volunˈteerism
[f. volunteer n. + -ism.]
1. The system of having volunteer military forces.
| 1844 P. Harwood Hist. Irish Reb. 1798 26 The effects of volunteerism on national morals and manners. |
2. N. Amer. The use of volunteer labour, esp. in the social services. Cf. voluntarism 3 b, voluntaryism 2.
| 1977 New Yorker 1 Aug. 48/2 Still another productivity proposal is that as the city work force shrinks, volunteerism should be encouraged; citizen volunteers could serve as auxiliary policemen, park attendants, case-workers, and school aides, for instance. 1979 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 28 May s14 A closer examination of voluntary action or ‘volunteerism’ as it relates to volunteer support staffs in amateur sport. 1983 United Airlines Mag. June 48 Minnesota's Corporate Volunteerism Council, a clearinghouse designed to help match community needs with people willing and able to give some time to others. |