2.1 General context
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Historical developments
Prior to 1900, personal engagement and volunteering in Luxembourg was mainly associated with the concept of charity within a religious context. The Catholic Church, for instance, organised social activities utilising the non-paid assistance of the community. This era marked the foundational phase of volunteering, deeply intertwined with religious motivations.
With the adoption of the 1868 Constitution, the right to freedom of association was formally recognised, allowing citizens to create associations to promote social, cultural, humanitarian, sporting, and religious activities. During this period, significant non-profit organisations such as the Federation of Cultural Organisations (established in 1863, now Union Grand-Duc Adolphe) and the Federation of Firemen (established in 1883) were founded. (Vasilescu & Reger-Beau, 2009).
The 20th century witnessed rapid development within the non-profit sector in Luxembourg. Early social non-profits such as the Red Cross (founded in 1914) and Caritas (founded in 1932) paved the way for more organisations aimed at supporting disabled and elderly people, migrants, and global poverty alleviation efforts.
The post-war era saw substantial improvements in the infrastructure of volunteering organisations. The structure of these organisations was enhanced significantly, professionalising volunteers through numerous training opportunities and employing paid staff for operational stability. Furthermore, the introduction of contracts for volunteers during this period aimed to ensure greater transparency and protect the rights of volunteers.
The turn of the millennium was marked by significant legislative efforts to regulate and support the volunteering sector, such as the 1994 amendment of the 1928 Law on Non-Profit Organisations and Foundations (loi du 4 mars 1994 portant modification de la loi du 21 avril 1928 sur les associations sans but lucratif et les établissements d'utilité publique et de certaines autres dispositions législatives). These laws provided a structured framework for non-profits to operate within Luxembourg.
The International Year of Volunteers in 2001 acted as a catalyst for modern volunteering initiatives in Luxembourg. In response, the Ministry of Family Affairs established the Conseil supérieur du bénévolat in 2002 and the Agence du bénévolat in 2003, alongside launching a dedicated website to enhance the visibility and coordination of volunteer efforts.
For young people specifically, volunteering was further institutionalised with the passage of the 1999 Law on Voluntary Service, which was later replaced by the 2007 Law on Youth Voluntary Service (loi du 31 octobre 2007 sur le service volontaire des jeunes). This law established a secure and clear framework for youth volunteering, supporting young individuals in their engagement and ensuring their meaningful integration into Luxembourg's civil and social spheres and into society in general. This structured legal foundation not only addresses both national and international dimensions but also reinforces the support system for young volunteers, enhancing their contributions to society. Several forms of Youth Voluntary Service were developed through the years for volunteering in Luxembourg or abroad, such as the Civic Voluntary Service (Service Volontaire Civique, SVCi), which targeted diploma-holding youth, and the Orientation Voluntary Service (Service Volontaire d’Orientation, SVO), which focused on school dropouts. These forms were later merged into the National Voluntary Service to ensure equal treatment to all volunteers (SNJ, 2022).
Nowadays, apart from bénévolat activities, three forms of Youth Voluntary Services are available for young people under 30 and that are coordinated by the National Youth Service:
- The National Voluntary Service, for volunteering in Luxembourg;
- The European Voluntary Service, for volunteering in the EU under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) framework;
- The Voluntary Cooperation Service, for volunteering outside of the EU and outside of the ESC program.
Main concepts
Young people in Luxembourg can engage in society, social life, and their community through formal or informal volunteering, or through more structured forms of volunteering such as the Youth Voluntary Service. As outlined in the introduction, three main types of volunteering exist:
First, formal volunteering (referred to as bénévolat in French) covers a wide range of voluntary activities that occur within community life, including participation in sports clubs, music societies, youth organisations, or the scout movement.
Formal volunteering is the free and unpaid commitment of individuals who act for others or the collective interest within a structured organisation that extends beyond simple family or friendly assistance. These activities typically operate within frameworks established by the organisations themselves rather than a legal framework defining objectives, content, age limits, and duration, thus the degree of political regulation is relatively low. The volunteering is often a secondary occupation alongside a paid job or school attendance. While no formal recognition is required, the skills gained through such volunteering can sometimes be officially acknowledged.
Second, the Youth Voluntary Service provides a structured environment for young adults under 30 to engage in formal volunteer activities within a specific legal framework. This program, designed to make a positive impact, offers young adults the opportunity to commit to a specific project for up to 12 months. It is typically a full-time commitment and can be undertaken both domestically and internationally. Participants in this service receive structured training and earn certificates that formally recognize the skills they have acquired, enhancing their personal and professional growth.
The objectives and structure of the Youth Voluntary Service are clearly outlined in the 2007 Law on Youth Voluntary Service. This legislation aims to foster solidarity, promote active citizenship, and enhance mutual understanding among young people. The service is defined as a full-time activity of general interest, chosen freely and voluntarily by the participant. It supports volunteers through learning and guidance within the context of designated projects or within broader national or international programs.
Third, informal volunteering involves personal and spontaneous commitments to help others or contribute to the community, usually outside of a formal structure. This type of volunteering includes activities such as supporting neighbours or organizing small community events.