In our new Federation:
millions of volunteers working with communities

Every day, National Society volunteers are involved with communities.

The Federation is encouraging National Societies to create positive and constructive environment where volunteers should debate on how to integrate volunteer's perspective and community based approach into any future Red Cross and Red Crescent activities with communities.

Volunteer involvement with communities should be based on essential values such as:

• work "for" communities is no longer enough, instead we work "with";
• ensure the right of communities to participate in their development;
• empower communities to build their capacity to cope with the challenges of vulnerability and its root causes,
• work with partners to ensure sustainable community development;
• invite everyone to volunteer;
• ensure that the volunteers reflect the diversity of the society;
• use the diversity of the volunteer base as a unique asset in decision making and activities;
• encourage volunteers to use their right to be involved in decision making at all levels;
• regularly acknowledge and recognize volunteer contributions.

To find out more about volunteering in your country, read our page on becoming a volunteer, and then contact your local National Society - addresses can be found in our Directory.