Get involved with International Volunteer Day

December 5th is International Volunteer Day, as designated by the United Nations beginning in 1985. The UN says the aim of this activity is to thank international volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness of their contribution to society. International Volunteer Day is marked by many non-governmental organizations, including Red Cross, scouts and others. It is also marked and supported by United Nations Volunteers.

Organizations like Nabuur.com honored their volunteers. Nabuur is a website aimed at connecting people who want to make a difference all over the world from where they are. They explain that you do not have to travel abroad to be an international volunteer. Nabuur allows communities in need to sign up for the site. They then assign a volunteer facilitator who guides and coordinates efforts of volunteers all over the world.

The UN itself runs a similar program called onlinevolunteering.org. VolunteerMatch is another good resource to find opportunities with nonprofits in your area....Happy International Volunteer Day!