Volunteering entails activities performed by an individual, driven by non-monetary motivation and their own free will, for the benefit of individuals and/or other living beings beyond their family or immediate circle. It is also a form of behavior aimed at creating positive change in society. Volunteers not only find opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities but also experience personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Additionally, volunteering offers opportunities for learning new skills, gaining experience, building social connections and interacting with people, while strengthening solidarity and mutual assistance in society.

Social responsibility projects and support activities allow volunteers to develop their talents in various fields and discover themselves. This process enables individuals to meet their learning needs and contribute to their personal development. Moreover, volunteering strengthens social bonds and solidarity in the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and develop collaborations. Overall, volunteering enhances social interaction and contributes to positive changes in society, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

As the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), we actively support countries' volunteer efforts to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the international volunteer network of Country Green Crescents. Some areas of support include organizing training and activities to raise awareness in society and sustain efforts in addiction prevention, as well as implementing comprehensive projects for these purposes. In this context, we contribute to our goal of creating positive change in society by providing a supportive environment for volunteers to develop their skills, acquire new abilities and play a more effective role in addiction prevention. Additionally, periodic regional meetings bring Country Green Crescents together to contribute to the expansion of the volunteer network. Thus, the goal of developing international collaborations in various fields to empower communities in preventing addiction is achieved. 

Benefits of Being a Volunteer:
In addition to social gains, volunteering also brings individual benefits. These include increased self-confidence, expanding and diversifying social circles, acquiring new talents and skills, enhancing teamwork and sense of responsibility, offering different career opportunities, spiritual fulfillment and a sense of belonging to society. On the social level, increased solidarity, enhanced social participation, interaction between different groups and communities, the development of empathy in society and increased social development can be counted as gains.

The Role of Participation in Volunteer Activities in Addiction Prevention

Participating in volunteer activities has positive effects on steering individuals away from addiction. People involved in volunteer activities gain a new social network that helps them distance themselves from addiction, engage in constructive activities and find opportunities to help others. This process can provide significant support in overcoming addiction and help individuals regain their self-confidence.

1.    Social Networks and Support: Individuals participating in volunteer activities have the opportunity to develop closer relationships with each other through the contributions of serving a common purpose within the community. This process strengthens the sense of belonging to the community for volunteers, reinforcing social support networks with the satisfaction of being together and working together.

2.    Constructive Activities and Goals: Volunteer activities provide individuals with constructive pursuits and help them utilize their time positively.

3.    Taking Responsibility and Contributing to Society: Volunteer activities enable individuals to take responsibility and develop skills to help others. Volunteers also have the opportunity to educate others about addiction-related issues. Volunteer activities allow individuals to contribute to society. Sharing their experiences and helping others makes individuals feel valuable and important.

4.    Self-Worth and Self-Confidence: Participating in volunteer activities increases individuals' self-confidence and helps them see their own worth. While helping others, people discover their potentials and feel valuable.

5.    Developing New Interests and Skills: Volunteer work provides individuals with the opportunity to discover new interests and talents. Developing themselves in different fields can help set goals as an alternative to addiction.

6.    Regular and Meaningful Activity: Participating in volunteer activities provides a regular activity and a meaningful purpose.

Volunteering Worldwide

Volunteering rates vary significantly from country to country worldwide. These rates depend on a country's social, cultural and economic factors, as well as on the promotion and support of volunteering in society. According to the United Nations 2018 Volunteering Report: European countries have 29 million volunteers, Asia-Pacific countries have 29.8 million and Arab countries have 8.9 million volunteers.

Below are some general insights into volunteering rates in certain countries

•    United States of America: United States has a highly active community when it comes to volunteering. According to the National Volunteering Survey, approximately 39% of Americans participate in volunteer activities. Volunteering is widespread in various areas such as community service, civil society organizations, churches and schools.

•    Canada: Canada is an active country in terms of volunteering. According to Statistics Canada, about 44% of Canadians participate in volunteer activities. Volunteering is popular in areas such as public health, education, environmental protection and cultural events.

•    Australia: Australia also has an active community when it comes to volunteering. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 40% of Australians engage in volunteer activities. Volunteering is common in areas such as emergency assistance, sports clubs, environmental protection and community centers.