The Volunteer Involving Organization Society (VIO Society) started in 2004 as a loose network under the name Volunteer Involving Organizations Network (VIO). It is an amalgamation of organizations that work in development through and with volunteers to promote volunteerism as a means to development. It was officially inaugurated in May 2008 and finally registered as a Society in September 2014.
It is a national network whose membership is open to government, international and national non-governmental organizations, institutions, foundations, corporates and community based organizations across the Republic of Kenya. It has a National Secretariat, headed by a National Coordinator based in Nairobi. The Secretariat has a desk at the Ministry responsible for Volunteering – Labour and Social Protection.
The Policy was adopted by the Cabinet in February 2016 and finally launched by the Deputy President in December 2016. The Draft Bill was done through a consultative process led by the Ministry and the Kenya Law Review Commission. It has been since discussed with Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. The VIO Society recognizes the unique programs offered by each member organization and where appropriate enter into partnerships to enhance volunteerism in Kenya.
Our Mission
To engage in research, advocacy, networking, partnerships and training to promote volunteerism
Milestone/Achievement
Since its formation, the society has strived to take the lead in streamlining volunteerism in the country. In 2014, the network became more rejuvenated and rekindled its working relationship with the government. Together with the government and stakeholders, the network developed a National Volunteerism Policy and a draft Bill of Parliament. The two documents were handed over to the government through the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services on 3rd March, 2015 In 2016 the cabinet approved the national volunteerism policy . The society has developed its Strategic Plan to guide its operation to promote volunteerism in the country
Our Vision
A synergized volunteer
community
Our Objectives
(a) To enhance networking, partnerships and resource mobilization among member and non-member organizations, drawing from and impacting their experience in working with and through volunteers. (b) Provide a forum for activities that enhance and improve the profile of volunteerism in Kenya, including organizing the national volunteerism week , International Volunteer Day (IVD) celebrations, Volunteer of the Year Awards (VOYA) and International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMD) and other related activities in partnership with relevant stakeholders and disseminating information to the public. (c) To develop, research, gather, update and disseminate information on the contributions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations (VIOs) to the national economy. (d) To provide a common coordinating center for volunteers and volunteerism-related matters in Kenya.
Our Members
- Africa Peace Service Corps
- Association of Student Volunteers
- Change Mind Change Future
- E-Mentoring Africa
- East African Network for Environmental
- Global Peace Foundation
- HOPE worldwide Kenya
- Junior Achievement Kenya
- Kenya Red Cross Society
- Kenya YMCA
- Kenya Youth Foundation
- Kimbilio Trust
- Manyo Foundation
- PACE International
- President’s Award Kenya
- Progressive Volunteers
- St John’s Ambulance
- Siren of Hope
- Students Consortium for Human Rights Advocacy
- Ufadhili Trust
- Ungana/Amref
- UNV Kenya
- VSO Kenya
- Volunteer Link Trust
- Volunteers for Africa
- World Youth Alliance
- Youth Intercommunity Network
- Corps Africa
29. Africa for SDGs
30. Mngaro mtaani
31. Slum child foundation 32. Balozi wa Amani initiative
33. Do it with Boldness foundation
34. Kenya revenue Authority
35. IYCE