Promotion volunteering requires having policies that have been agreed with the civil society. Any policy promoting volunteering must come from an open, participatory, creative and innovative debate between the organized civil society and the public administrations.

The participatory approach when drawing up and preparing public policies on association and volunteering not only allows a consensus, but also means that the co-agents (administrations, civil society…) are co-responsible for the implementation of the different measures.

The accuracy and efficiency of public policies for the promotion of volunteering are closely related to the level of interlocution and participation between the representatives of the different volunteering entities and the administrations. For this it is important that our sector becomes articulated and is represented in platforms and other adequate forms of organization. Entities from the second and third sector facilitating interlocution with the public powers and remaining social actors.

An adequate representation, an agile, transparent and dynamical procedure, and a good dose of generosity from associations to transfer their “best assets” for these tasks shall enable a more effective impact on the public policies of our concern.

The different laws and volunteering plans are a tool, not an end in themselves, and are there to construct a more participatory and aware citizenship which is solidarity-based.

In a world which is changing constantly, the way of making policies must also change and, in this sense, volunteering, and social platforms and organizations must play an active role in managing the policies affecting the everyday lives of citizens.

In the 21st century, volunteering and the different volunteer organizations face the challenge of becoming a bridge, of uniting. In times where  social coexistence and the welfare state seem to be falling apart, volunteering and its organizations must work in pro of creating the necessary conditions so that we can all, building on our diversities, live together and in dignity.

Local administrations are a key asset for the promotion of volunteering and third-sector entities. In the current times of austerity, we need appropriate supportive policies that are the fruit of a coordinated effort between the local administration and all other entities involves, so they can develop their objectives and channel the involvement and motivation of citizens. For this to become a reality, networking is necessary, as well as the creation of municipal volunteering offices to coordinate and act as the link between volunteers and the associative tissue and, at the same time, offer guidance, support and training to entities and to voluntary activity so as to promote and contribute to its articulation; ultimately there have to be joint efforts to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of citizens.

The use of CITs in non-profit entities is essential to promote volunteering and is a strategic line that must be promoted when establishing public policies that have been agreed with the civil society

All actors must work together in the promotion of volunteering. Establishing different models of collaboration must depend on the realities surrounding us, rather that striving to find one single model that can apply to all countries.