La Camera gave the definitive green light, with 239 votes in favor and 78 against, to the new legislation on Third sector, or that of private entities set up for the pursuit of civic, solidarity and social utility purposes, which operate non-profit.
Therefore, for the first time in twenty years, even if we have to wait for the implementing decrees, the variegated world of no profit, fundamental, according to the vice president of the Chamber Marina Sereni, "For sustainable, community and participatory development".
A reform that affects 1,7 million people organized in over 44 associations scattered throughout the territory e about 6,6 million citizens who in Italy dedicate themselves to volunteering in various informal ways, with the aim of enhancing the resources of those who work in social enterprises in our country, and the resources of a sector that can count on 6,4% of the active economic units of the country and which can be a powerful engine, if adjusted with the right care.
The representatives of the National Forum of the Third Sector were very satisfied: "There are many positive aspects - observes the spokesperson Pietro Barbieri - from the attempt to overcome fragmentation to the establishment of a single national register, necessary to contribute to transparency, to the review of subsidy measures tax. A further aspect of appreciation is that government, promotion and direction policies are in the hands of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers".
But what are the novelties of the reform?
The National Civil Service
Of crucial importance above all the part relating to the universal civil service, to aim to cover all the requests for volunteering by young people between 18 and 28 years old. This year, for example, out of 160 requests, there were about 50 places available. Thanks to a tender arriving in the next few days, 40 new positions will be added.
An option, that of the civil service, which according to the Pd deputy Francesca Bonomo, one of the promoters of the reform, could be "particularly important for the NEETs, young people who do not study and do not work". Under the reform, the allowance paid to volunteers will remain the same: 433,80 euros net per month.
With the reform, however, foreigners who have been residing in Italy for at least five years have also been included in the civil service and they will also be given the opportunity to spend at least two months in a different region or another European state.
The Third Sector Code
The reform provides for the drafting of a Third sector code which will contain the general provisions that apply to all entities, the definition of the forms and methods of organization, the forms of protection of workers and their participation in decision-making processes.
In order to reorganize the registration system of the entities, a single register of the third sector will be created, which will be set up at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies. All entities that make use of public or private funds raised through public subscriptions, and also of European funds, will therefore be obliged to register in the register.
Volunteer Service Centers
Third sector entities will be able to manage voluntary service centers and will provide technical, training and information support to promote and strengthen the presence and role of volunteers in the various Third sector entities. Furthermore, the law intends to overcome the system of national observatories for voluntary work and social promotion associations and move on to the establishment of the National Council of the Third Sector, as a consultative body at the national level.
