IVY 2026: Why This Year Matters for Volunteers

Have you heard of IVY 2026?

It stands for the International Volunteer Year 2026. The United Nations has officially declared 2026 as the year to celebrate volunteers and their power to change the world.

This is a big deal in the volunteering world. The last time we had a dedicated "International Year of Volunteers" was back in 2001—25 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but one thing remains the same: the world relies on people helping people.

What is the Goal of IVY 2026?

The official theme is "Volunteers for Sustainable Development." That sounds fancy, but it really just means recognizing that volunteers are the engine behind almost every healthy community.

The main goals for 2026 are:

• Recognition: Celebrating everyone who gives their time, whether it's at a formal charity or just helping a neighbor.
• Investment: Encouraging governments and organizations to actually fund and support volunteer programs.
• Measurement: trying to measure the massive impact volunteers have, which often goes unnoticed.

How You Can Get Involved

Since 2026 is the big year, now is the time to start thinking about how to participate.

1. Just Start: You don't need to wait for a formal event. Look around your neighborhood. Is there a need you can fill?
2. Share Your Story: If you run a volunteer group, share stories of your volunteers. Use the hashtag #IVY2026 to join the global conversation.
3. Check Local Listings: Many cities will be launching special events or "challenges" this year to log volunteer hours. Keep an eye on your local volunteer center.

The Bottom Line

IVY 2026 is a global "Thank You" card to the millions of people who show up for their communities. Whether you are a long-time volunteer or someone just thinking about getting started, 2026 is your year.

Let's make it count!

Learn more about this great initiative here.