The Parliament definitively adopted a law on Monday, April 8, aimed at valorizing volunteerism and simplifying life for associations. The law was supported by various politicians as a way to recognize the importance of volunteers in society, with Minister Prisca Thevenot emphasizing their role as a pillar of the republic. However, some members of parliament expressed concerns about the lack of discussion around the financing of associations and the administrative burdens they face. Despite these limitations, the law was adopted unanimously and includes provisions to make it easier for volunteers to access training and for companies to contribute their expertise through a skills sponsorship program.
The law proposed by Quentin Bataillon aims to make it easier for volunteers to gain rights to training through the citizen engagement account. Eligible volunteers will now only need to demonstrate a minimal commitment of one year to associations, instead of the previous requirement of three years. Additionally, provisions have been made to allow for easier sharing of resources between associations, including extending the time limit for interest-free loans between associations to more than two years. The law also introduces a new opportunity for companies with fewer than 5,000 employees to offer their employees the chance to volunteer for organizations of public interest.
The Senate further amended the law by allowing employees to donate unused vacation days that have been monetized to recognized public interest organizations or general interest entities. This provision aims to encourage greater involvement from employees in supporting charitable causes. However, the Senate removed a proposal from the law that would have allowed retirees to access their personal training accounts for volunteer-related training, citing concerns about the cost to public finances. Despite this amendment, the final law represents a significant step forward in recognizing and supporting the valuable contributions of volunteers in society.
Overall, the law is seen as an important milestone in recognizing the role of volunteers in society and simplifying processes for associations. While it may not address all the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector, it represents a positive step towards valuing and supporting volunteerism. By easing requirements for volunteer training and facilitating the sharing of resources between associations, the law aims to create a more supportive environment for those who dedicate their time to charitable causes. The involvement of various political parties in the adoption of the law demonstrates a broad consensus on the importance of volunteerism in society.
In conclusion, the law on volunteer engagement and association simplification is a significant development in recognizing the valuable contributions of volunteers in society. By introducing measures to facilitate volunteer training, streamline administrative processes, and encourage corporate contributions, the law aims to strengthen the role of volunteers in supporting charitable causes. While some concerns were raised about the financing of associations and the cost of certain provisions, the overall impact of the law is expected to be positive in promoting volunteerism and civic engagement. This unified effort by different political parties to support the law reflects a shared commitment to recognizing the essential role of volunteers in shaping our communities.
