Student Volunteering Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Student Volunteering Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Student Volunteering Week is celebrated on February 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Student Volunteering Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you ought to know about Student Volunteering Week.

📅 What day is Student Volunteering Week 2024?

In 2024, Student Volunteering Week is on Monday, February 13th. It is the 2nd Monday in February; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all fascinating details and facts about February 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

From February 13 to February 19, the Student Volunteer Week will be held. It’s interesting to note that students in the United Kingdom have been engaging in volunteering activities since the 18th century. This special week aims to acknowledge and inspire students’ valuable contributions to their communities. The Student Volunteering Week is organized by the Student Volunteering Network in partnership with Student Hubs and the National Union of Students (N.U.S.). The network consists of professionals in higher education who promote student volunteerism. Throughout this week, students and student groups from all corners of the country participate in various volunteer projects such as fundraising and tree planting.

📜 Student Volunteering Week History

Starting in 1883, the university settlement movement spread across the United Kingdom, reaching major cities like Glasgow, Manchester, London, Bristol, Liverpool, Oxford, and Cambridge. Students who participated in this movement dedicated their time, particularly during holidays, to engage in trips, summer camps, and providing services to locals, as well as participating in sports. The Student Christian Movement (S.C.M.) was established in 1893 and has since grown into a nationwide student organization that promotes social education. By 1908, the S.C.M. had over 130 college and university sections with more than 5,000 student members.

During the First World War, university students played a significant role, which sparked an increased interest in volunteering throughout the United Kingdom. These student volunteers helped Belgian refugees, participated in war fundraising activities, worked in farm labor camps, and assisted the Red Cross with first aid. They also provided support for post-war reconstruction efforts in Russia and Central Europe. In response to the conditions and demands of the time, students in England and Wales established the National Union of Students of England and Wales (N.U.S.). The United States also played a crucial role in assistance operations and post-war relief programs during the Second World War.

Since the 1960s, there has been a rise in the number of volunteer and campaigning groups in Britain, largely facilitated by student volunteers. Organizations such as Amnesty International, the Child Poverty Action Group, Shelter, and Voluntary Service Overseas were created during this period. Furthermore, student volunteerism expanded from solely providing social assistance to broader community involvement in the 1960s. This led to increased government support for student volunteering, the establishment of Student Community Action and Student Hubs, the formation of numerous rag organizations (raising and giving), and the introduction of Student Volunteering Week.

✅ Student Volunteering Week Facts

🔖 Married people are more likely to volunteer
Married individuals tend to volunteer more than singles and those in various relationship statuses.

🔖 Employer-supported volunteering is not welcomed
When volunteering is organized or supported by employers, individuals become less inclined to donate their time.

🔖 Women love volunteering
Based on data from the United Nations Volunteer (U.N.V.), women oversee the majority, accounting for 57%, of volunteer activities globally.

👍 Why Is Student Volunteering Week Important

There are several fascinating opportunities available to you as a student volunteer. Aside from making new friends and connecting with individuals all around the world, you may participate in a community initiative that provides new possibilities and makes life simpler for the locals. Volunteering in another country helps you learn about other nations, cultures, and customs while broadening your knowledge and perspective. Start your volunteering experience during Student Volunteer Week!

Volunteering for programs related to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as clean water and sanitation, zero poverty, and excellent education, improves disadvantaged people’s living situations, opens new job possibilities, and improves their future prospects. To address global challenges such as fast deforestation, climate change, and wildfires, individuals must offer their time and resources.

Volunteering boosts students’ job opportunities in addition to its advantages for communities and the globe. Volunteering allows you to put your classroom knowledge to use, gain new skills, and address real-world issues. All of this sets you apart from the rest of your classmates who did not volunteer.

🙂 How To Observe Student Volunteering Week

⚡ Volunteer abroad
Although we understand that one week may not be enough time to volunteer abroad, you can consider dedicating your school holiday later this year to this cause. By signing up with reputable organizations like Eurodesk, Raleigh International, V.S.O., or A.I.E.S.E.C., you can choose a period that suits you and start planning your trip abroad to participate in international volunteering opportunities.

⚡ Participate in your university’s S.V.W. activities
Each year, many universities in the UK celebrate the Student Volunteering Network. This event is typically coordinated by the student union or a division of Student Hubs. Take a look at your own school to see if there is something similar happening. If not, you can team up with your friends to create enjoyable and impactful activities for each day of Student Volunteering Week.

⚡ Do fundraising for charity
You have the opportunity to arrange various fundraising events to support the organization of your choice. You can coordinate a relay race for students or the community, sell homemade treats, or create a GoFundMe campaign and promote it on your school and social media platforms.

📅 When is Student Volunteering Week?

Explore all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Student Volunteering Week. So be sure to check back soon.