Brussels, 13/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - Volunteering helps people to acquire the skills which may help them to find work or be recognised as part of their training. In a resolution adopted at the plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday 12 June (603 votes in favour, 23 against and 63 abstentions), the MEPs argued in favour of the official recognition of these professional experiences. They also call for increased funding for activities of this kind. “This resolution is very important. … Particularly at times of crisis, like the one we are going through now, volunteering has had a special role in the non-profit sector”, said rapporteur Marco Scurria (EPP, Italy).
The official recognition of the skills gained in voluntary work will give added value to a CV and should help to make young people more employable, helping them in their career choices. From this point of view, a skills passport, which officially recognises voluntary experiences, could become an essential professional career or training tool, the MEPs stress. Volunteer activities also help to reinforce solidarity and social inclusion. The Parliament calls on the national and regional authorities to guarantee stable funding and tax incentives for associations involved in volunteer activities. Particular attention should be paid to small organisations with limited resources and those carrying out cross-border activities. Lastly, better access to European programmes and funding was called for. A central European portal should also be set up to improve information and the exchange of best practices between organisations active in the voluntary sector. (IL/transl.fl)