The purpose of this article is to explore value-semantic foundations in Genesis of the volunteer movement. The author's concept of periodization of volunteering in Russia. Volunteer work contributes to the understanding of the system of values of modern students, acts as a socially useful forms of activity. With national and cultural characteristics associated with the uniqueness of volunteerism in our country. The types and forms of volunteer activities have historically changed. They are reflected in the phenomenon of voluntary assistance and is aimed at those who need it. It is holistically presented as a socially and personally valuable activities. It comes from the Latin voluntarius - voluntary and received wide international distribution. We use both concepts (the volunteer and the volunteer) as synonymous. Volunteer activities we consider as voluntary assistance, undertaken for the benefit of vulnerable people without expectation of reward. While exploring value-semantic basis of self-actualization of the personality of modern students. Currently, the pedagogy is more oriented on humanism and develops the idea of full development of student's personality. This also includes the development of value orientations, which are understood in moral values.