by Ann M. Merrill

29 December 2006

Lviv-Kyiv: NUNVs Igor Pashinskiy and Sergiy Chutkiy and IUNV Ann Merrill (USA) were invited presenters at the international conference “Volunteerism in Ukraine – perspectives and barriers for further development” in Lviv, Ukraine (21-22 December 2006). Sponsored by the International Philanthropic Fund “Caritas Ukraine”, the conference brought together representatives from many Ukrainian volunteer organizations, as well as from Poland and France.

Igor and Ann moderated the session “Cooperation between NGOs and local self-governing organizations: problems and perspectives”, and made a presentation about the role of volunteerism in the recovery and development of communities in Chornobyl-affected regions. Sergiy presented about the development of youth initiatives and the expanding role of self-governing organisations.

The conference was a useful opportunity for volunteer organisations of different sizes, focuses, and regions to share ideas and experiences, and to network with each other. Participants expressed a strong desire for future collaborations and continued contact with each other.

Conference participants formulated a resolution to the Ukrainian Parliament in support of volunteerism, and stated their firm commitment to the advancement of the volunteer movement in Ukraine.