Volunteering As A Factor In The Implementation of a Sustainable Development at Sumy State University

Abstract

Introduction. At the current stage, in the conditions of a full-scale war in Ukraine, the situation is characterized by socio-economic instability, the emergence of new specific categories of the population, in particular, veterans, disabled people, and their families. Under such conditions, there is a growing need for people who can provide voluntary assistance to the elderly, young people, children, persons with special needs and who find themselves in difficult life circumstances. Taking into account a situation, that was mentioned, there is a need to justify of the volunteer movement as a tool for building a society of sustainable development, which is capable of protecting various segments of the population from the consequences of the war in which the country is located.
Relevance of the study. Volunteering and sustainable development in the educational process are not new topics, but the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of volunteering in crisis situations, namely, during a full-scale war in Ukraine, in the higher educational institution Sumy State University (Ukraine), as well as to characterize practitioner of the organization of the volunteer movement at Sumy State University.
Methodology. Philosophical, sociological, cultural and general scientific methods were used in the research process, in particular, analysis and synthesis for the study of modern theoretical concepts and scientific developments regarding the understanding of the concept of «volunteering». Analytical method also was used, empirical methods, comparative method. Such approaches as activity and system were also used.
Results. The results of the study provide a possibility to determine the importance of such a mechanism as volunteering, which exists within civil society and is able to take the initiative at any time. Active volunteering develops the necessary life skills and professional experience for young people.
Conclusions. The article outlines the importance of the Strategic Development Plan of Sumy State University, which provided an opportunity to implement practical volunteer activities in difficult conditions. The implementation of organizational principles was the main factor in supporting the functioning of the organization in military circumstances. The principle of mobilizing internal potential was of integrative importance, as it provided opportunities to act independently of external factors, plan volunteer work within the team, using established internal business communications and available financial resources.