Voluntary sector
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{{Economic sectors}}
The '''voluntary sector''' (also '''non-profit sector''') is the sphere of social activity undertaken by [[organization]]s that are [[Non-profit organizations|non-profit]]<ref>PotÀuček, M. (1999) ''Not Only the Market: The Role of the Market, Government, and the Civic Sector.'' Central European University Press. p.34.</ref> and [[Non-governmental organization|non-governmental]]. This sector is also called the '''third sector''', in reference to it as the space between the [[public sector]] and the [[private sector]]. '''Civic sector''' is another term for the sector, emphasizing the sector's relationship to [[civil society]].
What constitutes the voluntary sector may be interpreted widely or narrowly, and may include such diverse groups as [[Interest group|advocacy/interest groups]], [[think tank]]s, [[social movement]]s, [[Political party|political parties]], [[charitable organization]]s, [[Volunteerism|volunteer]] [[community]] organizations, and [[Religion|religious]] organizations. The voluntary sector may be said to comprise organizations with a [[Society|social]] purpose, although usually not including those with a primary focus on [[social enterprise]] or [[social entrepreneurship]] activities.
In [[Japan]] since the 1980s, the '''''third sector''''' ([[Japanese language|Japanese]]: 第三セクター, [[Romanization of Japanese|romanized]] ''Daisan sector'') refers to joint [[corporation]]s invested both by the [[public sector]] and [[private sector]].
The [[Cabinet Office]] of the [[Her Majesty's Government|British government]] has an Office of the Third Sector that defines the "third sector" as "the place between State and (the) private sector." [http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector]
The presence of a large non-profit sector is sometimes seen as an indicator of a healthy economy in local and national financial measurements.<ref>Verdier, D. (2002) ''Moving Money: Banking and Finance in the Industrialized World.'' Cambridge University Press. p. 145.</ref> With a growing number of non-profit organizations focused on [[social services]], the [[Environmentalism|environment]], [[education]] and other unmet needs throughout society, the nonprofit sector is increasingly central to the health and well-being of society.<ref>(2007) [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0706/S00378.htm "Laban: Volunteering Canterbury - 2007 Awards"], 6/20/07. Retrieved 6/26/07.</ref> Expert [[Peter Drucker]] suggests that the nonprofit sector provides an excellent outlet for a variety of society's labor and skills. <ref>(2007) [http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2007/06/drucker-wisdom-.html "Drucker Wisdom: Leadership and the CEO."] ''The Blake Project''. 6/26/07. Retrieved 6/26/07.</ref>
In 1976 [[Daniel Bell]] predicted the third sector becoming the predominate sector in society, as the knowledge class overcame the effects of the private sector.<ref>Bell, D. (1976) ''The Coming of Post-Industrial Society: a venture in social forecasting.'' Basic Books. p. 147.</ref> This presently holds true in a number of European countries. According to a recent study by [[Johns Hopkins University]], the [[Netherlands]] has the largest third sector of 20 countries across Europe.<ref>Evers, A. and Laville, J. (2004) ''The Third Sector in Europe.'' Edward Elgar Publishing. p. 150.</ref> In Ireland the Non Profit sector accounts for 8.8% of GDP. <ref>Building a caring civil society in Ireland: http://www.2into3.com </ref> In [[Sweden]], the nonprofit sector is attributed with fostering a nationwide [[social change]] towards progressive economic, social and cultural policies<ref>Muffels, J. (2001) ''Solidarity in Health and Social Care in Europe.'' Springer. p. 90.</ref>, while in [[Italy]] the third sector is increasingly viewed as a primary employment source for the entire country.<ref>Antonelli, G. and De Liso, N. (2004) ''European Economic Integration and Italian Labour Policies.'' Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 228.</ref>
There have been long-ranging arguments regarding the financial accountability of the nonprofit sector throughout [[Western society]].<ref>Gettler, L. (2007) [http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/nonprofits-can-be-more-accountable/2007/05/30/1180205336926.html "Non-profits can be more accountable,"] ''The Age.'' 5/31/07. Retrieved 6/25/07.</ref> There is also ongoing concern whether the nonprofit sector will unequally draw retiring workers from the [[private sector]] as the currently large [[Post-World War II baby boom|Baby Boomers]] age.<ref>The Conference Board. (2007) [http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,114420.shtml "Non-Profit Firms Face Many Challenges and Some Opportunities With Advent of Retirement of Baby-Boom Generation."] ''Earth Times.'' 5/31/07. Retrieved 6/25/07.</ref>
{{seealso|Advocacy group|Alternative society|Mission-based organization|Social economy|International organization|Philanthropy|Foundation (nonprofit organization)}}
{{seealso|National Council for Voluntary Organisations|Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action|Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations|Wales Council for Voluntary Action}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Social philosophy]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations]]
[[Category:Philanthropy]]
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