Experts from the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research have analyzed two initiatives aimed at developing volunteer activities in Ukraine. These include the State Target Social Program for the Development of Volunteering until 2030 and the draft resolution regarding the creation of the "Volunteer Power – Community Recovery"program.
Both documents demonstrate the state's desire to systematize support for the volunteer sector, which plays a critically important role in the context of war and national recovery.
What the State Target Social Program for the Development of Volunteering until 2030 Entails
The program is aimed at forming a unified volunteering ecosystem, strengthening coordination between the state and volunteers, and protecting the families of deceased volunteers.
The document contains several provisions that could have a positive effect on society, particularly for civil society organizations (CSOs):
- Systemic support for the institutional capacity of CSOs that engage volunteers;
- Creation of a comprehensive training program for volunteer activity coordinators;
- Safety policy training, briefings on working with children and vulnerable groups, and standards for preventing violence and exploitation;
- Creation of a state information and analytical platform for volunteering;
- Development of international cooperation, including participation in programs of the EU, Council of Europe, NATO, and others;
- Implementation of life and health insurance mechanisms for volunteers.
At the same time, experts draw attention to several risks. These include a potential increase in the administrative burden on organizations, unequal access to state support, and the risk of over-centralizing the management of volunteer activities.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of implementation will ultimately determine whether the program becomes a functional tool for supporting volunteering or remains a largely declarative document.
Read the full analysis.
Draft Resolution "On Appealing to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Regarding the Development and Approval of the State Program 'Volunteer Power – Community Recovery'": New Opportunities and Challenges
Draft Resolution No. 15178 envisages the development of a specific state program aimed at engaging volunteers in community recovery processes, particularly through funding, training, insurance, and the creation of coordination platforms.
Potential positive aspects for civil society organizations include:
- A political mandate to create a state program, ensuring a systemic approach to community recovery;
- The possibility of state funding for volunteer initiatives;
- Simplified interaction between CSOs and government bodies;
- Creating conditions for engaging veterans and international partners.
At the same time, the draft resolution contains several risks. These include a lack of specific financial calculations, risks of unequal access to resources, potential duplication of functions between authorities and CSOs, and a possible increase in the bureaucratic burden.
In general, the "Volunteer Power – Community Recovery" program has the potential to become a systemic tool for reconstruction, provided it is supported by high-quality regulatory and financial frameworks and is aligned with the provisions of the State Target Social Program for the Development of Volunteering until 2030.
Read the full analysis.
UCIPR experts note that both initiatives signal the gradual formation of a state policy in the field of volunteering. However, the effectiveness of these decisions will depend on the quality of their implementation, the transparency of support mechanisms, and the involvement of the public sector in decision-making.
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Institutional support for UCIPR's activities is provided by the East Europe Foundation within the "Phoenix: Power of Communities" project, supported by the European Union. The content of the materials created is the sole responsibility of UCIPR and does not necessarily reflect the position of the East Europe Foundation or the EU.
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