Fifth session of the EUV 2005, Lucerne, Switzerland

Monetarism of volunteer work

The EUV held at the University of Lucerne focused on "Monetarism of volunteer work", meaning the influence payment and money has on volunteering and volunteerism. The congress looked at the evolution of society, where certain areas, so far covered by honorary and non paid individuals now have tendency to be remunerated. The general argument put forward is that it is necessary to have more professionalism. Among the points discussed during the conference was how volunteer work can be promoted and the direct or indirect monetary aspect this may encompass. Different measures were looked at, among which are the certification and documentation of volunteer work, tax deductions and more. Time banks were also mentioned. Leaders from the non-profit sector put increasingly forward the work experience aspect of volunteering, whether it is in the field or as part of directing boards. Generally speaking, it seemed that monetisation was increasingly a topic in our every-day-lives. The main question were: How is voluntary service recognised in different fields? What forms of recognition are practicable? What kind of bonus can be given to volunteers? What development concerning recognition in voluntary work is expected by volunteers? What rewards are desirable for volunteers? Where are the bottlenecks and problems? What developments would be desirable from the point of view volunteerism and volunteers? Are there incentives outside of this process, and which of them are adequate to encourage voluntary commitment to benefit the community? Behind all that stands the situation that monetarism is playing an increasing role in all kinds of voluntary services. The knowledge of the extent of the gratuity versus salary and the co-existence of volunteers and paid workers is a specific characteristic of non-profit entities. To treat this situation may create a dilemma and it is indeed a challenge of great interest, from a social, as well as from a economic point of view and it is not an easy task to analyse and to solve. Lectures and presentations in workshops were published.

Organizers: The University of Lucerne, Schweizerische Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft Zürich and Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund Zürich, ICVolunteers joined forces to carry out the EUV 2005.

Speakers: An inaugural message of greeting was given by Sebastián Masó, Rector of the EUV. Lectures were given by Herbert Ammann, Hansjörg Siegenthaler, Bear Bürgenmeier, Adalbert Evers and Laura Balbo.

Conference Program, German version