There are many reasons to volunteer, both personal and altruistic. A well-rounded experience will take both into account. The personal joys that one will experience should complement the ways in which one is responding to the needs of the local community.

Approaching a volunteer experience and best preparing for it includes evaluating both individual goals and gaining a greater understanding of the sustainability goals that the volunteer project is contributing towards.

Further Reading: Learn more about how volunteering can contribute towards an individual’s personal happiness.

What Are the Global Goals?

On September 25th, 2015 the United Nations outlined 17 sustainable development goals creating a call to action for measurable progress towards their outlined targets.

Topics emphasised included:

• Poverty
• Renewable energy
• No hunger
• Peace and justice
• Gender equality

All goals have a particular agenda which will ideally be met by 2030. Setting these goals is a vital step towards inspiring change and creating positive forward momentum. Further explore each goal and its specific targets on the UN’s website.

The establishment of the UN sustainable development goals is a massive leap in a positive direction, both for our environment and humanity in general. However, goals don’t mean much if there is no action supporting them.

How is Volunteering Connected to the Sustainable Development Goals?

By engaging with pre-established organisations individuals can actively contribute to the sustainable development goals. GVI volunteer programmes have been created with the UN’s sustainable development goals in mind.

Take a closer look at how GVI programmes and individual volunteers have made steps towards their progression and ultimate success.

Further Reading: Learn how GVI’s international service learning programmes are also contributing towards the UN sustainable development goals.