Every year, more and more people decide to start benefiting the public and participate in various volunteer programs. One of the largest organizations is the UN, which provides assistance in 130 countries. You can read about how to become a UN volunteer abroad and your country and what requirements this organization has in the article.
Who are volunteers
According to the most common definition, a volunteer is a person participating in socially significant events on a voluntary basis. As a rule, such campaigns are aimed at the benefit of the public, improving living conditions. Also, volunteering is understood as mutual assistance and self-help. Legally, the concept of "volunteer" has not yet been formed, so it is often used in a variety of situations. But the main distinguishing feature of such activities remains the lack of monetary rewards and focus on public benefit. The volunteers accept, regardless of nationality, age and welfare. To take part in the volunteer movement, it is enough to have a desire to help people. Similar programs exist both in Russia and abroad, and quite often volunteers provide housing and food.
Basic principles of volunteering
The volunteer movement has many directions. It can be sports, social, cultural, environmental and other volunteering. But regardless of scope, they are all united by common principles:
- Voluntary - no one has the right to force you to volunteer against your will.
- Independence - volunteer organizations are free from ideological, gender and political prejudices.
- Neutrality - people help without coercion.
- Universality - religion or nationality is not important.
- Humanity - the main goal of volunteer movements remains the benefit of man.
- Impartiality - when rendering assistance, the volunteer is not guided by his own likes and passions.
History of the movement in Russia and abroad
The volunteer movement came to Russia in the 80s, but informally it existed since the birth of mankind. Mutual assistance and mutual assistance were always present among people, which helped people who found themselves in adverse conditions to survive. In 1995, the State Duma adopted the law "On Public Organizations", which was designed to regulate this area. Now Russian legislation provides tax credits and deductions to organizations that work for the good of society. Money transfers and donations in their favor are not taxed.
The first volunteers appeared in the West in the 18th century, then they were soldiers who voluntarily went to war. Then volunteer movements appeared at the monasteries. With the increasing prosperity of the population, more and more people wanted to help those in need, so in 1863 the first international organization was founded: the Red Cross. It helps people who are victims of military conflicts and civil wars around the world. In 1961, another large organization was founded: Peace Corps. This humanitarian company sends its volunteers to distressed countries to provide comprehensive assistance. But perhaps the largest organization remains the UN, which includes 143 countries.
UN is the largest organization of volunteers
The World Organization of the United Nations was developed and approved at the height of World War II, when there was only chaos and armed clashes in the world. Its charter was established in 1945, and many European countries signed it, thus confirming the willingness to cooperate and achieve international peace and security. Initially, the UN included only 50 countries, at the moment this number has increased to 143. The activities of the United Nations include several areas:
- Peacekeeping missions and operations.
- Protection of human rights.
- The provision of humanitarian assistance.
- The development of international law.
Volunteering at the UN is the practical embodiment of the Organization’s Charter. According to statistics, more than 7,000 highly qualified specialists are UN volunteers. They work with refugees, children, and people with disabilities, help protect gender rights, the rights of women and voters, and contribute to the development of healthcare, electoral law, the urban environment, and many other aspects. More than 60% of volunteers work in other countries and only 40% in their own. Many people who want to help those in need ask how to become a UN volunteer for an ordinary person. Is it necessary to be a good specialist or to be distinguished by something special?
How to become a volunteer?
Everyone can become a UN volunteer. This does not require any special knowledge or qualifications. How to become a UN volunteer? To do this, it is enough to be able to work in a team, have organizational skills and the ability to correctly apply your qualifications. There are three types of volunteer programs at the United Nations :
- Volunteer in his own country.
- Volunteer abroad.
- Volunteer online.
Thus, everyone can become a volunteer. To do this, it is not even necessary to leave the house!
Volunteer Abroad
The most attractive of all programs are volunteer missions, which aim to help people in other countries. Volunteer missions abroad allow you to gain new experience and acquaintances, travel and at the same time help other people. In some cases, becoming a UN volunteer abroad, you can even emigrate. For candidates there is an opportunity to choose one of 130 countries of the world in which the UN provides assistance. Volunteers usually spend 6 to 12 months on a mission, after which they return to their home country. How to become an international UN volunteer? To do this, you need to meet a number of requirements:
- The minimum age is 25 years.
- Higher education.
- At least two years of experience in the field in which you want to become a volunteer.
- Excellent knowledge of one of the three languages (English, French or Spanish).
- Separation of values and principles of the UN.
- Willingness to work in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to work with people and local organizations.
- Organizational skills.
- The ability to live in remote places, without the usual benefits of civilization.
How to become a UN volunteer in Africa? When applying, you can indicate any destination that you want to visit. UN workers will take into account your wishes and try to find a suitable place.
UN volunteers often live in harsh conditions, without electricity and drinking water. Sometimes they help victims in the epicenters of natural and man-made disasters, during epidemics and other incidents. Such work cannot be 100% safe, therefore, a detailed interview is conducted with each candidate.
Volunteer in your country
How to become a volunteer in Moscow or in another city of Russia? If you want to contribute to the development of your country and the protection of the population, then you only need a desire and age over 22 years. There are no other special requirements for UN volunteers in their home country. Each specialist performs his task, depending on his capabilities and skill level. Locations can range from large cities to small villages.
Under the terms of volunteering at the United Nations, all volunteers receive:
- cash allowance, which allows for an adequate and safe standard of living;
- lump-sum payment, which helps to cover the costs associated with arrival at the duty station;
- travel and transportation allowances;
- the same allowance, regardless of age, length of service and gender.
Comfortable working conditions attract many people who get the opportunity to help without worrying about their well-being.
Volunteers online
You can change the world without even leaving your home. The United Nations invites everyone to participate in the online volunteer movement. Volunteers help people and organizations come together to make the world a better place. Currently, about 12,000 people are participating in online volunteering. What kind of specialists are required by the UN for sustainable development?
- Translators
- Designers
- Artists.
- Writers and copywriters.
- Journalists
- Programmers.
- Teachers.
- The scientists.
- Administrators
- Developers
- Managers and many others.
Everyone can go to the organization’s website and complete the task. To help, just have a smartphone, tablet or laptop, as well as Internet access.
Summary
Since ancient times, people have tried to help each other. Mutual support allows communities to grow much faster and more efficiently. How to become an UN goodwill volunteer to an ordinary person? If you decide to become a volunteer in your own country or want to perform feasible tasks online, then you will not need special knowledge and achievements: just desire is enough. To become an international volunteer of the UN, you need a little more: knowledge of foreign languages and work experience. Volunteering at the UN helps people to find themselves and gain an unforgettable experience.