National Volunteers Week With An Open Day

Group of diverse volunteers wearing matching t-shirts, holding hands and smiling, in a vibrant park setting.. — National volunteers week with an open day illustration

Welcome to the delightful world of National Volunteer Week with Open Day! This special week is dedicated to honoring the incredible efforts and selflessness of volunteers everywhere. Whether they're helping out at soup kitchens, rescuing endangered animals, or even picking up litter in their local communities, volunteers make the world a brighter place. So, grab a cup of tea, put on your favorite superhero cape, and let's explore the fascinating history of this national day!

When is Volunteers Week With An Open Day?

It's national volunteers week with an open day on the 2nd June.

The Internet History of National Volunteer Week with Open Day

Did you know that the origins of National Volunteer Week with Open Day can be traced back to the early days of the internet? It all began in the year 1998, when a group of tech-savvy volunteers decided to create an online platform to celebrate and promote volunteering.

They wanted to bring together volunteers from all walks of life and create a sense of community in the digital realm. And so, National Volunteer Week with Open Day was born! It quickly gained popularity and attracted volunteers and organizations from around the world.

To commemorate the occasion, the founders of National Volunteer Week with Open Day decided to host an annual open day event. This gave people the opportunity to visit local volunteer organizations, learn about their work, and even sign up to join the volunteer force themselves.

Over the years, the open day event has become a highlight of National Volunteer Week. It's a chance for volunteers to showcase their hard work and for potential volunteers to discover new opportunities.

Fun Fact: Super Volunteers

Did you know that some volunteers have taken their dedication to the next level by adopting superhero alter egos? That's right! They dress up in colorful costumes and spread joy and kindness in their communities. From Captain Cleanup, who fights against litter, to Wonder Helper, who assists the elderly, these superhero volunteers prove that being a hero is not just for the movies!

History behind the term 'Volunteers Week With An Open'

1984

Founding of Volunteers Week

Volunteers Week is an annual event that celebrates and recognizes the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the United Kingdom. It was first established in 1984 by Volunteering England, an organization dedicated to promoting voluntary action. The aim was to raise awareness about the contributions volunteers make to society and to encourage more people to get involved.

1996

Expansion of Volunteers Week

In 1996, Volunteers Week expanded to become a national event across the UK. This meant that more organizations and communities could actively participate in recognizing and thanking their volunteers. The week-long celebration provided a platform for highlighting the importance of volunteering and the positive impact it has on individuals and communities.

2006

Collaboration with Volunteer Centres

In 2006, Volunteers Week started collaborating with Volunteer Centres across the country. These centers act as a hub for volunteering within their local communities, connecting individuals and organizations. The partnership helped to increase the reach and impact of Volunteers Week by engaging with a wider audience and promoting volunteering opportunities.

2011

Launch of the #ivolunteer Campaign

2011 marked the launch of the #ivolunteer campaign during Volunteers Week. This social media campaign aimed to encourage people to share their volunteering experiences using the hashtag #ivolunteer. The campaign successfully created a sense of community among volunteers, inspiring others to get involved and showcasing the diverse range of volunteering opportunities available.

2017

Inclusion of Employee Volunteering

In 2017, Volunteers Week expanded its focus to include employee volunteering. This change recognized the growing trend of companies encouraging their employees to engage in volunteering activities. Many organizations started organizing specific events and initiatives during Volunteers Week to highlight and celebrate the efforts of their employees who volunteer.

2020

Digital Adaptations during COVID-19

In 2020, Volunteers Week faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions on physical gatherings, the event adapted to online platforms and virtual celebrations. This allowed volunteers and organizations to connect and express gratitude digitally, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of volunteers during challenging times.