05 December 2003

Santiago: The celebrations started on 2 December with a seminar under the title "Volunteering and Participation: sketches for a legal framework" that took place in the Edificio Diego Portales en Santiago. The seminar was aimed making legislation proposals that promote volunteer organizations, respecting their purpose, identities, autonomy and diversity.

The seminar was attended by more than 300 local and international volunteers. Representatives from various governments and United Nations agencies were also present, such as Spain's Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Felipe Larcena, Chilean Undersecretary, Patricio Santa María and Ana Luisa Machado from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Workshops on "volunteers, participation and education" and "legal frameworks for volunteer work" were also conducted.

A feast for children

The true volunteer spirit came into action on 5 December. That morning, the Red Voluntarios de Chile (Chile’s Volunteers’ Network) together with the local municipality Cerro Navia in Santiago, offered their services, mounted exhibitions and worked with the children.

The children painted pictures mostly of firemen, one of the most prominent volunteer organizations in Chile. There were also dances and gymnastics led by the YMCA; recreational activities by the Guides and Scouts and a demonstration by firemen.

Volunteer agencies also organized an event, "Doing Volunteer Work" where information about activities and projects of different volunteer-involving organizations were displayed. The activity ended with an awarding ceremony for the volunteers in Chile.

Musical event

The day finished with a musical event that featured music from a well-known Chilean pop group, Congreso, and from youth groups and as well as dances by disabled children.

The Red Cross received a special mention for its hundred years of work.

A photo exhibit of volunteer work in Chile and stands installed by various organizations provided a colourful background to the event.