What if Volunteering ended tomorrow?

Universidade Católica Portuguesa joins the campaign "What if Volunteering Ended Tomorrow?", an initiative of the Portuguese Confederation of Volunteering (CPV).

Portugal has a much lower rate of Volunteering than the average in Europe. Even so, young people represent the age group which does most volunteering in Portugal.

In this context, we invite all young people aged 15 to 30 living in Portugal to complete this survey by April 29.

After collecting, analysing and processing the data, a report will be created with a reliable portrait of Youth Volunteering in Portugal. This will be disseminated and, subsequently, an action strategy will be developed to meet the challenges, wishes and ambitions of young people in Portugal in the field of volunteering. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to promote youth volunteering in Portugal.

CPV represents more than half a million volunteers, who put their time and talent at the service of the community. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many social challenges and intensified the difficulties of many families, who now face increased challenges for which the cooperation of all is needed.

Volunteering is essential to give a hand to the most vulnerable. However, are the younger generations aware of the importance of caring for those to whom life has not given so many reasons to smile? If yes, what are their motivations and needs? If not, what needs to change and what path should be followed?

For Eugénio Fonseca, president of CPV, "This is an initiative of singular importance and that fills us with pride. It is very good to realize that there are young people concerned about the direction that society is taking. It is time to act and prepare the future and CPV wants to be in the front line for the construction of a fairer, happier and more equitable world".