How did volunteering originate? Here you can learn how voluntary engagement has developed over time and how volunteer work has looked in different eras. Whether as an expression of charity, a commitment against “authority,” or as involuntary engagement, volunteering has experienced many phases. Here’s a brief overview of volunteering from past to present:
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Origins of Volunteer Work
Charitable activities, neighborhood assistance, and voluntary engagement have deep roots in history. In ancient cultures like the Roman Empire, there were citizens who voluntarily dedicated their time to charitable projects. The idea of charity also played a significant role in religious contexts. Especially in the Middle Ages, volunteering was embedded in religious and social contexts, with monks and nuns caring for the poor and sick. Besides religious institutions, guilds and brotherhoods formed the basis for volunteer engagement during that time. Guild members engaged in training apprentices, caring for widows and orphans, and financially supporting needy members. To this day, the fundamental motivation for voluntary charitable work remains unchanged: the willingness to “do good.”
Renaissance and Early Modern Period: Engagement Between Knowledge, Art, and Education
Between the growing interest in art, culture, and philosophy, new areas for volunteering opened up. In the 14th to 17th centuries, new forms of social engagement emerged. The understanding of community and solidarity was shaped by the idea of promoting culture and knowledge. Thus, it was not uncommon for wealthy citizens to support artistic projects and educational institutions. The idea of charitable action as a contribution to cultural and social development continued to take shape. Volunteering remained a growing part of society but was mostly characterized by sporadic involvement.
Structural Development of Volunteer Work
In 1788, merchant Caspar Voght founded the first poorhouse in Hamburg and included over 200 volunteers in his organization, including doctors, caregivers, and teachers. The poorhouse offered various forms of support: shelter, food, medical care, and job opportunities. The aim was not just to provide temporary help but to sustainably improve the living situation of those in need. Voght’s concept laid an important foundation for organized charitable institutions and volunteer work in society.
The Balancing Act Between Voluntary and Involuntary
A few years later, in the early 19th century, “political volunteering” emerged. Due to financial necessity, it became mandatory for wealthy citizens in Prussia under Friedrich Wilhelm III to assist without compensation, for example, in public offices within municipal administrations. This was not true voluntary work. The term “Ehrenamt” (volunteer position) first appeared in the Prussian city regulations in 1808. Shortly thereafter, private associations flourished, bringing diverse opportunities for genuine volunteer work. The desire and ability to shape society established themselves, with areas of engagement including sports clubs, welfare associations, and labor unions.
Volunteering During the Nazi Era
The National Socialists’ takeover led to the loss of much of the diverse volunteer work that had previously been established in society. Many organizations and associations were banned or co-opted starting in 1933. Volunteering experienced an ambivalent time and was exploited to spread Nazi ideology and tighten control over society. Many voluntary activities, such as fundraising for the Winter Relief Fund, were associated with coercion and sanctions. Despite this oppression and control, there were also instances where individuals engaged in volunteer work to help the persecuted or resist.
Volunteer Work in the Reconstruction
In the post-war period, volunteering was a natural response to the dire circumstances. In the early years after the war, volunteer organizations were founded to assist in reconstruction efforts. The focus was primarily on humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting war victims. The significant role of women brought about social change, allowing women more space and recognition within volunteer structures.
Development of Modern Volunteering
As reconstruction progressed in the post-war years, volunteer work became increasingly institutionalized, developing a wide range of areas. Environmental protection, education, healthcare, and cultural projects gained more focus. Especially in the 1970s and 1980s, volunteering became more professionalized through training, workshops, and education, improving the quality of volunteer engagement. At the same time, peace movements, women’s organizations, and environmental political groups emerged. The “modern volunteering” no longer solely relies on Christian or political values. Personal development and self-expression also became part of the evolution of volunteering, just like in society as a whole. In the 21st century, volunteer work is at a high level with various manifestations. In the “new volunteering,” it’s not just about helping others or serving a higher moral purpose but also about fulfilling personal needs and ambitions.