Volonteurope is a European wide network, registered originally in the Netherlands and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011. It fosters action, debate and reflection on Active European Citizenship, democracy, shared values, common history and culture through its members and partners. Between them, Volonteurope's 200 members and over 600 partners provides opportunities for volunteering, civic participation and interaction in Europe's democratic processes for tens of thousands of Europeans. Many of today's most active groups in active citizenship started life as members of Volonteurope, its sphere of activity is not only limited to the European union, as an active member of the Council of Europe Volonteurope reaches out to members all over Europe and has been responsible for working to get recognition for the European year of Volunteering 2011 in the Council of Europe and its 48 member states.
One of the strengths of Volonteurope's membership includes the capacity to involve a wide range of actors, not only from the civil society and volunteer-involving organisations, but also institutions from across the not-for-profit, public, governmental and private sectors. This approach enables Volonteurope to share best practice from across the broad spectrum of work with volunteers, the civil society and beyond.
Since its inception, the organisation's principle aims have been to promote voluntary action throughout the European Union as a mechanism for Active European Citizenship, as well as to ensure that volunteers receive recognition. These objectives are being continuously achieved by facilitating research, the exchange of information and best practice, cooperation and networking, training opportunities and the development of cross-country partnerships amongst Volonteurope's members and partners.
