The UNV Programme in Mauritania has set up as strategic goal to facilitate dialogue in partnership with different social actors (Civil Society) for civic engagement through volunteering and community mobilisation. The benefits of volunteering are in between the most valuable elements in the development of social capital, social cohesion and inclusion through capacity building and knowledge sharing. Volunteerism and Civic Engagement Strategic contribution of volunteerism to the Civil Society

2 Why Civic Engagement? “Civic engagement, which is not limited to citizen involvement through formal structures such as civil society organizations, connotes freely undertaken activities to address matters of public interest. When provided the freedom to operate and a platform for expression, civic participation can contribute powerfully to national development and ownership. A climate for civic engagement – fostered by legislation and policy measures – is one where citizens have the ability, the agency, and the opportunity to participate in different forms of civic activity” (UNDP draft Strategic Plan ) “ Volunteering is a key mean by which individuals articulate their engagement as citizens, and by building thrust and reciprocity among citizens volunteering contributes to a more cohesive, stable society” (On Volunteering and Social Development UNV 1999) –Volunteering plays an active role in the governance of civil society groups which constitute important local accountability mechanism –There is a inverse correlation between levels of communal strife and level of crosscutting civic engagement Why Volunteering?

3 Empowering CS by Volunteering through CE National Legal Policy Frameworks Advocacy for the implementation of Law on Volunteerism Decentralization for decision-making process by training and facilitating the inclusion of CBOs in participatory planning and addressing local issues (local development, etc.) Institutional Frameworks Awareness raising with respect to social inclusion of all individuals mobilization through volunteer activities in participating municipalities Developing Accountability participatory mechanisms Operational Mechanisms Fostering dialogue and strengthening the linkages and networks among CBOs for better access to information and decision-making on SC- related issues: “Networks of Civic Engagement”

4 Measuring volunteering contributions to CS Possible Indicators of Civic Engagement National Legal Policy Frameworks – number of new or revised national laws which promote a favorable environment for civic engagement; number of National Plans, PRSPs, NHDRs, UNDAFs, etc. that include civic engagement references; Institutional Frameworks – number of volunteer schemes and volunteer centers; changes in size of associational membership; participation of youth in service learning programmes; Operational Mechanisms- type and number of consultation channels that engage citizens; incidence of citizenship included as a subject in the education system;