Features of Voluntary Work in Palestine from Ouna (1) to Civil Work

Abstract

The study seeks identifying the main features of voluntary work in

Palestine within the developmental process it passed through from the start

of the twentieth century. Until now.

Methodology: The researcher applied the historical comparative

approach in order to highlight the previous and current features of voluntary

work depending on literature review that tackled the historical background

of voluntary work in Palestine. After that the researcher depended on the open

interviews with experts and activists in order to collect data about the current

phase and the previous phase of voluntary work

The researcher realized that the voluntary work process in Palestine

passed through various phases with special features for each and in order to

facilitate exploring these phases, they were divided over four main stages:

Voluntary Work (Quna): Ouna represents one of the main components

of social spontaneous activeness as part of the social values. Formed by

simple traditional societies.

Traditional Voluntary Work Phase (19 - 1970): This phase is connected

with the emergence and establishment of service organizations.

National Voluntary Work Phase (70 - 1990): During this phase,

voluntary work was connected directly with the national struggle.

Civil Voluntary Work Phase (90 - up to date): Within this phase,

voluntary work was connected with the emergence of specialized professional

organizations.