Year: 2016 Volume: 28 Issue: b

Abstract:

Particularly in areas like the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMTH), which suffer socio-economic difficulties, volunteering is a critical means of promoting social cohesiveness and stimulates local development. This research fills in a major void: the lack of institutional support and strategic planning in volunteer projects, both of which compromise their efficacy and long-term sustainability. The study looks at how volunteering affects sustainable development and community cohesiveness as well as points of excellence that can help the volunteering system to be strengthened. The research was conducted with a total of 200 participants—including volunteers, local government officials, and community members from several socioeconomic levels. Semi-structured interviews and well crafted questionnaires gathered the data. Together with qualitative study of interview data, statistical techniques like descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used. According to the results, volunteering supports cultural and environmental projects, helps to build social networks, and advances the regional economy. Furthermore underlined by participants the need of institutional interventions and strategic alliances in order to preserve the viability of volunteer activities is The report emphasizes generally volunteerism as a main engine of local development and suggests legislative proposals meant to increase involvement and provide institutional support. The results could guide the creation of focused policies meant to support social cohesiveness and sustainable development in the AMTH area.