A global movement of volunteers working effectively for a world where no one is left behind.
Mission
As a global network of organisations involved in volunteering for development, Forum supports and promotes the work of its members through policy engagement, mutual learning and by sharing innovative and good practice.
Charter
The Forum Charter outlines the principles, values and ethical behaviour underpinning international volunteering for sustainable development. All members joining the network agree to, and sign, the Forum Charter. By so-doing, members affirm their commitment to a set of principles, values and ethical behaviour underpinning international volunteering cooperation. The Charter is embedded in Forum’s identity and contextualised in Forum’s Strategic Plans. The 2021-2025 Strategic Plan aims to promote a diverse, effective and influential global community of volunteer organisations and initiatives in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Forum Charter recognises that:
- International volunteering is a uniquely innovative and effective avenue for the creation of constructive relationships between nations, communities, individuals and across cultures.
- International volunteering, when based on respectful, open human to human relationships and mutual exchange (the sharing of oneself, reciprocal learning, and exchange of skills, ideas and the ability to be humble) can be a catalyst for practical achievement in tackling shared development challenges. Thus, contributing in practical ways to the creation of a fairer, more caring and socially just world.
- The opportunity to engage in international volunteering and cooperative work is a privilege. The openness and hospitality of host communities should always be acknowledged and valued as it is a core foundation for such exchange to occur.
Please refer to Forum’s Charter for more a detailed description of Forum’s values.
