Volunteer Like a Viking
Updated: Apr 30
There’s a specific kind of electricity that happens right before a community event kicks off. It’s in the smell of fresh rain, the unfolding of the first folding chairs, and the quiet buzz of a team getting ready to welcome their neighbors.
As we move through 2026 - officially the International Year of Volunteers - there's never been a better time to dive in.
Dugnad (doog-nod)
If you visit Norway and enjoy things like marked hiking trails, fresh painted buildings, clean beaches and public spaces - that's often the result of the Norwegian Dugnad Spirit.
Dugnad is a unique Norwegian concept that means voluntary, unpaid work done collectively for a shared purpose. The word has roots dating back to the Old Norse term dugnaðr, which means help, support, or being capable.
Once historically necessary, as means of cooperating with local farms. Neighbors would help each other with the hard jobs like building, and harvesting. Jobs that were too big for one family. In return they would also receive help when they needed it. This made dugnad an important social and economic part of life if the country.
After all the host was expected to end the day of work with beer and a party. Which no doubt worked wonders for motivation.
Modern Days
As country became more urban dugnad has changed in activity but the idea is still the same. Today it takes place in housing associations, sports teams and schools. It's still people helping out for the greater good. Dugnad is a symbol of Norwegian spirit of solidarity and togetherness.
Start a Spark
There is quiet power and magic in the small things happening down the street. Volunteering is one of the fastest ways to cure the "city loneliness". Spend four hours at the book fair and I bet you make a few new friends.
One of the biggest ideas in volunteering this year is MICRO - Volunteering. Small events are perfect for this since they often need help for a specific window. i.e.
Set Up - 2 hours
Greeting - 1 hour
Clean Up - 90 minutes
Whether you volunteer for Barley Days or some other event or organization it all helps us feel like we're part of something bigger. We have room for you here and community does too.
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