We are pleased to present to you the 12th Asia Pacific Regional Volunteer Conference in Kaohsiung Taiwan in 2009. We would like to invite you to this exciting event. You will be overwhelmed with the energy and the free spirit of Taiwanese volunteers. The conference will be an opportunity of NPOs, governments, and the corporate sector to work together to promote volunteerism as a lifestyle for social solidarity.

The 12th IAVE Asia Pacific Regional Volunteer Conference, hosted by IAVE, IAVE Taiwan and Kaohsiung City Volunteer Association, will be staged in Kaohsiung City from November 26 to 29, 2009.

Conference Theme: Volunteerism as a Lifestyle for Social Solidarity
In recent years, the political, social, and economic climate of the Asia Pacific Region has undergone considerable transformation. Dramatic changes in ecology and the environment, employment, immigration, international relations, tourism, sustainable community development and other issues have taken place. In order to respond to the challenges and continually improve the quality of life, the concept of “volunteerism as a lifestyle need” cannot be overlooked.

Volunteering makes important contributions economically as well as socially. Volunteering contributes to a more cohesive society by building trust and reciprocity among citizens. Voluntary services and social inclusion are efficient channels to achieve a reciprocal relationship between the community and its citizens. The active role of civic participation is a key ingredient for nurturing urban development and enlightening the public to recognize their social obligations.

Under the theme “Volunteerism as a Lifestyle for Social Solidarity,” the 12th IAVE Asia Pacific Regional Volunteer Conference will propose the following streams for discussion:

1. Volunteer participation in large-scale international events and conferences
The rise of cities in the Asia Pacific not only brings spectacles such as the Olympics, Expo and the World Games to the region, but also increases opportunities to volunteer at large-scale international events and conferences.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is recognized by governments and international organizations as a basic index and moral standard of business activity. In the practice of CSR, volunteering is a key component of corporate philanthropy and community affairs programs, which in multiple ways benefit the company, the community, other stakeholders, and the sustainable development of environment.
3. Application of ICT use in Volunteer Programs
Volunteers with Information Communications Technology (ICT) skills help shorten the digital gap between developed, developing and undeveloped regions; make knowledge accessible; improve education and erradicate poverty. Moreover, ICT benefits volunteering efficiency in terms of recruitment, training, management, information sharing, and cross-border cooperation.
4. Diversity and Community Engagement: Volunteering and immigration in the community
Volunteers are needed to assist with translation, counseling, fundraising, event planning, youth mentoring, advocacy, and other projects. Many immigrants face challenges, including poverty, while making the transition to a new life.
5. Collective Work of Volunteer Action
Social justice relies on voluntary and altruistic actions which are important social assets. The governance and networking of volunteer organizations leads to the ultimate goal of strengthening the impact of social service.
6. Intercultural Volunteering Service
Volunteering matters in today’s global governance and is expected to make a contribution to help eradicate inequality, create global partnerships and achieve MDGs. Volunteering worldwide not only makes the world a better place but also establishes the foundations for world peace.

Six mini-plenary sessions on common interests running simultaneously through the mornings of Nov. 27 and 28 are designed for in-depth discussion under the theme of the conference — “Volunteerism as A Lifestyle for Social Solidarity” .

* Track 1: Volunteer Management in the Large Scale Event
* Track 2: Corporate Volunteering and Its Impact on Asia Pacific Society
* Track 3: Volunteerism and Information Communication Technology (ICTs)
* Track 4: Volunteering Within an Asian Pacific Region of Culture Diversity
* Track 5: National Volunteer Centers
* Track 6: International Volunteering

About IAVE Taiwan
Since its inception in 2001, IAVE Taiwan has long been committed to the principal of a “Volunteering Taiwan on a Global Track”, acting as a bridge for exchange and cooperation with global volunteer organizations. IAVE Taiwan aims to create a society where there is a free exchange of ideas and resources between local and global voluntary organizations, and active promotion of good governance, voluntary service, and civic participation.

IAVE Taiwan strives to serve the causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. It values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism.

About Kaohsiung Volunteer Association
KVA the biggest and most well-known NGO in southern Taiwan. Since its establishment in 1990, KVA has been devoted to coordinating charities and public sources and a key founder of big-scale volunteer actions and disaster relief, especially in the 921 earthquake of 1999.

In response to the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (IVD) adopted by the United Nations in 1985, KVA has lead the country joining IVD since 1991 for Taiwan’s visible at global stage. To encourage and improve volunteer quality, KVA provides fundamental and professional knowledge and training to meet today’s needs and international trends.

 

Credit : http://www.iave.org