The European Year of Volunteering 2011 is to expand even further across Europe with the announcement that the Council of Europe has agreed to back the initiative. (23rd November 2010)

The Council of Europe whose membership of 48 member states exceeds that of the European Union and includes some states where established civil society is still in its infancy called on its members,  among other things, to:

•    Promote volunteering
•    Create an instrument for assessing the value of voluntary service
•    Consider introducing credits for volunteers for the acquisition of pension rights.

Volonteurope, a network of volunteering charities in Europe, supported by UK based charity CSV and a recognised member of the NGO group in the Council of Europe is overjoyed.

Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, President of Volonteurope said
“This is the culmination of three years hard work.  It will increase the recognition of volunteers’ impact Europe-wide.  Needed support will reach countries in non EU states to develop volunteering and active citizenship.”

The European Year of Volunteering 2011 is the first year to be granted as a result of a concerted campaign by civil society groups in the EU and beyond thanks to this decision by the Council of Europe.

Further press information on behalf of Volonteurope: Francesca Toma or Jason Tanner, CSV Press Office, on behalf of Volonteurope: 020 7812 0037

1. Volonteurope, is the European network for volunteering and Active Citizenship and has 200 members and 600 partners across more than 30 countries in Europe and beyond. CSV provides the secretariat for UK based Volonteurope
2. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. In 2009/10 165,666 people gave time as volunteers through and worked with 13,423 learners of all ages
3. The networks of the European Year of Volunteering alliance include: European Students’ Forum ; AGE Platform Europe; ALDA - The Association of Local Democracy Agencies; AVSO - The Association of Voluntary Service Organisations; Caritas Europe; CEDAG - The European Council of Associations of General Interest ; CESES - The Confederation of European Senior Expert Services; CEV - European Volunteer Centre; CSR Europe - European business network for corporate social responsibility; CVA - Conservation volunteers Alliance; EAPN - European Anti Poverty Network; EFIL - European Federation for Intercultural Learning ; ENGAGE business network; ENGSO - The European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation; ENGSO Youth - The European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation-Youth; ESAN – European Social Action Network; ESN - Erasmus Student Network; EUCLID - The Euclid Network of Third Sector Leaders; EURAG - The European Federation of Older People; Eurodiaconia; IPPF - International Planned Parenthood Federation; ISCA - International Sport and Culture Association ; ISGF – International Scout and Guide Fellowship; Johanniter International; MHE - Mental Health Europe;  Solidar ; The Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations; The Red Cross/European Union Office; The Social Platform; Volonteurope;  WAGGGS - The Europe Region - World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts; WOSM - The World Organisation of the Scout Movement; YFJ - The European Youth Forum