Every year more and more people decide to start contributing to society and participate in various volunteer programs. One of the largest organizations is the UN, which provides assistance in 130 countries around the world. You can read about how to become a UN volunteer abroad and in your own country and what requirements this organization has in the article.
Who are volunteers
According to the most common definition, a volunteer is a person who participates in socially important activities on a voluntary basis. As a rule, such campaigns are aimed at the benefit of the public, improving living conditions. Volunteering is also understood as mutual aid and self-help. Legally, the concept of "volunteer" has not yet been formed, so it is often used in a variety of situations. But the main distinguishing feature of such activities is the lack of monetary reward and focus on the public good. Volunteers are accepted, regardless ofnationality, age and we alth. To take part in the volunteer movement, it is enough just to have a desire to help people. There are similar programs in Russia and abroad, and quite often volunteers are provided with housing and food.
Basic principles of volunteering
The volunteer movement has many directions. It can be sports, social, cultural, environmental and other volunteerism. But regardless of the field, they are all united by common principles:
- Volunteering - no one has the right to force you to volunteer against your will.
- Independence - volunteer organizations are free from ideological, gender and political prejudices.
- Neutral - people provide help without coercion.
- Universality - no matter religion or nationality.
- Humanity - the main goal of volunteer movements remains the welfare of the person.
- Impartiality - when providing assistance, the volunteer is not guided by his own sympathies and predilections.
History of movement in Russia and abroad
Volunteer movement came to Russia in the 80s, but informally it has existed since the birth of mankind. Mutual assistance and mutual assistance were always present among people, which helped people who found themselves in adverse conditions to survive. In 1995, the State Duma adopted the law "On public organizations", which was intended to regulate this area. Now Russianlegislation provides tax credits and deductions to those organizations that work for the benefit of society. Money transfers and donations to them are not taxed.
In the West, the first volunteers appeared in the 18th century, then they were soldiers who voluntarily went to war. Then volunteer movements appeared at the monasteries. With the growing prosperity of the population, more and more people wanted to help those in need, so in 1863 the first international organization was founded: the Red Cross. It provides assistance to people who have become victims of military conflicts and civil wars around the world. In 1961, another major organization was founded: the Peace Corps. This humanitarian company sends its volunteers to distressed countries to provide comprehensive assistance. But perhaps the largest organization remains the UN, which includes 143 countries.
UN is the largest organization of volunteers
The United Nations was developed and approved at the height of World War II, when there was only chaos and armed clashes in the world. Its charter was established in 1945, and many European countries signed it, thus confirming their readiness to cooperate and achieve international peace and security. Initially, the UN included only 50 countries, at the moment this number has increased to 143. The activities of the United Nations include several areas:
- Peacekeeping missions and operations.
- Protection of human rights.
- Providing humanitarian aid.
- Development of international law.
Volunteering at the UN is the practical embodiment of the Charter of the organization. According to statistics, more than 7,000 highly qualified specialists are UN volunteers. They work with refugees, children, the disabled, help protect gender rights, women's and voters' rights, and promote he althcare, voting rights, the urban environment and many other aspects. More than 60% of volunteers work in other countries and only 40% in their own. Many people who want to help those in need ask how to become a UN volunteer for an ordinary person? Do I need to be a good specialist or be different in something special?
How to become a volunteer?
Anyone can become a UN volunteer. It does not require any special knowledge or qualifications. How to become a UN Volunteer? To do this, it is enough to be able to work in a team, have organizational skills and the ability to competently apply their qualifications. There are three types of volunteer programs in the United Nations:
- Volunteer in your country.
- Volunteer abroad.
- Volunteer online.
Thus, everyone can become a volunteer. You don't even have to leave your house to do this!
Volunteer Abroad
The most attractive of all programs are volunteer missions thataim to help people in other countries. Volunteer missions abroad allow you to gain new experience and acquaintances, travel and at the same time help other people. In some cases, becoming a UN volunteer abroad can even emigrate. Candidates have the opportunity to choose one of the 130 countries in which the UN provides assistance. Volunteers typically spend 6 to 12 months on a mission before returning to their home country. How to become an international UN volunteer? To do this, you need to meet a number of requirements:
- Minimum age is 25.
- Higher education.
- At least two years of experience in the field in which you want to volunteer.
- Excellent knowledge of one of three languages (English, French or Spanish).
- Sharing the values and principles of the UN.
- Willingness to work in a multicultural environment.
- Know how to work with people and local organizations.
- Organization skills.
- The ability to live in remote places, without the usual benefits of civilization.
How to become a UN volunteer in Africa? When applying, you can specify any destination you want to visit. UN staff will take into account your wishes and will try to find a suitable place.
UN Volunteers often live in harsh conditions, without electricity or drinking water. Sometimes they help victims in the epicenters of natural and man-made disasters, during epidemics and other incidents. Such work cannot be safe on100%, so each candidate is thoroughly interviewed.
Volunteer in your country
How to become a volunteer in Moscow or in another Russian city? If you want to contribute to the development of your country and the protection of the population, then you only need the desire and the age of over 22 years. There are no other special requirements for UN Volunteers in the home country. Each specialist performs his task, depending on his capabilities and skill level. Duty locations can range from large cities to small villages.
According to the terms of volunteering at the United Nations, all volunteers receive:
- a cash benefit that provides an adequate and secure standard of living;
- a one-time payment that helps cover the cost of arriving at the duty station;
- travel and transportation allowances;
- same benefit regardless of age, seniority and gender.
Comfortable working conditions attract many people who get the opportunity to help without worrying about their well-being.
Volunteers online
You can change the world without even leaving your home. The United Nations invites everyone to take part in the online volunteer movement. Volunteers help bring people and organizations together to make the world a better place. At the moment, about 12,000 people are participating in online volunteering. What specialists are required by the UN for sustainable development?
- Translators.
- Designers.
- Artists.
- Writers and copywriters.
- Journalists.
- Programmers.
- Teachers.
- Scientists.
- Administrators.
- Developers.
- Managers and many others.
Everyone can go to the website of the organization and complete the task according to their strength. To help, it is enough to have a smartphone, tablet or laptop, as well as Internet access.
Results
Since ancient times, people have tried to help each other. Mutual support allows communities to develop much faster and more efficiently. How can an ordinary person become a UN Goodwill Volunteer? If you decide to become a volunteer in your country or want to perform feasible tasks online, then you will not need special knowledge and achievements: just a desire is enough. In order to become an international UN volunteer, you need a little more: knowledge of foreign languages and work experience. Volunteering at the UN allows you to help people find themselves and get an unforgettable experience.
