Volunteer Recognition Day is an American holiday dedicated to volunteers. It serves as a kind of sign of gratitude from the public. Volunteering is an important and useful activity that helps to solve many problems in society. Volunteers take care of the elderly, orphans, bring water and food to the settlements affected by natural disasters or military operations. It is celebrated annually on April 20.
History
The history of Volunteer Recognition Day is centuries old. The concept of volunteerism was first mentioned in the 1930s of the 17th century, but the term entered the information space only in the second half of the 18th century. Initially, it was associated with military action. It is logical, because women volunteered to go to the front as medics or sewed elements of military uniforms for soldiers, volunteered for the war in order to protect their loved ones and their country.
In 1863 the first volunteer organization, the Red Cross, was organized. The initiator was Henry Dunant, who decided to create an association that would help wounded soldiers and injured people during conflicts.
Today volunteering is a broader concept than before. It touches on many social issues to support low-income families, the elderly, and so on. Various actions to clean up garbage, in which city residents take part, are also the work of volunteers.
Interesting facts
- A key feature of volunteering is that it is uncompensated. Volunteers do not take money for their work and help unselfishly.
- According to psychologists, volunteer work is one of the best ways to pump your social skills and learn to communicate with people.
How to celebrate
Find out more about the work of volunteers in your city/state. If you are able and willing, join their movement. You can volunteer for a day to get a feel for the work. Help out at animal shelters and orphanages by bringing food, clothes, medicine, toys, etc.
Spread the word about the holiday on social media. Let more people know about it.
When Volunteer Recognition Day celebrated in 2024?
Volunteer Recognition Day is observed on April 20 each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Saturday | April | 20 | 2024 |
| Sunday | April | 20 | 2025 |
