Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are at the heart of effective humanitarian assistance for millions of vulnerable people. Volunteers are our strength. They are what defines us and what makes us a unique humanitarian force in the world. As a federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, one of our focuses is on supporting our volunteers and giving them the tools and resources they need to meet the high demands and expectations that we — and our supporters — place on them.

The management of volunteers is an essential issue for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The International Federation Volunteering Policy was adopted in 1999. Since then, many steps have been taken in the volunteering development efforts of National Societies. Volunteer management is increasingly being included in strategic plans, a recognition of the fact that it is seen as an important area for the development of National Societies. Nevertheless, more needs to be done to improve and establish good volunteer management systems.

In 2008—2011, the planned volunteering development aims to:

• Ensure and support National Societies to adopt volunteer management systems, procedures and practices in order to better support and manage volunteers
• Develop and spread knowledge about volunteering in emergencies
• Promote, celebrate and recognize the achievements of volunteers
• Advocate and work to establish volunteer-friendly environments

You can find more information and resources on volunteering development on our global extranet, FedNet. This is a tool for volunteers and staff of all National Societies, International Federation and ICRC. It contains many relevant resources, such as news, publications, and training resources. If you do not already have a FedNet account, you can get one easily by visiting the sign-up page.

Millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers play an essential role in support of their communities throughout the world. However, although volunteers give their time freely, with no desire for gain, volunteerism is not for free. Volunteer management and development also require resources.

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering development programme of the International Federation, read our plan 2008—2009. You can also support the volunteer development programme by donating online.