VOLUNTEERING AS A FORM OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITY

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to conduct a comprehensive study of volunteerism as one of the key forms of charitable activity, to determine its social significance, legal basis and impact on the development of civil society in Ukraine, as well as to identify current trends, challenges and prospects for improving mechanisms for engaging citizens in volunteerism. Research methods: in the course of studying the topic, a set of general scientific and special methods was used, among which the leading place is occupied by analysis and synthesis to reveal the content of volunteer activity and its role in the system of charitable activity; comparative legal method for comparing national and foreign approaches to the regulation of volunteer activity; the systemic-structural method to determine the interrelationships between forms of charitable activity; the formal-legal method to study the regulatory and legal framework; as well as generalisation and induction, which made it possible to form comprehensive conclusions about the trends in the development of the volunteer movement in Ukraine. Results: the study found that volunteering is one of the most dynamic and socially significant forms of charitable activity, combining unpaid assistance, civic initiative and a high level of social responsibility. It was found that volunteering in Ukraine has become institutionalised thanks to the development of regulatory and legal frameworks and the activation of civil society, especially in the context of martial law. Key trends have been identified, including the growing role of digital platforms in coordinating assistance, increased interaction between volunteer organisations and state structures, and the reorientation of volunteer social support towards long-term social and rehabilitation programmes. A summary of the data obtained shows that volunteer activity not only ensures a rapid response to social needs, but also acts as a catalyst for the development of charitable activities and the strengthening of civic solidarity. Discussion: the results of the study show that volunteer activity plays a central role in the modern system of charitable activity, but its effectiveness largely depends on the quality of organisation, support and legal framework. Although the legal regulation of volunteer activities in Ukraine is gradually improving, in practice there are still problems related to insufficient coordination between state institutions and public initiatives, uneven distribution of resources and insufficient institutional support at the local level. Overall, the discussion points to the need for a strategic approach to the development of volunteerism, which involves strengthening partnerships between the state, business and the civil sector, as well as fostering a sustainable culture of mutual assistance as an important component of a modern democratic society.