TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Abstract

Introduction. The article systematizes technologies for engaging volunteers in the provision of social services under martial law and identifies directions for their improvement based on international experience in managing volunteer resources in crisis contexts. The theoretical and methodological framework is grounded in regulatory and legal analysis, comparative analysis, and the generalization of practices of public authorities, international organizations, and the civil society sector. It is demonstrated that martial law in Ukraine (introduced on February 24, 2022) intensifies the need for rapid, accessible, and needs-oriented social services, as well as enhances the importance of coordination mechanisms among state/municipal providers, non-governmental organizations, and volunteer communities. Objective of the article. Particular attention is paid to emergency (crisis) services and the transition to case management after stabilization, which requires the development of intersectoral referral pathways and multidisciplinary cooperation. The study identifies a set of key engagement technologies: needs-based volunteer planning; digital recruitment and matching; institutionalization of cooperation through agreements and protocols; network-based community hubs; competency-based training and certification; integration of volunteers into case management; and safety technologies and the “duty of care” approach for volunteers. Scientific novelty. Ukrainian case studies (including volunteer mobilization platforms, practices of psychosocial support, home care services, and the development of resilience centers) are presented as empirical evidence of the effectiveness of these technologies. Innovative directions for modernization are proposed for volunteer recruitment technologies, including protocols for managing spontaneous volunteers, digital micro-credentials, analytics of needs and workload, strengthening psychosocial support for volunteers, and quality standardization. Results. Thus, the key strategies for engaging volunteers during wartime include: needs-based planning; digital recruitment and matching; institutionalizing collaboration through agreements and local protocols; network hubs (particularly resilience centers); competency-based training and certification; integrating volunteers into case management/multidisciplinary teams; and technologies for volunteer safety and psychosocial support. Prospects for further research should be linked to: the development of quality and effectiveness indicators for volunteer participation in social services; Ukrainian case studies.