What's Happening?
The Nature article emphasizes the significance of prosocial behavior and volunteer work in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. On International Volunteer Day, a collection of research articles on prosocial behavior was launched to celebrate its importance.
The article highlights that approximately 10% of the world's population engages in regular volunteer work, with individuals in the USA donating over $592 billion in 2024. The UN General Assembly first mandated International Volunteer Day in 1985, and today, the monthly number of volunteers aged 15 years and over is estimated at 862.4 million worldwide. The article explores the evolutionary origins and psychological motivations behind prosocial behavior, suggesting that it may have had an evolutionary advantage by helping humans survive and raise children in groups.
Why It's Important?
Volunteerism plays a crucial role in achieving global change and wellbeing, aligning with the Peace Corps' mission of fostering global peace and understanding through volunteer service. The article underscores the importance of prosocial behavior in ensuring societal cohesion and equity, as well as initiating positive change. By highlighting the work and impact of volunteers, the article draws attention to the collective resilience and extraordinary sacrifices that define the global struggle for a better world. The emphasis on prosocial behavior and volunteer work aligns with the Peace Corps' objective of fostering global peace and understanding through volunteer service.
