France : A new law to promote volunteering

The government has just outlined its vision for the voluntary and community sector by passing a law on a new status for volunteers. The « volontariat associatif » wants to respond to the needs of associations for additional human resources while attracting persons ready to commit themselves for a limited period (no more than two years). Beside the « bénévole » (working without pay and social protection), there will be the option of volunteering for common interest, formalized by a contract which will allow to receive a small monthly amount of money (up to 400 euros) not taxable and to benefit from legal public social coverage. Public authorities and fundations will be entitled to finance this « volontariat associatif ». But they will have to demonstrate that the positions created are different from normal paid work within the non profit sector. The volunteer mission could be done in France and in the E.U. and cover a large range of activities from environment protection to the fight against exclusion. It might interest young people seeking for a break or new forms of involvement as well as early retired persons. www.jeunesse-sports.gouv.fr