After marking 2010 as the Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion, it is appropriate that the European Union opted to name 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering. It is appropriate because volunteering strengthens a core European value, namely solidarity. It significantly contributes towards the growth of a social Europe. It is appropriate to encourage volunteering because, as former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan once said: “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.”

According to the Eurobarometer in May 2010, three out of every 10 Europeans claim to be active in a voluntary capacity. Their involvement in various organisations is sometimes taken for granted, without due appreciation of their contribution towards their particular cause, whether it be helping those in need, the sick or the elderly, a determination to preserve our environment, or those groups who work towards the strengthening of social cohesion, or who campaign for the universality of human rights. For many reasons it is therefore appropriate to salute all volunteers, all over Europe, for their efforts and commitment.

Malta can boast an active voluntary movement that is present and active in practically every town or village and the contribution to society of which has been manifested in many different ways and over many decades. The list is endless and their involvement so varied. A quick look at the local situation shows that in each and every one of our 68 communities are to be found various religious groups, youth groups, sports entities, political party activists, cultural and parochial centres, band clubs, those involved in pyrotechnics, drama, missionary work and similar organisations – all very active, irrespective of the scale of membership. The truth is that volunteers contribute to the formation of the communities in which we live.

Of course there are other activities that are not restricted to

village and related community life. For instance, the environmental lobby has grown out of an awareness and a sense of responsibility that “thinks globally but acts locally”. And can anyone forget the hard work of our missionaries in far away countries, where they are not only involved in evangelical work but even more so in helping poor villagers and their ailing communities. Their noble dedication is supported by local donations as well as by the physical involvement of laymen who are behind the construction of such things as schools and clinics.

While it is true that voluntary work emanates from a deep sense of responsibility, dedication and commitment towards society, volunteers will tell you that what they do gives them great joy and satisfaction because they know they are doing something worthwhile. And, of course, volunteering enhances experiences, and thus CVs and employability, especially in the case of young people.

The EU will this year highlight and promote a number of activities and projects and the Maltese Commissioner and the Council for Voluntary Organisations will be joining the campaign ‘Volunteer! Make a Difference!’ There are thousands of ways in which to contribute and truly make a difference: everyone can be a volunteer because everyone has something to offer.

A Happy New Year to everyone.

Clyde Puli is the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport