VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteerism in Cyprus is expressed through organised groups and organisations, and also through informal initiatives. In wider practice, volunteerism is expressed in diverse ways at all levels of society and is supported by various agencies, including educational institutions (social/volunteer groups/clubs), the business world (employee volunteering/corporate volunteering), state and semi-public organisations, local authorities.
Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC)
The Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council, the supreme coordinative body for volunteerism, based on the Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC) Law 61(I)2006, which replaced the Law of 1989, is the body responsible for volunteerism and coordinating volunteer organisations/NGOs in the Republic of Cyprus. It was established in 1973 to ensure a more favourable operating environment for volunteers and organisations, contribute to policy formulation, participate in decision-making centres, coordinate member organisations among themselves and with the relevant government departments, etc. It develops various actions to promote volunteerism and support volunteer organisations/NGOs.
District Volunteerism Coordinative Councils (DVCC)
The operation of District Volunteerism Coordinative Councils is governed by the Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC) Law and they act as coordinating bodies of their districts. Their members include district departments of Pan-Cyprian Volunteer Organisations/NGOs, community volunteerism councils and committees, and other local volunteer organisations/NGOs. They are engaged in multifaceted action in different areas on the basis of the Law governing their operation.
The organised agencies include different types of organisations: charitable, volunteer, non-profit/non-governmental organisations, church organisations, associations, federations, confederations, movements, foundations, community volunteerism councils/committees, informal networks, etc. They operate programmes, provide services and develop actions in various areas: well-being/welfare, health, social cohesion, culture, sport, justice, environment, animal welfare, emergency needs, human rights, education, etc.
→ PVCC/DVCC member organisations (Pan-Cyprian/local)
→ Organisations registered with the Registry of Associations and Foundations
→ Companies/NGOs registered with the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property
- The registration of associations or foundations or federations or for the establishment of branches or subsidiaries or for recognition of the legal activity of an entity registered in another country and information on further handling shall be carried out by the Ministry of the Interior/Directorate for Associations/Institutions.
- Non profit organisations/NGOs can register at the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property if they meet the requirements of Article 20 of the Companies Law, Chapter 113
Volunteer Centre
The Volunteer Centre is the central coordinating body for volunteer services in the Republic of Cyprus. It was established in 1991 by the Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC) and is operated by the District Volunteerism Coordinative Councils, coordinated by the PVCC. The Volunteer Centre:
→ Informs volunteers (opportunities, rights, responsibilities)
→ Registers volunteers
→ Trains and guides volunteers
→ Deploys volunteers
→ Acknowledges and certifies voluntary services
→ Identifies needs for voluntary services
→ Operates with professionals, procedures and protocols
→ Implements a quality-management system
→ Operates with confidentiality and protects personal data
Volunteering Portal
The Volunteering Portal enables volunteers and volunteer groups to register and provides information about opportunities for volunteering.
Volunteering with organisations/NGOs
You can volunteer with an organisation/NGO that is a member of the Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council or another organisation.
European Youth Portal/Volunteering
European Solidarity Corps/Volunteering
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