志愿服务的精神SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM

　　United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan pointed out in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the International Year of Volunteers (2001); At the heart of volunteering are the ideals of services and solidarity and the belief that together we can make the world better. In that sense, we can say that volunteerism is the ultimate expression of what the United Nations is all about. His remarks expressed the essence of volunteerism. They also conveyed the sincere admiration that most people have for volunteers. Volunteerism is composed of: Dedication, Fraternity, Mutual-aid and Progress.

　　联合国秘书长科菲·安南在“ 2001 国际志愿者年”启动仪式上的讲话中指出：“志愿精神的核心是服务、团结的理想和共同使这个世界变得更加美好的信念。从这个意义上说，志愿精神是联合国精神的最终体现。”这句话指出了志愿精神的本质，表达了人们对志愿服务的由衷赞美。志愿服务的精神概括起来是：奉献、友爱、互助、进步。

　　1. Dedication
　　1. 奉献

　　The original meaning of dedication is to respectfully give or submit without asking for a reward. The spirit of contribution is admirable; it is the core value of volunteerism. Volunteers promote the development of society and social progress without expecting reward, fame, benefit or privilege. All their actions embody the admirable spirit of contribution. In 1938, Dr. Norman Bethune gave up a wealthy life in Canada and traveled thousands of miles and came to China . He provided medical care for the Chinese army and helped establish medical schools in military areas. He wrote and edited numerous textbooks; he taught medical students. In the autumn of 1939, while trying to save a wounded soldier he cut his hand and septicemia set in. He sacrificed his life for China . His life remains an inspiring international expression of a personal dedication.

　　“奉献”原指恭敬地交付、呈献，即不求回报地付出。奉献精神是高尚的，是志愿服务精神的精髓。志愿者在不计报酬、不求名利、不要特权的情况下参与推动人类发展、促进社会的活动，这些都体现着高尚的奉献精神。 1938 年，白求恩大夫放弃优越的物质条件，不远万里从加拿大来到中国，为八路军提供医疗救治服务，帮助创办了军区卫生学校，亲自编写各种教材并讲课。 1939 年秋，他在抢救伤员时因不幸感染病毒而牺牲。白求恩大夫将自己的生命奉献给了中国，这种国际主义精神也是奉献精神的重要体现。

　　2. Fraternity
　　2. 友爱

　　Volunteerism advocates that the volunteers should appreciate others, show kindness to others, love others and respect others. This is also friendship. The love of volunteers goes beyond nationality, profession, wealth, culture, and race. It is a love of equality, and it fills society with warmth of sunlight. A good example is the Doctors Without Borders (Medicines Sans Frontiers). This organization, in spite of race, politics or religious beliefs, provides humanitarian support to the victims who suffered because of catastrophe, disasters and wars. What they contributed is the love beyond borders. On October 15, 1999, MSF received Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its member ' s continuous efforts to give to those victims professional assistance as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

　　志愿服务精神提倡志愿者欣赏他人、与人为善、有爱无碍、平等尊重，这便是友爱精神。志愿者之爱跨越了国界、职业和贫富差距，是没有文化差异，没有民族之分，没有收入高低的平等之爱，它让社会充满阳光般的温暖。如无国界医生，他们不分种族、政治及宗教信仰，为受天灾、人祸及战火影响的受害者提供人道援助，他们奉献的是超国界之爱。 1999 年 10 月 5 日，无国界医生组织因“一直坚持使灾难受害者享有获得迅速而有效的专业援助的权利”而获得当年的诺贝尔和平奖。