Better volunteering management needed as volunteer numbers rise

By CCTV reporter Tang Bo
The year 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the China Youth Volunteer Service Action, following the Communist Party of China’s decision to develop voluntary services in all areas, as released in the Party’s 18th National Congress report. In line with this, the Volunteering Expo 2013 was opened in Beijing on Thursday to provide a platform for discussion, exchanges, and showcasing of volunteering achievement for participants.

Around 1000 participants, from more than 400 organizations, all in search of better volunteering experiences in China. The fourth annual Volunteering Expo serves as a platform where participants exchange their ideas on developing and promoting volunteerism in China.
“We hope the expo can deepen the international exchanges and cooperation on volunteering, and help the Chinese volunteers play a more important role in international voluntary services.” said Yang Haibin, Deputy Secretary, China Communist Youth League Beijing Committee.
Volunteering in China has made significant progress. According to government statistics, there are around 40 million registered volunteers nationwide. That is around 3 percent of the Chinese population. But compared to the 30 to 40 percent volunteer participation rate in some developed countries, there is still huge potential for volunteering development in China.
The number of volunteers is growing rapidly in China. The list of registered volunteers has seen steady growth with an annual increase of about 3 million. But not many of their rights are legally protected.
The Beijing Volunteer Association conducted a survey in 2011, which shows that, among 278 voluntary organizations in Beijing, less than 12 percent of them signed contracts with their volunteers, while only about half of the organizations purchased safety insurance.
Fanny Chan, country director of vso China, wants legislation to better protect volunteers’ rights and prevent them from becoming cheap labor.
VSO China is an independent international development organization that offers volunteers a chance to work abroad to fight poverty in developing countries.
Today, volunteers are active in all parts of society, and are progressing toward more long-term and skills based. Experts say it won’t be difficult for China to boost the number of volunteers, but providing necessary support and protection for them will be challenging.

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