THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS IN REDUCING THE (COVID-19) SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON SOCIETY: VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS AND TEAMS PERSPECTIVES IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN"

The study aimed to know the real role that volunteers in voluntary associations and teams play in the Sultanate of Oman to reduce the economic and social impacts of the crises in general and the crisis of the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in particular, in addition to analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of these associations and teams. The researchers depended on the survey method of voluntary associations and teams through their various websites, accounts on social media applications, and interviews. The study concluded the great role that voluntary associations and teams played in reducing the social and economic impacts of the crisis on society, the strengths and weaknesses of these voluntary associations and teams, their response to the crisis and adaptation to it, and the importance of cooperation with various institutions from the government or private sector or various civil society institutions. The study recommended the importance of training voluntary associations and teams on crisis management and supporting them financially, morally, and logistically and following up on their real role in the society.