In 2000, ten million people volunteered to support the immunization of 550 million children as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.The vast majority were concerned citizens, volunteering in their own communities. They gave their time to ensure that children reported to immunization stations, were properly documented, and received the oral vaccine. The total value of the support provided by volunteers was estimated at $10 billion, well beyond the reach of governments or international and national organizations. This example illustrates well how the solidarity and creativity of millions of ordinary people, channelled through volunteerism, are key to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)*. Indeed, although the MDG were first discussed in 2000, countless individual volunteers, volunteerinvolving organizations and volunteer networks have through their activities promoted the targets behind the Millennium Development Goals for decades. And most anywhere you look today, the work of volunteers goes on in support of local, national and global development.