On the island, there is a small army of "invisible angels" who dedicate themselves to helping others on a daily basis. These Sardinian men and women carry out acts of solidarity even without actively participating in volunteer associations . This is the focus of the research "Action-Research on Undeclared Volunteering in Sardinia : Mapping, Enhancement, and Strategies for Emergence," conducted by the Sardinia Service Center ODV (CSV Sardegna) and curated by the Carlo Carretto Social Studies Center.

The study—presented in Cagliari on Saturday, October 18—sheds light on a world of daily gestures of help that, while not included in official statistics, represent a "vital resource for the island's social fabric."

Suffice it to say that in Sardinia , 18% of those interviewed declared they engaged in unstructured aid activities: a percentage higher than the 15% of those who declared they participated in formal volunteering.

"These data," the CSV highlights, "provide a first snapshot of a reality in which solidarity often passes through informal channels: those who offer food or clothing to those in difficulty (39%), those who accompany the elderly or neighbors on their trips (23%), those who lend a hand during emergencies or disasters (21%)."

"The strength of this volunteering – continues CSV – is its flexibility. It is chosen mainly by adults between 35 and 54 years old, close

"Between work and family, who prefer short, direct actions. The motivations are many: feeling useful, responding to inequalities, but also avoiding bureaucracy and constraints and having the freedom to choose the cause to support from time to time."

"It is a spontaneous and relational commitment," the report explains, "that arises from the desire to humanize coexistence and strengthen social bonds."

The roots of this solidarity are deeply rooted in Sardinian community culture, based on mutual aid and reciprocity. Traditions such as Sa Paradura or S'azzudu torrau are examples of "natural" solidarity, which still inspire modern forms of widespread volunteering today.

The report also analyzes corporate volunteering, a practice that combines social responsibility and civic participation. In Sardinia, only 2% of respondents participate regularly, while 10% indicated they do so occasionally, but over a quarter would be willing to participate if given the opportunity. Several companies on the island are already experimenting with charitable initiatives that have had a positive impact on the local community.

"The research," CSV continues, "highlights significant potential. Corporate volunteering can be a training ground for the Third Sector. A place where workers experience civic engagement and, often, decide to pursue it independently."

The roots of informal volunteering in Sardinia are rooted in community customs, where solidarity is an integral part of social life. But the future also presents challenges: bureaucracy, the fear of confusing volunteering with undeclared work, the loss of a sense of belonging in depopulated areas, and the disinterest of younger generations. There's a risk that the network of spontaneous solidarity will dwindle if it isn't recognized and nurtured in time.

Furthermore, it is emphasized, "there is a need for greater information and coordination: 57% of Sardinian businesses believe it is useful to have an intermediary, such as the CSV, which could act as a "bridge" between informal volunteers, third sector organizations, and businesses, offering training, support, and meeting spaces."

"Undeclared volunteering," the research concludes, "is an invisible but indispensable resource: it supports the vulnerable, strengthens communities, and identifies new social needs before they emerge."

"Recognizing and valuing it means protecting a human heritage that has always been part of Sardinian identity," the researchers say. "Behind every generous gesture lies the silent strength of a Sardinia that continues to believe in the value of mutual aid."

(Unioneonline/lf)

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