The practices of solidarity and volunteerism have spread throughout most of the world today, finding expression in diverse ways: some are 'assistentialist' in form, while others reveal more of a commitment to change, of a greater or lesser order. This paper explores three perspectives: 1) a look at solidarity from a historical approach that seeks to identify its genesis and main characteristics; 2) an identification of volunteerism over time, with special attention paid to the process of its emergence in Brazil and its social value; 3) the proposal of critical solidarity and organic volunteering as ways of intervening in and transforming society. From this perspective, the text endeavors to elucidate what motivates volunteers to engage in this activity; it presents critical solidarity as a value that motivates people and associations in their day-to-day social ventures.
critical solidarity; organic volunteering; social transformation
