Volunteering as an Element of Civil Society in the State.

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of volunteering as a fundamental element of civil society in Ukraine, with emphasis on its theoretical foundations, legal policy of regulation, and interrelation with legal culture. The research is actualized by the ongoing war against Ukraine as of 2025, when volunteering acquires critical significance as a mechanism for filling gaps in public administration and a foundation for socio-economic development amid humanitarian crisis.
Volunteering represents voluntary, altruistic activity oriented toward societal needs, which has evolved from historical traditions of mutual assistance to a contemporary instrument of social cohesion and democratic participation. The motivations of volunteers, their classification by psychological types and gender characteristics, as well as the functions of civil society organizations are analyzed.
In the context of legal policy, the evolution of Ukrainian legislation on volunteering is examined, particularly Law of Ukraine No. 3236-VI and amendments after 2022 that expanded directions of activity and forms of state support. A comparative analysis with European standards is conducted, including Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)11 of the Council of Europe, which emphasizes creating a favorable environment for volunteers without excessive restrictions.
Special attention is devoted to the interrelation between volunteering and legal culture and legal consciousness: volunteering narratives reconstruct citizenship from passive individualism to active associations, forming values of solidarity, sacrifice, and justice. The conclusions propose recommendations for strengthening the role of volunteering through public involvement in legal policy formation, elimination of legal barriers, balanced regulation, development of legal education, and integration with international standards to ensure sustainable development of civil society and national security.