28 NOVEMBER 2000, New York: The opening ceremony for the International Year of Volunteers was The following suggestions may be helpful:

that extensive prior consultation take place among volunteer organizations, national NGOs and community groups: (i) as to what they would wish to see come out of the Year in your country in relation to the four main aims of IYV 2001; and (ii) as to representation on the National Committee; and that government consult with such groups in establishing the Committee.

that there also be consultations between relevant Ministers and Ministries?
--- on the aims of IYV 2001?
--- on what approaches government might itself wish to initiate.
--- on the membership and remit of the National Committee, and.
--- on the support which the Head of State and the government might give to marking IYV

that the National Committee be given a clear remit.
--- to assist the process of continuing consultation.
--- to prepare and facilitate an energetic programme of IYV activities locally & nationally, --- including raising funds or seeking sponsorship if necessary and appropriate; and.
---in due course to recommend to government measures to achieve the aims of IYV 2001 in the country.

that it be clear to whom the Committee should report at specified intervals on its work in preparing for the Year, in prompting or itself organising activities during 2001, and in tendering final recommendations to government.

that the membership of the Committee be a blend of representatives of relevant Ministries, universities with related research or training roles, business and industry, foundations, leading NGOs and community groups, together with some individuals in their personal capacity?

that the individuals be chosen from, for example, serving and former volunteers (domestic or international), and retired persons who have distinguished themselves in the Public Service, the Foreign Service, the service of the United Nations, etc.

that an eminent and independent public figure with the necessary stature to secure government's consideration of the National Committee's recommendations be invited to chair the Committee's deliberations.

that, to help organize some of the key local and national events of the Year - indeed perhaps to provide some prospective members of the National Committee - it may be possible to look to existing coordinating bodies of volunteer organizations and voluntary agencies, and/or to those groups of serving and former national and international volunteers in your country which have traditionally cooperated to mark International Volunteer Day on 5 December.

that the Committee link its efforts to the international effort, through the IYV 2001 web site.