Forum Discussion Paper 2009 Volunteers: Catalysts for Social Engagement

This is the fifth in a series of discussion papers produced by FORUM, which follows on from our research work on trends in International volunteering and co-operation in recent years. One of the key trends identified in this time has been how the different purposes and potentials of volunteering affects us as International Volunteer and Co- operation Organisations (IVCOs).

This paper aims to consider some of the implications of volunteers as catalysts for social engagement, what we can learn from this and identify some challenges for the future.