Call for 'stories of volunteer action'

The CIVICUS-IAVE-UNV joint publication seeks to progress a broad impression of volunteerism, which moves away from a percept of volunteering as purely charity, service delivery and philanthropic gift, to one that also encompasses aspects of sociable activism such as advocacy, civic battle, awareness elevation and candidacy. Toward this end, the commonalty and synergism between volunteering and sociable activism will be considered according to a range of position and practical examples from civil society organisations and leaders.  The publication also aims to high spot examples of the indispensable and frequently under-recognised role of military volunteer action for portion to realise widely held development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Story Focus and Theme
CIVICUS is quest inspiring and effective ‘stories of military volunteer action’ from all part of the world to help illustrate the human relationship between volunteering and sociable activism for promoting development and sociable change.  Descriptions of ‘military volunteer action’ must clearly explain the role of military volunteer as agents of sociable change through involvement in advocacy efforts, civic battle/participation, candidacy and/or consciousness building. This may include lobbying for alteration in policy and the law, elevation awareness about the needs of a community, human rights or poorness, engaging in the development process, advocating for the rights of the elderly, efforts to ensure government answerability, inter-cultural acquisition, and authorization through increased access to info and accomplishment.   Examples of ‘volunteer action’ can be formal (i.e. Linked to a particular organisation/institution) however exceptional examples of informal ‘volunteer action’ whether by a group or an individual are also encouraged.  The partner organisations are particularly keen to receive stories from the national and local levels where individuals are coming together around shared goals and taking their destinies into their own hands. 

Possible topics for stories include: Youth - Social Inclusion - Good Governance/Anti-Corruption - Gender Equality/Empowerment - Poverty Reduction - Participatory Development - Health and Disease - Education - Environment - Human Rights â€" ICTs â€" Peace Building/Inter-cultural Learning.

The Application Process  
Descriptions of ‘volunteer action’ should be no longer then 350 words and must be submitted by Friday, February 8th.  Where possible, please include quotes from volunteers and/or heads of organisations about the relationship between volunteering and social activism to further enhance the description of the ‘volunteer action.’  Also, if available, please send one picture that best illustrates the example of ‘volunteer action’ which you are submitting.

Please also provide the following contact information:

• Contact Name
• Organisation/Institution
• Short description of your organisation’s work
• Full Address
• Email
• Phone
• Fax
• Current membership status (i.e. Whether your organisation is currently a member)
  • If not, please indicate if CIVICUS could contact you to share information about becoming a member.
  • To subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, please visit: www.civicus.org/new/content/ecivicussubscription.htm

All submissions should be sent to  by Friday, February 8th.

Note: Individuals will be informed no later than the end of February whether or not their submission has been selected for possible inclusion in the joint publication.