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Volunteering up to 2015

Original title: Toekomstverkenning vrijwillige inzet 2015.

How many volunteers are there likely to be in 2015, which major problems do voluntary organisations see looming ahead and what can the government do to encourage voluntary work by citizens? These are central questions in this forward study carried out by SCP and commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). The study builds on eight background studies by external authors. In addition to statistical projections, the study also describes organisational changes and new voluntary initiatives.

No decline in voluntary work is likely in the coming years. Social and cultural trends will not necessarily reduce the amount of volunteering, but will create new conditions. A great deal will depend on what voluntary organisations themselves do to recruit and retain volunteers. In addition, the government and industry also expect members of the community to do more, though this will not always be on a voluntary basis.