Give your heart to grow your heart!
Empowering young people across Europe to get involved and bring positive change to their communities
Volunteering
At the YMCA we’ve been putting youth at the forefront of change for more than 180 years, giving them the opportunity and context to act for a better world. Now, in a time when young people globally face a unique set of challenges, it is more important than ever for them to step up and join hands for a more just society.
Volunteer for change! We want young people in Europe to take the next step in their personal journey and join us in building stronger, more resilient communities. The story of volunteering is still being written, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it. By joining the movement, you become a catalyst for change, contributing to a legacy of kindness and service that stretches back centuries.
Why should you volunteer?
The benefits of volunteering are profound. Volunteers often find a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, experiencing lower stress and greater happiness. The act of giving fosters strong social bonds and creates supportive communities. Volunteering fills critical gaps in social services, providing essential support to those in need, especially in times of crisis.
Did you know?
- There are more than 92 million volunteers across Europe¹.
- When you perform an act for someone else it creates a euphoric feel commonly known as the “helper’s high”².
- People who volunteer have a 27% higher chance of employment³.
Why join the YMCA as a volunteer?
Our rich tradition in youth work begins in 1844, when George Williams, seeing the material and social deprivation young people were facing in mid-19th century London, set the cornerstone of what would become the YMCA. He offered young people the opportunity to develop their skills and intellect, encouraging them to involve themselves in the life of the community.
Since our founding, the YMCA has made an impact in 120 countries across the globe, serving more than 60 million people annually. The invention of basketball, volleyball and futsal, a Nobel Peace Prize and the constant dedication to the wellbeing of youth and communities for more than two centuries, all of these and so many more achievements can be attributed to the YMCA.
Joining the YMCA means joining a global community where caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, diversity and conviction guide our every action.
How can you join?
Due to our significant global reach, the closest YMCA might be closer to you than you expect! Check the list of national movements below to see how you can get involved now.
Take our campaign one step further!
Are you ready to share your volunteer story with the wider YMCA Europe community? Do you want to inspire others to step up and volunteer for change? Let us know what volunteering means to you and how it can transform communities by sharing your story online and using the hashtag #GiveToGrow during our campaign week November 28th – December 5th 2024!
Want to get involved and help spread the word during our campaign week? Check out our Resource Kit! It’s packed with media materials for national movements and advocates to celebrate current volunteers and raise awareness about the power of volunteering.
¹Birgitt Sittermann, “Volunteering in the European Union: An Overview on National Differences in the EU Member States”
²Larry Dossey, “The Helper’s High”
³ “Volunteer Statistics”, Volunteer Hub