THE CODE OF CONDUCT OF THE VOLUNTEER

Voluntary service has experienced a considerable expansion and a subst antial change over the last two decades, The role of the volunteer has gradually come to interact with activities undertaken by other profes sionals, but without interfering, Since the role of the volunteer natu rally involves autonomy and discretion on his/her behalf, the associat ions concerned increasingly feel the need to refer to standards defini ng a voluntary service ethic. Within a refresher course with a set num ber of places for non-profit-making organisations, which was arranged by the Italian League against Cancer! Milan, a consensus conference fo r the ratification of a code of conduct on voluntary service was held. The aim was to reach a consensus together with others who work in an ''organised'' manner every day, on ethical concepts that should inspir e voluntary service: the common good, mutual respect, freedom of choic e, a non-profit-oriented vision. After exhaustive discussions by three panels, the text of a code of conduct unanimously approved was elabor ated, All concerned with this code tried to avoid giving it a ''sanita ry'' imprint. It is in fact our opinion that whatever the area covered by voluntary service, its aim and its final objective is to ensure th e wellbeing of mankind and his environment.