The Volunteer Movement in Ukraine: Dynamics of Development and Role in the Context of Social Service Provision

The article examines the dynamics of the development of the volunteer movement in Ukraine and its role in providing social services. In conditions of limited public resources, volunteer activities serve as a key mechanism for social support, contributing to the resolution of pressing social issues. The aim of the study is to substantiate the dynamics of the development of the volunteer movement and to determine its role in providing social services in Ukraine, particularly its impact on supporting vulnerable population groups, as well as in analyzing the institutional aspects of volunteer activities in the context of current challenges in the field of social security. The following methods were used during the study: analysis, synthesis, systemic approach, analysis of normative documents, statistical method, graphical method, method of generalization. The authors analyzed the effective regulatory framework governing volunteer activities and determined its evolution in the context of social security. Attention is drawn to the necessity of simultaneously adhering to the principles of volunteer activities and the principles of providing social services. The main directions of volunteer activities have been studied, particularly assistance to vulnerable groups of the population, internally displaced persons, military personnel, and those affected by military actions. Based on statistical data, trends in the development of the volunteer movement have been identified, indicating an increase in the number of charitable and public organizations in 2022–2023, as well as a high level of public trust in volunteers. The main problems faced by volunteer organizations in providing social services have been identified, including insufficient funding, limited government support, and the growing demand for assistance. It has been concluded that volunteering plays an important role in ensuring the social security of the country. The necessity of further institutionalizing the volunteer movement, improving its funding mechanisms, and strengthening the interaction between the State bodies and civil society has been emphasized.