National Volunteer Month/Week

April is National Volunteer Month

National Volunteer Month is an extension to an already-established holiday-week, National Volunteer Week, first held in 1943 in Canada, dedicated to paying tribute to the unwavering contributions of women during World War II who would collect supplies and help wounded soldiers. It was in the early 20th century when organized volunteering reached its peak. Numerous groups opened up to escalate humanitarian services, many of which are still active today such as the Red Cross.  

Once the war was over, the celebrations were damped down but resurged in the early 1970s. National Volunteer Week debuted in 1974 in the United States and was revered by the general public. Since then, National Volunteer Week, later to become National Volunteer Month, has been celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm every April. It was made official worldwide in 1990. Presidents of the United States throughout the years have proclaimed National Volunteer Week and Month, saluting the unparalleled services of volunteers who have given countless hours for the betterment of mankind, communities, and the American way of life.

April 16-22 is National Volunteer Week
Theme: Celebrate Service

National Volunteer Week is celebrated annually during the third week of April and this year it will be observed from April 16 through April 22. This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on inspiring figures whose invaluable seeds of kindness through volunteering are bettering the community and our world in general. This significant celebration provides the perfect opportunity to say thank you. It also challenges us to do better and look for ways to be active participants, joining hands to impact our local communities, and calling for more support.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2023 is Celebrate Service – an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, and to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When each of us, in our own way, answers the call to make a difference, we make progress in solving our most persistent problems, and create stronger communities and a more just society. The power to transform lives and our world, in general, is visible at every turn, and National Volunteer Week raises awareness about the need to beef up volunteer efforts, and preaches the gratifying sense of fulfillment derived through acts of volunteerism.

Ways to observe the month/week:
Celebrate and spread the word on social media

Be a part of the movement to call on more volunteers by using your social media pages to send the message out by remembering some great volunteers of the past (and present), share pictures of your volunteers and tell your story using the hashtag #NVW.

Say THANK YOU!

Appreciating volunteers goes a long way to making them feel good about their impact and driving them to do more. They truly deserve the honor.  Show your appreciation by hosting an event, doing personalized gifts, write a note, include them in your newsletter, send an email, or thank them in person!