The code of conduct of the volunteer

Voluntary service has experienced a considerable expansion and a substantial change over the last two decades. The role of the volunteer has gradually come to interact with activities undertaken by other professionals, but without interfering. Since the role of the volunteer naturally involves autonomy and discretion on his/her behalf, the associations concerned increasingly feel the need to refer to standards defining a voluntary service ethic. Within a refresher course with a set number of places for non-profit-making organisations, which was arranged by the Italian League against Cancer, Milan, a consensus conference for the ratification of a code of conduct on voluntary service was held. The aim was to reach a consensus together with others who work in an "organised" manner every day, on ethical concepts that should inspire voluntary service: the common good, mutual respect, freedom of choice, a non-profit-oriented vision. After exhaustive discussions by three panels, the text of a code of conduct unanimously approved was elaborated. All concerned with this code tried to avoid giving it a "sanitary" imprint. It is in fact our opinion that whatever the area covered by voluntary service, its aim and its final objective is to ensure the wellbeing of mankind and his environment.