International Volunteer Day is celebrated around the world on December 5. Coordinated by the United Nations Volunteers program, since 1985 it has been a day dedicated to promoting and recognizing the work of so many people around the world who dedicate themselves to helping others.
In our congregation, volunteerism occupies a very special place. We have the Vedruna Volunteers International since 2004, as a means to articulate and coordinate the many people who wish to participate in projects of the congregation, together with the Sisters of the different Provinces and Delegation who wish to welcome them and integrate them into their projects.
To manage these efforts on a global scale requires a large team. That is why, on this International Volunteer Day, today we are interviewing the International Volunteer Commission, to highlight the value of its own action, which is essential for any aid project to succeed.
Why is volunteering important in the world?
It has many positive things:
- It makes known the needs and projects of the places visited, thus encouraging participation and collaboration with them in situ or remotely, through, for example, donations to the Vic Foundation.
- It makes visible the great value of the communities of sisters who dedicate their daily lives to others.
- It gives shape and color to the hearts of the people who live it.
What does it mean to you to be part of the volunteer committee?
Being part of the commission is a way of thanking Santa Joaquina for her work and giving her continuity, contributing our time and affection. The volunteers, with their stories, make us relive our own experiences and bring out feelings that motivate us to want to give the opportunity to live it to many others. This experience is a treasure.
What is the most satisfying aspect of the work you do in this commission?
To verify that the experience has been well received by the volunteers, so that it can later have a positive impact on our society.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the commission?
There are mainly two:
- How to be able to accompany the processes of the Volunteers that begin with the lived experience.
- That a real exchange can take place between volunteers from different continents.
What is your dream for this commission?
We dream that there could be a similar commission in each continent and that they could be interrelated with each other; and that International Volunteering could have a long trajectory in time.
For more information about Vedruna International Volunteering, you can visit this page.
We have also previously shared some testimonials from volunteers:
