Approximately 55% of the population of Slovenia undertake voluntary work at least once in the course of a year. An additional incentive on International Volunteer Day is the fact that the number of voluntary organisations is growing from year to year. This means that voluntary work is an important free time activity among Slovenian citizens.

Voluntary work is strongly present in Slovenian society. It helps us address social problems, highlight difficulties and identify individuals who may have fallen through the gaps in the system. Volunteering is an opportunity for an active response on the part of citizens to social problems, new needs, major changes and natural disasters. It connects people at the local and national levels and contributes to a greater feeling of security in the community. With the help of volunteers and voluntary work, the values of solidarity, tolerance and mutual understanding are given practical effect.

International Volunteer Day was established by the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly at its 40th Session in 1985. Since then, governments, the United Nations and civil society organisations have joined volunteers from all over the world in celebrating 5 December, International Volunteer Day.