International Day of Happiness: Finding Joy in Community
Today, on International Day of Happiness (20 March), The Wheel is calling on people to get involved in community and voluntary activities to combat loneliness and rediscover the warmth of community.
In Ireland, where the spirit of meitheal and community runs deep, International Day of Happiness takes on a special resonance. While recent surveys have highlighted our struggle with loneliness (an EU survey from 2022 highlighted that 20% of Irish people surveyed felt lonely “most or all of the time”) – a challenge we must address – Ireland’s incredible charities and community groups offer a great opportunity to connect and find meaning in our every day’s lives.
Claire McGowran, Campaign Manager of the We Act Campaign said, that volunteering offers a pathway to a truly fulfilled life. “It's not just about giving back; it's about finding belonging, building friendships, and experiencing the profound joy of making a difference. Various studies show that it also provides tangible benefits for your physical health and mental well-being.”
Each year, almost nine out of ten people in Ireland take part in the social, sporting, cultural, and humanitarian activities provided by the nonprofit sector. The nonprofit sector provides key support services and advocacy in every community in the country — in areas like health and disability, social care, education, housing, poverty relief, the arts, sports, and international development. Some nonprofit organisations are contracted by the state to deliver essential public services.
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on 20 March. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012. The International Day of Happiness aims to make people around the world realize the importance of happiness in their lives.