On December 5th we celebrate the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. Volunteerism is one of the most vital delivery mechanisms for social, environmental, and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors. When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting.
70% of volunteer work does not involve any organization but happens informally between people in their communities. Despite that, there are many volunteering programs driving positive change to island communities around the globe. Work for Humankind on Robinson Crusoe Island is an example. It calls on volunteers to experience first-hand how to make a long-lasting difference with a remote island community through several restoration projects that help prevent the extinction of endangered species and support the local community on its journey to sustainability. KOSAMARE, an NGO based on the Ionian island of Kefalonia, in Greece, also welcomes volunteers to work towards a better understanding of the local marine environment and ways to protect it.
Need help communicating the work your NGO is doing? Our team is ready to take your communications strategy and execution to the next level. Learn more about our work for NGOs and Community Groups.
You can also drive positive change to your island community by joining the Island Innovation Ambassador Program. The applications for next year are open. We invite you to be part of a global network of island changemakers who will learn and advocate for the sustainable development of their communities with the support of our team and specialists from the field.
We invite you to join us next week for our Post-COP26 Reflections Session. We will exchange opinions and reflections about the COP26 in general and the meeting with FM Sturgeon, Youth SIDS representatives, UNFCCC Global Ambassador and Island Innovation.
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Island Innovation is pleased to announce that we are an official nominating organization of The Earthshot Prize. Five, one million-pound prizes will be awarded each year for the next ten years, providing at least 50 solutions to the world’s greatest environmental problems by 2030.
You cannot apply for this award, only be nominated through one of the contributing organizations, like Island Innovation. Finalists in the Island Innovation Awards will be considered for nomination to the Earthshot Prize across all categories.
Join us next Wednesday in the live Q&A session about the Island Innovation Awards! You can also join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.