Volunteers often put their heart and soul into promoting peace. Their dedication isn’t just a job, it’s their life’s mission. This often involves a mix of professional and volunteer dedication. Sometimes even to the point where it is difficult for people to set their own boundaries. This intrinsic drive is, however, also coupled with expectations. Volunteers want to do meaningful work in which they can get involved.
Their contributions also show that voluntary work continues to play an important role at many organizations. At the same time, NGOs also feel that the increasing trend towards professionalization is a consequence of complex challenges and a higher demand for efficiency and quality. The trend manifests itself in two ways: On the one hand, there is a proportionately increasing number of paid workers in the voluntary sector. And on the other hand, voluntary work itself is becoming professionalized. Preparations are becoming more extensive and the demands are becoming greater. It poses the question of whether the ever-increasing entry threshold is not an issue as the appeal of voluntary work is decreasing. Then again, it is of course also important that volunteers are well trained so that they are well prepared for their work.
Furthermore, despite the trend towards the professionalization of the organizations, the importance of grassroots contact is being emphasized again and again. Those at this level are closer to the action and have a better level of contact with society. Adopting various methods, peacebuilding organizations therefore endeavor to involve grassroots organizations in discussions.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Amélie Lustenberger, Editor of KOFF Magazine
