Dear Scout leaders, Dear Friends,

As the world commemorates this year’s International Volunteer Day, and marks the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteering (IYV+10) we are reminded of the gift of time, spirit, commitment and enthusiasm that you give to Scouting around the world.

A phenomenon that involves hundreds of millions of people worldwide who offer their services and expertise to the benefit of their neighbors, communities and countries, volunteering is one of the clearest expressions of solidarity in action.

Our Movement relies on about seven million volunteers both adults and young persons to address today’s challenges of education, social issues, health, urbanization and the environment. Without this selfless gift and dedication, the Movement would not have grown to where it is today serving well over 30 million members.

On behalf of World Scouting, I thank you for the continued support you have given to the Movement over the past years and the inspiration you give to the millions of young people whose lives you change everyday. The World Scout Committee encourages you to take positive actions to celebrate and to show the value of your volunteering during this IYV+10.

Rick Cronk

Chairman, World Scout Committee

Additional information:

A special International Volunteer Day e-card is available to send from our web site to all your volunteer friends, both in Scouting and in the wider community. Click here to send your ecard

More information from our partner the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) organization.