We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN BULGARIA.
- Authors
Dimitrov, Simeon
- Abstract
Current study traces the development of volunteering in modern society in the context of social work. The research analyses the situation of the voluntary sector in Bulgaria and its development. The objectives of the present study are the opportunities provided by voluntary work and the realization of volunteers in the voluntary sector, as well as the voluntary activities in the country, realized mainly by the non-governmental sector and spontaneously formed informal groups. 668 volunteers in various fields of work were interviewed, both from formed informal groups and from the wrong sector. The analysis of the results shows that the main factor for the development of voluntary creation is the impact on the social environment. The society provides a positive attitude to volunteering in Bulgaria, but the problem with the lack of a legal framework and policies has a negative impact on the public breaking of the terminological concepts and functions of the volunteer resource in the country. Other factors that embarrass active involvement in volunteer initiatives are influenced by the lack of a supportive educational or work environment, which further complicates the implementation of volunteer initiatives. The lack of mechanisms and a supportive environment in the institutions are also an obstacle to the implementation of voluntary activities. Public opinion influence is a key factor for the development of the voluntary sector in the country. A large percentage of volunteers do not share their volunteer work, unsure of the reaction of the other party. Support of specialists aimed at future and current volunteers, would make them more open to others, more empathetic and willing to help. Volunteering does not depend on the personal characteristics of the volunteers. Each person shows individuality, it is even possible that there are no points of contact and similarities between the volunteers (including gender, race, religion, age, etc.) and this does not show a reflection. The volunteer community has a clear position in society and understands the nature and importance of volunteering, thanks to the accumulation of volunteer experience over the years. For the respondents, the definition of volunteering was associated with dedication and willingness to perform actions for the benefit of society, without financial gain, neglecting their own interests and showing altruistic motives. Society is increasingly defining and distinguishing voluntary initiatives from the single manifestation of a voluntary act and understands its meaning, but adheres to a standardized and somewhat unrealistic model. The society has mostly positive attitudes about the need for volunteers, as they rely on the need for impartial support of the society and the quality development of personal and social qualities in young people.
- Subjects
BULGARIA; VOLUNTEER service; ALTRUISM; SOCIAL context; QUALITY of life
- Publication
Knowledge: International Journal, 2021, Vol 46, Issue 5, p903
- ISSN
2545-4439
- Publication type
Article