volunteers

Organize a dynamic campaign within your company by using inspiring stories from employees who are already involved and by highlighting key statistics on the benefits of volunteering.

Use all the communication media at your disposal: flyers, posters, instant messaging, videos... to strengthen your campaign!

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2. Thank the employees who are already involved

Organize a ceremony or an award ceremony for the most committed employees! For example, you can offer them the opportunity to do a financial donation to the association of their choice or even offer them books on societal and environmental issues.

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3. Implement collective actions

• Waste collection: Organize a garbage collection day around your premises (in parks, beaches, or on the street). You can get closer to associations like Surfrider, the WorldCleanUpDay or 1 waste per day
• Gift package missions: For the holiday season, collaborate with charities to offer gift wrapping actions and raise funds for the association. Several of them like the Secours Populous, Les Restos du Coeur or Handicap International organize this type of operations every year!
• Meal missions: Organize food collections or take part in meal distributions with partner associations such as Refugee Food, Les Restos du Coeur, La Chorba or The Salvation Army.

Also check out: How to engage your employees around the environment

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4. Involve your partner associations to talk about their needs

Schedule a meeting with your partner associations and teams to explore opportunities that match their skills and interests.

For example, organize a breakfast to facilitate exchanges. Meetings and exchanges in person (or remotely) can promote awareness of the challenges that associations face and encourage your teams to mobilize alongside them!

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5. Organize a solidarity team-building

There are many causes and associations to support as a team. All types of businesses will be able to find the solidarity activity that suits them, whether in France or abroad. Here are some solidarity team-building ideas:

• Contribute to the work of a permaculture garden: With The Territorial Center for Economic Cooperation (PTCE) “Vivre Les Mureaux”, participate as a team in the production of healthy, seasonal vegetables grown using natural methods at Les Jardins de La Rencontre.
• Participate in a collective intelligence workshop on climate: The Climate Mural is a fun and collaborative 3-hour workshop for 6 to 20 participants per facilitator, with the aim of raising awareness and training participants in the challenges of climate change.
• Help an association fighting against food insecurity: With the association the Food Bank 13 in Marseille, sort collected food, prepare orders for partner solidarity associations, or take part in various other missions of the association in favor of the most disadvantaged.

Also to read: Solidarity team building in companies: the golden rules for mobilizing your employees

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Take action now and engage your teams

Global Volunteer Day offers a unique opportunity for your company to promote commitment within your teams.

Komeet helps businesses set up a meaningful engagement program and to engage employees all year round for causes that are important to them!

Discover the platform

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