International Volunteer Day Highlights the Power of Giving Back

Amidst the consumerism that tends to envelop us during the holidays, December has also become a time when we're asked to consider the importance of donating our time, talent and treasure to the betterment of the world. #GivingTuesday, a recently instituted global day dedicated to giving back, was created as a counterpoint to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Women's Entrepreneur Day is another new seasonal event that celebrates and advances the work of female entrepreneurs, with the ultimate goal of empowering women and lifting them out of poverty.

And then there's the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on December 5th, an event established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. International Volunteer Day (IVD) gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. By merging UN support with a grassroots mandate, IVD is a unique opportunity for government agencies, nonprofits, community groups and the private sector to unite around a common effort for good.

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