International Volunteer Day - December 5

Volunteering WA proudly supports International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December 2023, to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.

International Volunteer Day commonly known as IVD is celebrated on 5 December every year. It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It’s a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme joins IVD celebrations with UN Volunteers and all volunteers around the world – amplifying the importance of people-led solutions to our common challenges. Read about the history of International Volunteer Day. 

2023 Theme

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated every year on 5 December to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and recognize the contribution of volunteers worldwide in peace and development, and their contribution to accelerate SDGs at local, national, and international levels.

This year’s theme – “If Everyone Did…” centers on ‘everyone’ and focuses on collective action to work towards Sustainable Development Goals. There is a sense of urgency to respond to global development challenges ranging from climate action to natural disasters, reducing inequalities, hunger to health, and rising poverty to endangered natural resources – all requiring collective action. There is no better call to action than asking everyone to do something to make positive change.

#IfEveryoneDid #IVD2023

Volunteering in Western Australia

With over 523,000 volunteers in Western Australia, International Volunteer Day is a day for mass celebration. Volunteer involving organisations celebrate the contributions of thousands of volunteers who support their programs and services to the community. 

Resources 

  • Volunteering WA International Volunteer Day Certificate template - add your Volunteer's name, your organisation's name and logo. Edit the Canva template.
  • WA Government's official Thank a Volunteer certificate signed by the Minister for Volunteering. 
    The editable certificate template is available to volunteer involving organisations to say thank you in packs of one, 10 and 25. To access and download the certificate template please complete the online form.
  • View the Volunteering WA Google Folder for IVD Logos, Certificate templates and social media graphics.

Annual Garden Party - Thursday December 7 2023

Each year, on the Thursday closest too International Volunteer Day, Volunteering WA hosts the annual garden party in the stunning gardens of Government House. With more than 500 volunteers attending each year, this is a beautiful event that allows volunteers to connect with each other.

View the event details  |  See the Garden Party photos

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