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1. Historical developments
2. Main concepts

Historical developments

The tradition of volunteering in Slovakia is deeply rooted in the country's civic engagement history, shaped by social, political, and religious influences. Historically, volunteering was connected to church activities and community service. Over time, the concept has evolved, especially after significant political transformations such as the fall of communism. The establishment of organizations like IUVENTA – Slovak Youth Institute (today the National Institute of Education and Youth - NIVAM), operating under the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth, played a key role in shaping and supporting youth volunteering initiatives.

The evolution of youth volunteering in Slovakia reflects significant social, cultural, political, and religious influences:

• Middle Ages to 1918: Volunteering was primarily linked to church initiatives and guilds focused on charitable activities to assist marginalized populations (Kováčiková, 2000).
• 19th Century: National movements led to the development of cultural associations like Matica Slovenská, fostering associative life despite Austro-Hungarian restrictions (Brozmanová, et al., 2009).
• 1918–1939: The First Czechoslovak Republic saw an expansion of voluntary associations supporting social and health issues.
• 1948–1989: Under communist rule, voluntary organizations were state-controlled, though limited forms of dissident volunteering persisted (Tošner and Sozanská, 2002; Frič and Pospíšilová, 2010).
• Post-1989: The Velvet Revolution restored free assembly rights, leading to renewed growth in civil society and youth volunteering. Frameworks like the Youth Work Support Act (2008) and the Volunteering Act (2011) formalized the volunteering landscape. The amendment to Act No. 406/2011 on Volunteering in 2023 further streamlined conditions for volunteers and organizations.

Main Concepts

Definition of Volunteering

The Volunteering Act (2011) defines volunteering as conscious, unpaid activity undertaken by individuals based on free will for the benefit of others, society, or the environment, excluding activities for family members or within a household context.

Definition of Youth Volunteer

The Youth Work Support Act (2008) defines a youth volunteer as an individual aged 15 to 30 who engages in voluntary service within the framework of youth work. This act also establishes the rights and responsibilities associated with youth volunteering.

Distinctions between Formal and Informal Volunteering

• Formal Volunteering involves structured activities within registered organizations, such as NGOs, educational institutions, or community groups.
• Informal Volunteering refers to community-based, less structured activities like neighborly assistance, often unrecognized officially.

Differences from Other Activities

Volunteering is distinct from:

• Internships: Conducted for educational purposes and may be compensated.
• Community Service: Can be mandatory in legal or educational contexts.
• Employment: Involves formal contracts and financial remuneration.

National and European Definitions

Slovakia aligns with European Union strategies that promote volunteering as a civic engagement tool. Although national and European definitions are generally aligned, minor discrepancies in interpretation may occur due to the absence of a universally agreed definition.

The Youth Strategy of the Slovak Republic serves as a strategic framework to guide youth policy development, promote active youth engagement, and ensure the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes related to volunteering and civic engagement.

Participation Trends

Recent studies indicate that about 38% of young Slovaks (aged 15-30) engage in formal volunteering within NGOs, community initiatives, and educational sectors (Čavojská et al., 2020). Key areas include environmental protection, sports, and social services (Brozmanová Gregorová, Siekelová, Šolcová, 2018). Despite increased participation, barriers such as bureaucratic obstacles and limited formal recognition in educational and employment sectors persist.