Geneva, Switzerland: Representatives of up to 40 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are meeting in Geneva for "The Global Health and Care Forum" to strengthen the Federation’s international strategies on key health topics such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and avian influenza.  Read article

Philadelphia, USA: Leadership, communications skills, and resource development - often termed "power skills" in a business setting - are linked to early experiences for women in community service and non-profit volunteer activities. According to Power Skills research, "How Volunteerism Shapes Professional Success", a study conducted for Womens Way, these and other critical business skills, like problem solving, coaching/mentoring, and public speaking are developed and improved through volunteerism.   Read article

Australian retirees look forward to 'freedom' and are keen to volunteer, according to a new international survey into retirement by French insurance group AXA. British and US pensioners love to travel abroad, Germans plunge into sport, Canadians into charity work and the French go for gardening. Italians and Spanish are more prone to do nothing when they retire.  Read article

Quebec, Canada: More than 12,000 children participated this morning in the Caring for Others School Project, a volunteer awareness event organized by the 18 Centraides of Quebec, a volunteer-led organization, in Canada.  Read article

London, UK: A major new charity dedicated to revolutionizing youth volunteering was launched today by UK Chancellor Gordon Brown at a ceremony in London, UK. The good cause, which is called "V", has been created to inspire and engage one million new young volunteers ages 16 to 25.  Read article

Geneva, Switzerland: On 8 May, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Movement’s 183 National Societies will celebrate annual World Red Cross Red Crescent Day by paying tribute to the millions of volunteers who provide universal assistance to people in need.   Read article

Ho, Ghana: Trois Volontaires des Nations Unies (VNU) dispensent une formation en techniques des entreprises et crédit financier aux communautés rurales soutenues par le Projet de soutien au développement des entreprises rurales (REDS).   Read article

Ho, Ghana: UN Volunteers are making it easier for small rural businesses in Ghana to access urban markets. They are helping with training in entrepreneurship skills, improving product quality and accessing appropriate technologies for increasing production levels.   Read article

Washington, DC, USA: A group of Teach for America veterans is trying to persuade US Congress to establish and fund a civilian leadership university modelled after the nation's military service academies. The Public Service Academy would emphasize civic engagement and inspire a new generation of public service leaders.  Read article

Union Bay, B.C., USA: As Volunteer Appreciation Month draws to a close, Incentive Depot, a performance improvement company specializing in corporate reward and recognition programmes, urges volunteer organizations to recognize personal contribution year round.   Read article