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"Volunteerism is universal and strengthens social inclusion, solidarity and ownership. It is a global phenomenon that transcends boundaries, religions and cultural divides;

It goes by di�erent names and �nds di�erent applications in di�erent contexts;It is an expression of civic engagement, and of individuals’ involvement in their

communities (be it local, national or international).”

UNV position statement on the post-2015 Development Agenda

UNV Samoa

Volunteer voicesVolunteerism Enriches and Endows

For more information visithttp://www.unvolunteers.orghttp://www.onlinevolunteering.orghttp://www.volunteeractioncounts.orghttp://www.undp.org.ws UNV is administratively part of UNDP

My name is Richard Crichton. Volunteering has always been a part of my life. I have served in multiple capacities through church volunteer services, community involvement, and charity work. I �rst became a United Nations Volunteer in November 2010 when I was selected for the assignment as the UNV Programme Associate for the Community-based Adaptation (CBA) programme under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Samoa.

Through my UN Volunteer experience with UNDP, I developed a passion for highlighting the impact of climate change and the additional threats to the most vulnerable in society. I was also involved with gender issues under the National Gender Group and other similar focus groups. All of these experiences enriched my knowledge of critical global issues, and helped build a professional pro�le that has worked towards career advancement.This advancement came in the form of new career opportunities as employers were able to see capabilities that my resume was unable to highlight adequately. I learned of important issues surrounding the Paci�c Islands and attended important events and conferences in the Paci�c region. I was able to display a variety of skills including management and coordination of activities. Volunteering also gave me a sense of achievement in ful�lling work I am passionate about. Being a volunteer has blessed my life abundantly, and it helped pave the way to my chosen career path. Now, years later, I work full-time for the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations.I can only look back and see the positive steps I chose that got me here today.Volunteerism has enriched and endowed me in ways I never thought possible.

Richard Crichton, FAO Programme Associate in Samoa from Samoa

Volunteerism is a way for people to contribute their time, skills and

knowledge without a desire for financial gain to achieve a

common goal

Why volunteer?As a volunteer, you are making important economic and social

contributions to make the world a better place. Being volunteer allows you to gain a better understanding of the issues affecting society, while helping people solve these issues in

small or significant ways.

What UN Volunteer does?

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development

through volunteerism worldwide.

What is volunteerism?

With partners, UNV advocates for volunteerism, integrates volunteerism into development planning and mobilizes

volunteers.

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National UN Volunteers - National UN Volunteer assign-ments in Samoa are advertised on UNDP Samoa website and UNV Pacific Facebook site, which you can follow for open assignment and instructions on how to apply.

International UN Volunteers - UNV recruits a great diversity of talents and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities in the fields of development assistance and humanitarian and peacekeeping operations around the world. To apply, please register your application at www.unv.org/en/how-to-volunteer/

Online volunteer - UNV’s Online Volunteering (OV) service connects development organizations and volun-teers over the Internet and supports their effective online collaboration. Visit www.onlinevolunteering.org for more information.

Join UNV in Samoa and

abroad

How to become a UN Volunteer?