Monthly Themes for International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001

January

Civic Participation Celebrating volunteers and activists involved in supporting their society and community. These may include parents’ and friends groups, life education and skills, service clubs, lobbyists, individuals and organisations assisting retired servicemen and women, and fundraisers.

February

Arts and Heritage / Tourism Appealing to volunteers working in the arts and heritage fields such as theatre, community magazines, arts festivals, art galleries, radio, film, historical societies, conservation trusts and museums.

March

Environment To coincide with Clean Up Australia Day

April

Young People To include celebrations for Youth Week held in April. Appealing to volunteers involved with young peoples’ magazines, radio, street culture groups, art, music, festivals, clubs of any kind (sports), health and welfare. The theme will also focus on promoting the benefits of young people becoming involved in all volunteer activities and groups that encourage personal development.

May

Celebrate the diversity of volunteering To encompass National Volunteers Week held in May and celebrate the different facets of volunteering, including "unrecognised" volunteering. It will also recognise and celebrate varying concepts of volunteering in indigenous and multicultural communities.

June

Family and Community Support To coincide with the winter appeals and include volunteers involved in mental health, family support, welfare, transport services for the disadvantaged, accommodation, crisis assistance, self help and community health.

July

International Neighbours Celebrating those who volunteer overseas, including volunteers with aid organisations, welfare organisations and sporting events, and those in Australia who support disadvantaged international neighbor's.

August

Pets / Animals This theme celebrates volunteers providing care for the pets of those who are ill, animal welfare activists, guide dog associations, pet visitation services in hospital, animal and pet festivals, and care services.

September

Sport and Recreation To coincide with the Winter Sport finals. Celebrating volunteers in the sports, tourism and recreation fields such as major sporting events and festivals, recreational activities, weekend sports and tournaments, and sports for fun.

October

People with Disabilities / Companions Coinciding with Careers week in October, this theme celebrates people who give time in their lives as companions for people with disabilities, including assisting them with essential daily living tasks and other volunteers who assist with recreational and sporting activities. It also recognises the volunteer effort of many people with disabilities themselves who strive to make a significant contribution in their own right to the well being and advancement of their communities.

November

Emergency Services Timing of this theme will coincide with the disaster / beach season and rescue of others. May include volunteers working in the SES, bush fire brigades and lifesavers.

December

Corporate Celebrating corporate volunteer programs and participation by corporate bodies in volunteering activities, festivals and events.