A “Policy Development Workshop” was held within the scope of the Youth and Family Research Program organized by Genç Kızılay Academy. During the workshop, Dr. Lecturer Melek Çaylak from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) delivered a presentation titled “THEME 6: Solidarity Begins in the Heart of the Home: Civil Society and Volunteerism Awareness in the Family”. Çaylak emphasized that the culture of volunteerism is a gain for the entire society, stating that solidarity is an internal value practice.
The workshop, attended by academics from many universities, was held at Ankara New Park Hotel.
Within the scope of the workshop, Dr. Lecturer Melek Çaylak, Head of the Social Services and Counseling Department and Youth and Family Program Mentor, examined how values acquired in the family shape individuals' volunteerism and social responsibility awareness. The study, to which researchers from Turkey's 7 (SEGE) regions contributed, stated that social solidarity begins in the family and volunteerism is the cornerstone of the culture of solidarity.
Dr. Lecturer Melek Çaylak: “Solidarity is an internal value practice”
Underlining that the family functions like a school of life, Dr. Çaylak said; “The family works like a 'school of life,' developing individuals' awareness of volunteerism and social responsibility. Solidarity is not merely external help but an internal value practice shaped within the family. For the culture of solidarity and volunteerism to be permanent in society, teaching these values within the family from an early age is vitally important.”
“The culture of volunteerism is a gain for the entire society”
Çaylak mentioned that the path to developing volunteerism awareness lies in the foundations laid within the family; “Values acquired in the family are one of the most important factors determining what kind of difference an individual will make in society. Therefore, strengthening the culture of volunteerism in the family is a gain not only for the individual but for the entire society.” she stated.
The research defines the family not merely as a biological bond but as the institution where the first steps of emotional, social, and moral development are taken. Values learned in the family, such as sensitivity, mutual aid, sharing, and taking responsibility, lay the foundation for volunteerism.
Reinforcement of the culture of solidarity emphasized
In this context, it was emphasized that the culture of solidarity, which begins in the family, needs to be strengthened again due to factors such as increasing individualism, weakening social ties, and decreasing trust in today's societies. Volunteerism is seen not just as a social activity but as a link in a chain of values rooted in the family.
The research defines the family as the heart of civil society, while characterizing volunteerism as the rhythm of this heart. Values acquired in the family strengthen individuals' social sensitivity and volunteerism awareness.
Examined with six main themes…
Within the scope of the workshop, how volunteerism awareness is shaped in the family and how these values spread to society was also examined through six main themes and subheadings.
1. Culture of Volunteerism in the Family
Values that nurture volunteerism, challenges, and motivational tools.
2. Family Foundations of Volunteerism
Support mechanisms within the family, values, and increase in awareness.
3. The Role of Civil Society in Personal Development
Support for personal development, participation in activities, and professionalization.
4. Civil Society and Social Engagement
Importance of civil society, mutual aid activities in schools, and family traditions.
5. Social Awareness
Solidarity, sensitivity, and responsibility.
6. Challenges and Obstacles in Volunteerism
Moral and material difficulties, challenges in dedicating time, and systemic obstacles.
