Principles of volunteering:

• Volunteering benefits the community and the volunteer
• Volunteer work is unpaid
• Volunteering is always a matter of choice
• Volunteering is not compulsorily undertaken to receive pensions or government allowances
• Volunteering is a legitimate way in which citizens can participate in the activities of their community
• Volunteering is a vehicle for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs
• Volunteering is an activity performed in the not-for-profit sector only
• Volunteering is not a substitute for paid work
• Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others
• Volunteering promotes human rights and equality