/ world today news/ Volunteering not only promotes active citizenship, but also has social and economic dimensions. According to EU data, every euro invested in the development of volunteering brings five additional ones to the economy.
This was stated by BSP MEP Momchil Nekov in Varna. He visited the social educational professional center “Anastasia Dr. Zhelezkova” in the city, whose graduates were named Europeans of the year on his initiative. The European Parliament will award them with its medal of honor for European civic behavior on January 23 in Sofia.
“The disasters that befell our country last year and the subsequent events showed how much we need a law on volunteering,” said Nekov. He added that such a law should regulate all its aspects “as a basis for promoting active citizenship, developing civil society and strengthening solidarity and defining the legal status of volunteers”.
Momchil Nekov believes that the adoption of a law on voluntary activity will be an expression of state will, through which the significance of this activity will be recognized. The MEP pointed out that the future law should also cover the economic and social dimensions, such as covering the costs of the volunteer, his insurance against an accident; the opportunities for training and qualification, for leave and work experience for the time of the volunteer activity.
The MEP emphasized that the need for legislative regulation of volunteering was also introduced by the resolution of the European Parliament from 2009.
According to data from the National Statistical Institute in 2014. in Bulgaria, about 80,000 people performed volunteer activities, but this is far below European levels. In the EU, one in five performs such work, and the economic benefit from it is significant. The 100 million volunteers create about 3% of the gross product of the European economy, according to European statistics.
The young volunteers from Varna talked about their reasons for getting involved in cleaning up the victims of the catastrophic flood in Varna’s “Asparuhovo” neighborhood in June and about the friendships they made helping the affected families. The director of the educational center, Plamen Petrov, added that his graduates gained new self-confidence and confidence in their abilities.
MEP Momchil Nekov presented a laptop and books to the Social Learning Professional Center “Anastasia Dr. Zhelezkova” in Varna.
Photo: MEP Momchil Nekov with some of the volunteers from Varna, who were awarded European citizens of the year by the European Parliament for their participation in cleaning up the flooded district “Asparuhovo” in Varna
#Volunteering #moral #economic #benefits
MEP Nekov, you’ve highlighted the economic benefits of volunteering, but some argue it shouldn’t be viewed purely through this lens. How do we balance the need for economic evaluation with the intrinsic value of volunteer work and its impact on social cohesion?
## World Today News Interview: Unpacking the Power of Volunteering
**Introduction:** Today, we delve into the profound impact of volunteering, a topic gaining increasing recognition for its social, economic, and moral implications. Joining us are two esteemed guests: MEP Momchil Nekov, a passionate advocate for volunteerism, and [Name], a volunteer active in [relevant field].
**Section 1: The Ripple Effect of Volunteering**
* MEP Nekov, you’ve highlighted the remarkable economic returns on investment in volunteerism. Can you elaborate on this, particularly within the Bulgarian context, and what this means for society as a whole?
* [Name], from your personal experience, how do you witness the ripple effect of volunteering? How does it impact not only those receiving help but also the volunteers themselves and the communities they serve?
**Section 2: The Need for Regulatory Frameworks**
* MEP Nekov, you’ve advocated for legislation to regulate volunteering in Bulgaria. What are the key elements you envision in such a law, and why is it crucial to move beyond solely relying on goodwill?
* [Name], what are your thoughts on the potential benefits and challenges of formalizing volunteering through legislation? Could it create barriers or offer greater opportunities for volunteers?
**Section 3: Recognizing and Incentivizing Volunteerism**
* MEP Nekov, the European Parliament’s recognition of Bulgarian volunteers as “Europeans of the Year” is a powerful statement. How can societies better acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of volunteers in tangible ways?
* [Name], what types of incentives or support systems could encourage greater participation in volunteering, particularly among younger generations?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: The Future of Volunteering**
* MEP Nekov, how do you see volunteering evolving in the coming years, and what role can governments and organizations play in supporting its growth and impact?
* [Name], what message would you like to share with individuals considering getting involved in volunteer activities? What are the lasting rewards they can expect to discover?
**Conclusion:** This interview has shone a light on the multifaceted nature of volunteering. It is a powerful force for positive change, requiring both individual dedication and societal frameworks to flourish. As we move forward, let’s continue to learn from inspiring stories like those of the volunteers from Varna and work towards a future where volunteering is not only valued but actively encouraged and supported.
