Volunteering in Italy? “A phenomenon that is expressed in the free action of a galaxy of individuals and groups for solidarity purposes”. In fact, there is talk of “volunteering” “for the many ways, specific forms and different missions in many realities of the third sector”. He tries to clarify the facets of this complex world Renato Frisanco, a researcher and vice -president of the Association Luciano Tavazza, author of the “Volunteer” Volunteer for the Encyclopedia Treccani. We met him in view of the Jubilee of the world of volunteering, the appointment in the calendar of the Holy Year on 8 and 9 March who is dedicated to the people of those who make their time available for free in favor of the neighbor.
Professor, what do the latest data on volunteers say in Italy?
“It must be said that we are witnessing an eclipse of the research: volunteering is studied less and less. The RUNTS (Single National Single Register of the Third Sector) provides some statistical data: in October last year 37,893 voluntary organizations (ODV) were registered, capable of operating with volunteers for the exclusive or prevalent advantage of external people or communities, thus distinguishing themselves from non -profit organizations “with” volunteers such as foundations, social enterprises, associations. Voluntary organizations are the only reality of the third sector that does not remunerate its associates, to whom only the reimbursement of the expenses actually incurred and documented to carry out the solidarity activity can be subject to.
Why is gratuity so important?
“If there is no gratuitousness, the credibility of the firm testimony to doing without interests is missing, with alternative models and behaviors to the dominant ones marked by libertarian individualism, consumerism, indifference. Furthermore, a full autonomy of decision and action is important with respect to the exploitation logics relating to public and private funding, as well as establishing one approach with the other recognized in the same dignity, through a symmetrical relationship “.
Continue reading the article and the testimonies of six volunteers by purchasing the number of Believe This week, on newsstands and in religious bookstores from Thursday 6 March and in the parish from Saturday 8. Or buy your digital copy for 0.99 euros on newsstandsanpaolo.it
(Image at the top: Photo Tommaso Ausili)
