If the term volunteering (from the Latin benvolus meaning “willing good”) implies availability and generosity towards others even in the context of organized and collective activities without compensation, it’s not excessive to hear a “big thank you for what you do,” especially if these words come from the authorities.
A little flattery? Yes, perhaps, but what’s wrong with that? It’s with this sense of recognition and pride that about a hundred people (plus their sometimes joyfully noisy companions) were received for a ceremony in honor of those who often work for others.
To highlight this civic commitment, the European Commission decided to make 2011 the European Year of Volunteering and Volunteerism.
For the record, over 100 million Europeans participate in volunteer activities, putting the principle of solidarity into practice and thereby making a significant contribution to society.
The Alpes-Maritimes department has 17,000 active associations, with over 200,000 volunteers working in them. As a local player, a creator of social and civic bonds, the associative world represents a strength and a dynamic factor for our Azurean Metropolis.
For Christian Estrosi, president of the Metropolis: “The vitality of associative life, alongside civic involvement, is one of the signs that reflects the good health of a democratic society. Associative commitment clearly shows that social life is not entirely governed by the law of reciprocal interest. Our fellow citizens aspire to live in a society of trust governed by values other than money. Increasingly, they want to devote their time to volunteering activities.”
And to add in conclusion: “I wanted to bear witness and pay tribute to this dynamism of sociability in our territory. It is up to us to support these discreet but beneficial actions for all; to honor this spirit of commitment and selflessness that you all share here and which undoubtedly offers the most beautiful face of citizenship.”
Furthermore, the City of Nice is the only community in France to have a fully dedicated web platform for associations with the Associations Portal, which, since this year, is open free of charge to associations headquartered in one of the municipalities of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis. To join this portal, simply request it by email at vie.associative@ville-nice.fr.
