Social Development | Europe & Central Asia May 2012 75388 Promoting Youth Volunteerism in Bosnia and Herzegovina Volunteerism strengthens social cohesion and con- 1. The Volunteer Sector in Bosnia tributes to inclusive national and regional growth;1 the community, the volunteers, and wider society all reap and Herzegovina the benefits. Through their work, volunteers develop a wide range of useful skills, and gain knowledge and Historical context access to people and situations that open doors to Volunteerism has a long history in BH, linked to strong future opportunities. community solidarity. Family members and neighbors supported those in need (e.g., to organize big social In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), volunteer work is not events such as weddings or funerals). This well-rooted a new concept; it has deep cultural roots. However, a custom is called “moba� and was particularly common strategic and structured approach to volunteerism has in rural areas.2 Traditionally, religious institutions also yet to be developed, including a national framework encouraged volunteerism. The four primary religions with robust legal and institutional guidelines. This note represented in BH (Islam, Orthodox, Catholicism and explores the potential to expand youth volunteerism Judaism) formed “the basis for certain social norms such in BH so young people can (i) improve opportunities as mutual help and voluntary work for the benefit of the for their social and economic development; (ii) make wider community�,3 in particular, organized assistance to valuable contributions to community wellbeing; and (iii) the most vulnerable. This tradition continues today, with ease their transition into productive adult employment volunteer activities organized by a wide range of civil and citizenship. The note presents an overview of the society organizations. history of volunteerism in BH, and a review of the existing framework, including institutional and legal dimensions; it After World War II, in the newly founded Socialist describes and compares volunteer sector norms in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, religious groups lost European Union, Slovenia, and Croatia, and identifies their significance and volunteerism was overseen by good practices in these countries for volunteerism the State. However, community volunteer opportunities outreach and promotion. The note concludes with continued to exist, particularly for youth, although they opportunities and challenges for the volunteer sector were unrecognized legally. State authorities organized and recommendations to advance practices, in particular and controlled unpaid work through several government among youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. associations, for example, the Socialist Union of 1 Eurofound, 2011. 2 CEV, 2008. 3 Kacapor, 2002. 1 the Working People of Yugoslavia (SSRNJ). Work was rights and responsibilities for volunteers and volunteer organized on multiple levels of state administration.4 organizations (e.g., contracts between volunteers and Children participated in mainly environmental activities organizations).10 Local authorities are committed to through obligatory school programs; members of the defining recognition and reward mechanisms for volun- Union of the Socialist Youth (SSO) participated in popular teerism in local communities. The Law on Volunteering Youth Working Actions (Radne Akcije), which supported defines principles, such as equal treatment, protection, large-scale community works that involved construction prevention of misuse (especially of minors); it specifies and reconstruction. Young citizen participation was criteria for reimbursement of expenditures incurred viewed as highly positive, although most so-called during volunteer activities (travel costs, required work “volunteer� work was organized by the central clothing and equipment, meals and accommodations, government, and lacked social or democratic involvement training, and medical services). The Law indicates that or community ownership.5 volunteers who travel for work are eligible for an advance on out-of-pocket expenses in amounts not to exceed 50 Understandably since that time, volunteerism has been percent of official civil servant per diem rates; the Law viewed as reactive not proactive, which in part, explains also details penalties for non compliance, including fines. why the BH voluntary sector is underdeveloped.6 After Early in 2009, a working group from the Federation of the 1990s war and during successful implementation BH (the other entity) discussed a Law on Volunteering of the Dayton Peace Agreement, civil society develop- and consulted with civil society representatives and ment and volunteerism focused on humanitarian aid for experts. By end-2009, they had a draft law that was reconstruction and development. Since BH local and presented to the Youth Commission of the Federation entity governments have limited resources to provide Parliament.11 The process was advanced in 2011 and social services using existing infrastructure, non-govern- on December 5, International Volunteer Day, the Youth mental and voluntary sectors assumed a major role in Commission initiated the draft Law on Volunteering at social services and community development activities.7 the Federation Parliament. The Commission gave its More recently in BH, significant efforts have been made assurance that the new law will regulate volunteerism to build civil society and expand volunteerism; these are and will acknowledge long-term volunteering as work now bearing fruit—the number of volunteers is begin- experience. The Law entered parliamentary procedures; ning to rise, especially among youth.8 public hearings on the draft Law are expected to follow at the first regular session of the Federation Parliament Volunteers and Legal Regulations in 2012. In BH, volunteer work is subject to some legal regu- Youth Volunteerism lations. At the national level, the Poverty Reduction Strategy for BH states that legislation should be adopt- In 2005, an NGO established the first local ed to promote volunteer work in the social protection volunteer service (LVS) in BH in Banja Lukathe Youth system. Similarly, during 2004-08 in BH, NGOs sought Communication Center (YCC). The LVS provides a to raise awareness of the potential benefits of legisla- basic structure to encourage citizens to volunteer, to tion to formally recognize and protect volunteers and help organize and coordinate local volunteer work, and volunteerism. A working group comprising United to gain public recognition for volunteer contributions Nations volunteers, national and international organiza- to local development. In partnership with NGOs, YCC tions, and government developed a draft National Law established seven more local volunteer services in BH.12 on Volunteering, which has yet to be endorsed by parlia- In 2009, the ninth was established in Brcko within the ment at Federation of BH (FBiH) or State levels.9 Red Cross. The LVSs help create volunteer programs that match community needs.13 Today, all nine LVSs At the entity level, the Republika Srpska (RS) adopted operate within the informal network of LVS “Volontiram!�, a Law on Volunteering in July 2008. The Law defines which exists to develop and promote volunteerism. The 4 YCC Banja Luka, 2005. 10 YCC Banja Luka, 2011b. 5 Milosevic, 2005. 11 LVS BH, 2011. 6 Kacapor, 2002. 12 These were in Sarajevo, Doboj (RS), Mrkonjic Grad (RS), Srebrenica 7 Kacapor, 2002. (RS), Trebinje (RS), Bugojno (Federation of BH), and Tuzla (Federation 8 UNDP, 2009. of BH). 9 UNV, 2011. 13 YCC Banja Luka, 2011a. 2 “Volontiram!� is administered by YCC Banja Luka, which II. Volunteering in the EU and is the informal national volunteer center in BH. Selected Neighboring Countries At the national level in BH, the Commission for Coordination of Youth issues within the Ministry of Volunteers are Shaping European Society Civil Affairs, is responsible for youth and youth policy. Although BH has not harmonized the legal definition of A 2010 study by the European Commission estimated youth, at the entity level some legislation on youth exists; that 100 million Europeans volunteer.19 The most active in the RS, a Law on Youth Organizations was adopted volunteers are adults between 30 and 50 years of age. in 2004, but the FBiH lacks a similar law or policy and However, the numbers of younger and older volunteers neither FBiH nor RS has youth action programs. are increasing across the European Union. Among the most important reasons cited for volunteering was Strengthening NGOs in BH led to expanded initiatives pursuing a career path, which demonstrates widespread for youth volunteers at all levels, including national and recognition that volunteering has always been a successful international exchanges and local programs. However, and low-cost strategy for gaining skills and contacts the national rate of formal volunteering remains low; in needed for future employment. 2009, it was only 4.5 percent of the population.14 In 2002, people under 34 years old comprised 70 percent of all Not surprisingly, volunteering is an important component volunteers in BH, according to UNV.15 In 2009, UNDP of the Europe 2020 growth strategy, which aims to research participants found “the majority of volunteers are improve the EU employment rate by helping people young people, i.e., university and high school students.�16 learn new skills and adapt to a changing labor market. The broader social impacts of volunteering contribute Most young volunteers lack other employment and directly to key EU policy objectives, such as social inclu- therefore are not earning income. However, a 2007 sion, employment, education, and skills development.20 survey revealed that many volunteers have had at least The EU recognizes volunteering as a valid form of learning some paid work in the past whereas people who have by providing funding for volunteer activities such as the never had paid employment are less likely to volunteer.17 Youth in Action Program (European Voluntary Service), The survey revealed that 86 percent of people between the Europe for Citizens Program, and the Lifelong the ages of 24 and 30 years had never volunteered Learning Program. because they lacked the time, or had no access to in- formation about volunteer opportunities, or because The European Skills Passport (ESP) is slated to become opportunities did not exist. However, according to LVS the recognized pan-European equivalent of the volunteer experience in Banja Luka, youth would like to volunteer, passport tools now used by some national- or regional- especially at the local level and in long-term placements level volunteer centers.21 Consequently, volunteer centers of two to six months but there are still too few place- will be jointly responsible for promoting the ESP ments available to meet demand. Since the LVSs were among employers throughout Europe. The ESP concept established, local structures have become more effective is a formal process of third-party validation of skills and improved the balance between demand and supply acquisition that makes it possible for passport holders of volunteer placements. Estimates suggest that 10-30 to use their acquired knowledge and skills to seek percent of young people can be considered potential employment or volunteer opportunities throughout volunteers but many still lack information about vol- Europe. Eligible third parties can include training centres, unteer opportunities and benefits.18 Youth volunteers enterprises, schools, or volunteer organizations. The ESP represent enormous potential for BH, but creating an confirms the skills and competencies of passport holders organized cadre of volunteers requires investments in and records are stored securely in a central database, promotion, infrastructure, and legislation on volunteer- ensuring accuracy.22 ing. The next section highlights international experiences that could be adopted in BH to make this happen. The European Year of Voluntary Activities in 2011 promoted active citizenship. In the EU, political 14 UNDP, 2009. 19 UNV, 2009. 15 Kacapor, 2002. 20 EC, 2011. 16 UNDP, 2009. 21 CEV, 2011. 17 Powell et al, 2007. 22 DTI, 2011. 18 Powell et al, 2007. 3 Good Practice Example EU I Good Practice Examples Czech Republic Developing a European Skills Passport (AVSO & CEV, 2003) (European Infonet, 2011) Accreditation of Volunteer-sending The EC plans to launch the new ESP by November 2012. Organization This ESP will record skills acquired during traineeships In the Czech Republic the State channels funding or volunteering (at home and abroad). The ESP will to state-approved volunteer-sending organizations. present job seekers’ abilities and experiences through The support received may cover up to 70 percent of a medium that is accurate, transparent and comparable; volunteer’s costs. People who volunteer for a minimum the ESP will validate skills and competencies acquired during studies, volunteering and employment. of 20 hours per week are entitled to State healthcare insurance and social welfare protection. Unemployed Volunteers developments have affected volunteering and multiple From 2000, the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs efforts have been undertaken to promote voluntary supported unemployed workers, who were allowed to activities. In 1997, the intergovernmental conference perform voluntary activities without losing entitlements adopted Declaration 38 on Volunteering; following this, to their social welfare payments. This national program other EU-level documents have emphasized the role involves young unemployed people as volunteers. One of volunteerism and declared support for volunteers day per week, the young volunteers receive training. across Europe. Recently, the social and economic value After the first year, the program was opened to other of volunteerism was highlighted in EU documents, which unemployed groups, such as workers on maternity leave. called for quantifying its economic value. In 2011, the Several Employment Centers also started to cooperate EC launched the Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting with the program. However, although volunteering for Active Citizenship, which encouraged: (i) dialogue on the unemployed has proven beneficial, it should never replace social measures designed to assist unemployed volunteering; (ii) exchanging good practices; (iii) raising workers. public awareness; (iv) networking among sectors.23 Few EU countries have national legal frameworks to regulate volunteerism. Despite the data vacuum, volunteerism is becoming No uniform regulations exist in the EU, due to the more important to national agendas and many countries diversity and complexity of the volunteer sector across plan to adopt related laws, strategies or policies. Some Member States. A few countries have a national strat- countries also use laws on volunteering to channel funding by offering accreditation for volunteer activities egy for volunteerism but most existing legislative frame- that support government policy goals and objectives for works were adopted after 2001, the UN International public services.25 Most EU Member States support Year of Volunteers. Little information/data are available volunteerism through their tax regimes, typically through on volunteering; what data exist are often unstructured reimbursing expenses for volunteers and exempting or not standardized. Countries with a legal framework non-profit activities from taxation.26 For example, for volunteerism have scant information on its impact. under Romania’s Law on Volunteering (2001), expense Even fewer countries have identified targets, or formal reimbursement to volunteers is tax-exempt.27 In reporting and monitoring arrangements for the vol- Germany, volunteers can receive small tax-exempt unteer sector. The International Labor Organization is stipends of up to 500 euro per year. Other tax benefits developing the first set of international guidelines for include a higher tax allowance for income from training generating regular statistics on volunteerism, which will activities and tax-deductible membership fees for enable cross-country comparisons.24 associations, which qualify as special expenses.28 23 Eurofound, 2011. 26 EC, 2011. 24 GHK, 2010. 27 AVSO & CEV, 2005a. 25 EC, 2011. 28 GHK, 2010. 4 Youth volunteerism is a key European Union policy area Good Practice Example Slovenia I Volunteerism is a key concept in EU youth policy, which Nonformal Learning Record Book and recognizes that young people might seek volunteer Portfolio - NEFIKS opportunities and continue to do so throughout their (GHK, 2009) lives, assuming they have access to good information about volunteer positions and have positive experiences. NEFIKS is a record book and an online portfolio of In 2001, the White Paper, “A new impetus for European nonformal learning achievements of bearers, mainly youth,� was adopted; it highlighted the value of volunteer school and university students and unemployed. NEFIKS activities to individual professional development. In records knowledge acquired through engagement as particular, when opportunities are limited for higher active citizens through work, organized education, work education or finding paid employment, volunteer in camps, and volunteer activities. NEFIKS is a uniform positions are useful to develop marketable skills and a system to validate knowledge and experience acquired in track record of achievements that can be recorded in a nonformal manner. Personal achievement is observed ‘post hoc’ by program leaders and assessed by internal the ESP or equivalent documents. and external assessors from youth centers nationwide. This nationally recognized validation aims to convince Promoting the benefits of volunteer work and integrating employers to consider nonformal education as an volunteerism with the education system as a regular employment reference. It has been recommended that component of a professional career path could encourage universities use NEFIKS as a tool to record the results young people to consider volunteering as integral to their from the practica/practical components of their formal education.29 In many Member States, volunteer skills and examinations. competencies acquired during informal learning are now formally recognized. Some examples include the Austrian Volunteer Passport, the Finnish Recreational Study Book, developing the Slovenian Network of Volunteering the Estonian Volunteer Passport, and the Bulgarian Organizations, which expands access to volunteer Volunteer Record Book. These documents, similar to placements in organizations, represents volunteer the ESP, primarily target young people, recognize their organizations, and provides volunteering information.30 volunteer efforts, and reinforce the benefits of volunteer In addition, an informal framework included a network work. These passport/books document the type and of volunteer organizations, a biannual volunteer congress duration of volunteer work and skills acquired, and and a professional code of conduct for volunteer can be used to convey this information to prospective work.31 employers, ideally to encourage employers to hire those who have been volunteers. For example, the Austrian The Code of Ethics for Organized Volunteering includes Economic Chambers and the Employment Service basic recommendations and minimum quality standards recognize the Volunteer Passport. for volunteer work; all volunteer organizations are expected to comply.32 In February 2011, during the Volunteering in Slovenia European Year of Volunteering, Slovenia adopted a new Law on Volunteering, led by the Ministry of Public In Slovenia, volunteerism has a long tradition; volunteers Administration and in consensus with Slovenian NGOs. are an integral part of civil society, and can address The Law defines volunteer rights, obligations, principles multiple social needs and challenges. Since Slovenia’s and mechanisms; it introduced systematic monitoring of independence in 1991, many civil society volunteer voluntary work hours; it requires volunteer organizations programs have been developed, including the NGO to issue certificates specifying skills gained by volunteers “Slovenian Philanthropy (Slovenska Filantropija): during their assignments, which can be used as references Association for the Promotion and Development of when seeking employment.33 Volunteering� and the “Society for Development of Preventive and Voluntary Work�. In 2003, these two Under the Law, organizations must maintain records associations initiated a joint program, “Activities to of volunteers and their work assignments; they must Promote Volunteering in Slovenia.� This resulted in provide training and mentors, and cover any costs 29 EC, 2011. 32 Prostovoljstvo, 2006. 30 Value, 2009. 33 UKOM, 2011. 31 Rakar et al, 2011. 5 incurred by volunteers in carrying out their work. Several Slovenian universities have established student Unemployed workers who volunteer do not lose their volunteer programs that provide mentors to supervise unemployment status and are able to maintain their and assist volunteers, and counselors for oversight. So benefits. The Law introduced a State prize and an Award far, the programs are not accredited within the academic for the Volunteer of the Year, issued by the National system.40 Youth Council; a National Association of Volunteers will be created, which will offer insurance coverage for Volunteerism in Croatia volunteers.34 Organizations that are managed and run mostly by volunteers are VAT exempt.35 Since the Law Volunteering is based on a long tradition of community on Volunteering was just enacted, no data are available solidarity and support. In 2001, the National Committee on practical implications. for the Development of Volunteering was established, and consultations were held with stakeholders. In 2007, Youth Volunteering is Promoted and Encouraged the Croatian Parliament adopted a Law on Volunteering, the first of its kind in the country and the region; the Law Most Slovenian volunteers are young people—either complements other national laws and defines relations secondary school students 15-18 years, or youth, 19- among volunteers, organizers and beneficiaries. 30 years of age according to the Ministry of Education and Sport. Adults older than 30 years of age, and The Law promotes a supportive social environment for particularly those over 64, are significantly less likely than volunteer work, but also seeks to prevent misuses.41 youth to volunteer.36 Only 10 to 19 percent of adults It regulates terminology, principles and conditions; it were volunteers.37 prevents discrimination or exploitation; it protects beneficiaries and minors; and it regulates contracts, Government encourages volunteering by co-financing international volunteer positions, the code of ethics, voluntary work programs and introducing volunteering and volunteering certificates. The Law anticipates into school curricula through educational reforms.38 government funding of the National Board for the Each year the Government Office of Youth launches a Development of Volunteering, and the National Volun- public campaign highlighting youth voluntary activities. In teer of the Year Award. a successful system for youth volunteering in primary and secondary schools, students are offered a specified So far, National Labor Law has not been amended to align number of hours of volunteering in their communities as with the Law on Volunteering resulting in some conflicts. an annual extra-curricular activity for which they receive For example, Labor Law does not recognize volunteer a certificate of participation.39 Early positive experiences status among registered unemployed persons; therefore with volunteering can lay the foundation for students to the State is required to withhold support payments while continue volunteer activities throughout their lives for they are volunteering. It is anticipated that the two Laws the benefit of communities and society as a whole. will eventually be aligned. Regional Volunteer Centers Support Youth Volunteering Good Practice Example Slovenia II Study Credits for Volunteering Croatia has four regional volunteer centers: the Volunteer Center Osijek, the Volunteer Center within (Trasner, 2010) the Association for Civil Society Development SMART in Rijeka, the Volunteer Center within the Association MI The University of Ljubljana introduced a system of accreditation that formally recognizes skills gained by in Split, and the Volunteer Center Zagreb. These centers young people through volunteer work; each student promote and develop volunteerism on the local, regional, receives two credits for 60 hours of volunteering and national levels; they offer training in volunteer per year. management and public education on volunteerism; they conduct research.42 Potential volunteers are introduced 34 GHK, 2009. 39 CEV, 2007. 35 EC, 2011. 40 AVSO & CEV, 2005b. 36 GHK, 2009. 41 Horvat, 2007. 37 UKOM, 2011. 42 CEV, 2008. 38 GHK, 2009. 6 to volunteer opportunities, and interested organizations work.45 Two articles in the Law refer to trainees (Article are linked with volunteers. All four regional volunteer 26) and volunteer work (Article 28).46 Article 26 sets centers in Croatia primarily target youth. out that an employer can train individuals who have not worked before and who seek professional work The Croatian Volunteer Centers Network is a joint experience in their field of studies. The trainees receive project of the four volunteer centers. The Network in- a training contract and unpaid on-the-job training for fluences public policies and legislation and promotes and a maximum of one year. Article 28 regulates cases establishes educational standards in volunteerism and in which professional work experience or passing volunteer management; it disseminates public informa- professional exams are obligatory for employment. The tion about volunteerism, ensures quality standards for Law regards this not as employment but as volunteer volunteer services, and develops good practices.43 work; however, the volunteer must receive a contract and accident and medical insurance. Therefore, it might The National Youth Program in Croatia emphasizes be more accurate to refer to this arrangement as an student learning through community volunteerism (Edu- internship.47 By contrast, volunteer work is undertaken cation, Measure 12). The program aims to expand youth in any field of choice, is not an obligation, and does not volunteer opportunities (Participation, Measure 7) and seek work experience specifically to pass examinations to promote youth volunteers to institutions and compa- or to achieve professional credentials or qualifications. nies with the help of volunteer centers.44 2. Improve monitoring of the implementation of existing III. Volunteering in BH: Challenges, legal regulations on volunteerism Opportunities, Recommendations Despite the successful adoption of a Law on Volunteer- ing in RS, challenges remain for implementation. So Over the last decade, stakeholders have made a signifi- far, no established methodology for monitoring and cant effort to strengthen civil society and promote the implementation of this Law exists and according to the concept of volunteerism. Numerous volunteer activities YCC in Banja Luka, the Law is not always respected in and policy changes are ongoing in BH, but many chal- RS municipalities.48 To facilitate implementation of the lenges remain. This section discusses these challenges, as Law, the YCC in Banja Luka initiated and created well as opportunities and recommendations for stake- volunteerism policies for seven municipalities in RS: holders seeking to promote volunteerism and support Mrkonjic Grad, Laktasi, Trebinje, Doboj, Derventa, an enabling environment for youth volunteers in BH. Srebrenica, and Banja Luka. The policies cover local guidelines for expanding volunteerism, establishing Challenges & Opportunities priorities, developing recognition systems, and implementing the policies locally. These local policies 1. Clarify the legal framework for volunteering should be monitored to evaluate their impacts. If successful, local volunteerism policies could be drafted The UN 2001 International Year of Volunteers for municipal-level volunteering in FBiH, until an entity emphasized that an enabling national framework Law on Volunteering is enacted. for volunteerism is an important precondition for a volunteer movement to flourish. A clear national legal 3. Record volunteer work in official labor cards framework would distinguish and clarify the roles of paid and volunteer staff, and ensure legal recognition of civil An additional challenge to expanding volunteerism in society volunteer activities. BH is that volunteer work is ineligible for official labor card records (Radna Knjizica). Under FBiH Labor Law,49 At the FBiH level, another challenge is that volunteerism the labor card is an official document issued by municipal is now regulated only through the Labor Law, which governments upon request for every person over the does not adequately reflect the concept of volunteer age of 15 years and includes an entire employment 43 UNV, 2009. 48 YCC Banja Luka, 2011a. 44 MoF, 2009. 49 The card records education, qualifications, work experience, long-term 45 LVS BH, 2011. absences from work, unemployment, working days and hours in odd 46 Sluzbene Novine FBiH, 1999. jobs, social insurance, and pension services. (Sluzbene Novine FBiH, 47 LVS BH, 2011. 1999). 7 history.50 However, eligible forms of employment include records. This would remove a current disincentive to only officially registered full-time work experience. volunteer, and enhance the ability of young volunteers to Volunteer work, even full-time, is now not eligible for use volunteer work experience to seek employment or the official labor card because it is unpaid work job promotions. undertaken without an employment contract. This is a disincentive for potential volunteers because it 3. Monitor the implementation of existing legal disqualifies valuable volunteer work experience, which regulations cannot be recorded for use in a job search. Alternative means of recording volunteer contributions, such as The Law on Volunteering in RS has been enacted but a volunteer passport, could also be considered if the implementation is lagging; therefore it needs to be moni- labor card system is abolished. tored. Seven RS municipalities provide good examples to use in facilitating implementation of the Law in other 4. Improve information and awareness of opportunities municipalities. Local volunteerism policies should define to volunteer local guidelines, establish priorities, develop recognition methods, and monitor policy impacts. Considerable scope exists to develop strategies for attracting youth volunteers and clarifying regulations 4. Exempt volunteers and volunteer organizations for their participation in NGO work. Many people, from taxation and particularly youth, have expressed interest in volunteering with NGOs and contributing to the com- Tax exemptions help ensure the sustainability of volunteer munity. However, to move people in BH from interest organizations. Following the example of other European to action will require more information on volunteer countries, volunteer stipends should be tax-exempt, and opportunities and benefits both individual and social organizations’ reimbursements to volunteers should be such as acquiring work experience, job skills, building tax-exempt. In Slovenia, for example, organizations that individual career paths, and contributions to the larger are managed and run mostly by volunteers are exempt community. from VAT. Recommendations to Improve the Legal 5. Distinguish trainee and volunteer contracts Framework for Youth Volunteerism In close cooperation with government, companies could distinguish volunteer work from trainees or internships, 1. Develop national legislation on volunteerism which would help reduce existing legal contradictions under laws governing the labor force and laws governing A national law on volunteerism would establish volunteerism. understanding and recognition of volunteer work across the whole territory of BH. A law would increase legal recognition and raise awareness of the benefits Recommendations to Strategically of volunteer work for individuals and communities. Expand and Promote Youth Volunteerism Harmonizing legislation on youth in the two entities in BH and establishing volunteerism as a key component of 1. Include volunteerism in the education curriculum in BH BH youth policy would focus attention on the volunteer and recognize volunteer skills sector as a reliable route to professional and individual development for young people. Volunteerism could be introduced into schools and uni- versities as an accepted curriculum component. Recent 2. Revise the Law on Labor research has shown that secondary school students are most interested in volunteer work, especially in their own The Law must recognize the status and treatment of communities.51 Universities could offer formal credit to volunteers. The Law could also adapt the labor card students who volunteer, as is the practice in neighbor- regulations to recognize the validity of volunteer and ing countries. Acknowledging the learning value of vol- part-time work so that it becomes eligible for labor card unteer activities and recognizing experiences and skills 50 Sluzbene Novine FBiH, 2000. 51 Powell et al, 2007. 8 gained would increase interest in volunteer positions in 4. Tap into the potential for corporate social BH.A national skills or volunteer passport would provide responsibility in BH a formal, transparent, and comparable record of skills Encouraging employees to participate in volunteer activi- acquired in volunteer work and validate abilities and ties would support local communities while enhancing work experiences. The passport concept could also help the corporate reputation and public image. Corporate young people, the unemployed, and those with low edu- volunteerism and corporate social responsibility are cational attainment to transition into the labor market. relatively new concepts in many EU countries but these practices are widespread in Australia, Britain, Canada, 2. Develop a national communications strategy to and the United States, among others. Corporate promote volunteering volunteerism has considerable potential in BH and could be particularly effective to expose young people to a A national communications strategy should be ongoing range of career choices they may not have considered. and integral to any programs to promote volunteerism. Corporations benefit by raising their public profile, cre- The strategy could include national and local public ating good will, and getting a preview of potential talent information and awareness campaigns, seminars, events for future staff recruitment. and awards by public and civil society sectors. The objective would be to promote active citizenship and 5. Foster networking to promote volunteer opportunities volunteer work among youth and promulgate good practices from other countries or communities in BH. Maintaining close networks among the public, private Unlike sporadic “campaigns�, ongoing communications and civil society sectors can strengthen inter-sectoral activities would raise and maintain public awareness about cooperation to promote volunteerism. Networking events could be organized among NGOs, private the benefits of volunteerism and could stimulate new sector, academia, and media to exchange volunteerism volunteer initiatives. Annual events could be organized knowledge and experiences between BH and other around the International Volunteer Day on December countries. Private sector companies may be interested in 5 or around the tenth anniversary of the International sponsoring events and activities to foster exchanges and Year of Volunteers in 2011. Best practice youth volunteer explore the potential supply of volunteers with needed work could be publicly recognized through awards, competencies; volunteers would learn about available scholarships, or other benefits to motivate and stimulate positions. interest in volunteer opportunities among youth in BH. Conclusion 3. Support young unemployed people to volunteer While BH and its neighboring countries are undergoing Public institutions and civil society could invest in vol- transition in their socio-economic development, the unteer projects involving young unemployed people. nature of volunteerism, its image and organization, the Promoting youth volunteer opportunities at job centers, development of volunteer activities, and the appreciation work clubs and resource centers could offer opportuni- for volunteer work are undergoing continuous improve- ties for unemployed people to participate in on-the-job ments. As noted earlier, 10 to 30 percent of young training that could help them get back to work, facilitate people in BH can be considered potential volunteers, greater social integration and contribute to overall per- which represents a substantial but still largely untapped sonal development.52 Institutional arrangements should social and economic resource. Expanding the cadre be implemented to ensure that the unemployed are not of volunteers will require an improved national penalized for undertaking volunteer work through a loss legal framework, an overall strategy for promoting of social welfare benefits. volunteerism and networking, and continuous efforts to professionalize the volunteer workforce. 52 Eurofound, 2011. This note was prepared by Sandra Schlossar of the Europe and Central Asia Social Development Unit. It was generously funded through a grant from the Italian Government under the Social Development Initiative for South-East Europe II, administered by the World Bank. 9 Bibliography AVSO & CEV. Association of Voluntary Service Organizations & European Volunteer Center. 2003. Legal Position of Volunteers in the Czech Republic. Brussels. AVSO & CEV. Association of Voluntary Service Organizations & European Volunteer Center. 2005a. Country Report on the Legal Status of Volunteers in Romania. Brussels. AVSO & CEV. Association of Voluntary Service Organizations & European Volunteer Center. 2005b. Country Report on the Legal Status of Volunteers in Slovenia. Brussels. CEV. European Volunteer Center. 2007.Youth Volunteering Policies in Europe. Seminar Report. Skopje. CEV. European Volunteer Center. 2008.Volunteering in Western Balkans. Examples of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Facts and Figures Report. Brussels. CEV. European Volunteer Center. 2011. CEV Members Consultation. European Skills Passport (ESP). Brussels. DTI. Danish Technological Institute. 2011. The Europass Skills Passport Questionnaire. EC. European Commission. 2011. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committees of the Regions. Communication on EU Policies and Volunteering: Recognizing and Promoting Cross-border Voluntary Activities in the EU. Brussels. European Infonet. 2011. 10 Million People Use Europass. European Affairs Article. Eurofound. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. 2011. Participation in Volunteering and Unpaid Work. Second European Quality of Life Survey. Luxembourg. GHK. 2009. Study of Volunteering the European Union. Country Report Slovenia. GHK. 2010.Volunteering the European Union. Final Report. Horvat, Martina. 2007. Zakonsko Uredjenje Volonterstva u Republici Hrvatskoj. Ministry of Family Affairs, War Veterans and Intergenerational Solidarity and European Center for Not-for-Profit Law. Zagreb. Kacapor, Azra. 2002.Volunteering in Bosnia and Herzegovina. United Nations Volunteers Bosnia and Herzegovina. LVS BH. Local Voluntary Services BH. 2011.Volonteri u Zakonu. U Bosni I Hercegovini. http://volontiram.ba/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=118 Milosevic, Igor. 2005.Volunteering and Public Institutions. Association for Democratic Prosperity. ZID. Podgorica. MOF. Ministry of Family,Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity of the Republic of Croatia. 2009. National Youth Program from 2009 till 2013. Zagreb. Powell, Steve et al. 2007. We can. We volunteer. Pro-social values/ behavior and employability amongt young people in SEE and the impact of volunteer camps. SEEYN. South East European Youth Network. Promente. Sarajevo. Prostovoljstvo. 2006. Eticni Kodeks Organiziranega Prostovoljstva. Rakar, Tatjana et al, 2011. Civil Society in Slovenia. Ministry of Public Administration. Ljubljana. Sluzbene Novine Federacije Bosne I Hercegovine. 1999. Zakon o Radu FBiH. Broj 43/99. Sarajevo. Sluzbene Novine Federacije Bosne I Hercegovine. 2000. Pravilnik o Radnoj Kjniznici. Broj. 42/00. Broj 53/00. Sarajevo. Souto Otero, Manuel et al. 2008. European Inventory on Validation of Informal and Non-formal Learning. Final Report 2008. Birmingham. Trasner,Veronika. 2010. European Inventory on Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning 2010. Country Report: 2010. UKOM. Republic of Slovenia. Government Communication Office. 2011. National Assembly Passes Volunteering Act. Ljubljana. UN General Assembly. 2008. A/63/184. Follow-up to the Implementation of the International Year of Volunteers. Report of the Secretary-General. New York. UNDP. United Nations Development Program in BH. 2009. National Human Development Report. The Ties that Bind. Social Capital in BH. Sarajevo. UNV. United Nations Volunteers and United National Development Program – Bratislava Regional Center, 2009. Understanding Volunteering for Development in South-Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States: Lessons for Expansion. Bratislava. UNV. United Nations Volunteers. 2011. Legal Framework for Volunteering in BH. USAID. 2009. 2008 NGO Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Washington, DC. Value.Volunteering and Lifelong Learning in Universities in Europe. 2009. National Report: Slovenia. Ljubljana. VCZ.Volonterski Centar Zagreb. 2008.Volunteering in Croatia. http://www.vcz.hr/userfiles/SMART_Fact%20sheet%20on%20volunteering.pdf YCC.Youth Communication Center Banja Luka. 2005. Project Albert Einstein. SEE Volunteers in SEE. Banja Luka. YCC.Youth Communication Center Banja Luka. 2011a. Prosocial Dimensions of Volunteering in BH. Banja Luka. YCC.Youth Communication Center Banja Luka. 2011b.Volontiranje u zakonu: ko, gdje I kako. 10