Volunteering is fundamental to a society’s development as it mirrors the democratic essence of the state. Recently, policymakers have been emphasizing the use of volunteering opportunities to promote good citizenship. The proposed policies have focused on nurturing citizenship among young individuals, recognizing the increasing value of volunteering as a valuable asset. This approach grants access to societal benefits and addresses social issues (Strickland, 2010). indeed, “Volunteering is a nursery for good citizenship.” (UNV, 2019) It helps in building strong and united communities. It teaches people to be responsible and participate in the democratic process. It promotes trust and reciprocity, which are crucial for stable societies. (UNV, 2019) Volunteerism has enormous potential to widen participation in governance and promote more equitable outcomes (UNDP HDR, 2002). Civic participation’s main goal is to connect civil society and diverse institutions, aiming to amplify citizens’ voices in public life.
The socio-economic situation, religious beliefs, and cultural aspects of the Arab region have directly impacted the philosophy of volunteering in the area. The Arab society has a long-standing history of informal volunteerism based on religious and humanitarian values, mainly compassion and sympathy towards others. Indeed, traditionally, it has been predominantly informal and linked to supporting one another and the community through religious and cultural practices (Haddad, 2015). In 2018, 82.9% of the 8.9 million full-time equivalent volunteers in the Arab region engaged in informal volunteering (UNV, 2018).
The development of formal volunteerism in the region has faced numerous challenges, such as the absence of clearly outlined policies concerning civic engagement and volunteering, restricted funding, and a lack of enthusiasm for volunteering due to the minimal institutionalization of philanthropy. However, it is only recently that governments have begun to recognize its importance and support it through policies. Indeed, Volunteering in the region is becoming more popular due to policies that create awareness about its positive impact on society. (Haddad, 2015). States are changing public attitudes towards volunteering, creating awareness about its importance and positive impact on society. (Haddad, 2015) these latter have acknowledged the importance of this practice and its favorable impact on society; they are promoting these concepts by establishing the necessary legal and political frameworks. (Haddad, 2015; Haddad, 2020). They have integrated the notions of civic engagement and volunteering into school curricula.
Associations have also recognized the importance of such actions and their positive influence in furthering their mission: various international and regional organizations have started encouraging the development of volunteering as a response to social and economic factors.
These policies, legislation, and program interventions push for more volunteering and promote it as a valuable act. They are mainly aimed at encouraging citizens to volunteer and safeguarding their rights as volunteers (UNV, 2019). However, this is not the case in all countries: The dire economic situation in the Arab world is causing a decline in volunteering as poverty rates rise, leaving many young people unable to participate in volunteer opportunities.
Crick (2000, p. 2) states that “active citizenship focuses both on the rights to be exercised as well as agreed responsibilities.” Setting the research on volunteering and citizenship in the Arab world requires a comprehensive approach considering the challenges facing citizenship and volunteering in the region. Revisiting these concepts will require a multi-disciplinary approach that combines research, teaching, and advocacy efforts; indeed, bringing the topics of volunteering, meaningfulness, and citizenship under one research agenda inevitably leads to interdisciplinary research and dialog (Claes et al.,2016). To progress, creating a network for research and teaching is essential. This network will consist of scholars, educators, and practitioners who can collaborate and share ideas and resources. The network will also engage with policymakers and civil society organizations. The network will be established through various means such as convening, conferences, workshops, online forums, and social media platforms.
References
Crick, B. (2000). Essays on Citizenship, London: Continuum
Haddad, T. (2015). Volunteering in the Arab World: Bringing Back People into Politics? Democracy and Security, 11:2, pp. 145–159, DOI: 10.1080/17419166.2015.1043079
Haddad, T. (2020.)When will research and policy better account for the complexities of volunteering beyond service delivery? In Clare Davis Global Synthesis Report Plan of Action to Integrate Volunteering into the 2030 Agenda. United Nation
Strickland, A. (2010). Recent developments in volunteering and citizenship.Voluntary Sector Review, 1(2), 253–258. doi:https://doi.org/10.1332/204080510X511292
United Nations Development Programme (2002). Human Development Report 2002 Deepening Democracy in a Fragmented World https://www.un-ilibrary.org/content/books/9789210576918#:~:text=Deepening%20Democracy%20in%20a%20Fragmented%20World&text=This%20report%20examines%20political%20participation,promote%20economic%20and%20social%20progress.
United Nations Volunteers (2018). The 2018 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report https://www.unv.org/publications/swvr2018
United Nations Volunteers (2019). Synthesis report on integrating volunteering into the 2030 agenda in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission For Western Asia Region. Plan of action to integrate volunteering in the 2030 Agenda.
Claes, E. & Note, Nicole (2016). Introduction. Meaningfulness, Volunteers, Citizenship. Foundations of Science 21 (2):237–251.
Dr. Tania Haddad
Associate Professor in Public Administration and Director of the Global Engagement Initiative at AUB. Dr. Haddad earned her BA in Political Studies and Public Administration in 2003, her MA at the American University of Beirut in 2006, and her PhD from LUISS University in 2012.