s Learning Objectives At the end of this chapter, the learners are expected to: 1. give the meaning and benefits of volunteerism; 2. name the core values expected of volunteers; and 3. explore volunteer opportunities that one may engage in. CO Overview This chapter takes up volunteerism—its meaning and benefits values expected! volunteers, and volunteer opportunities, Volunteeri _ Volunteerism helps hasten and strengthen community development as it promotes duals in a the needs of community uals indifferent programs and projects that respond ® 156<= Chapter 13: Volunteerism Volunteerism Volunteerism is the act, practice, or Principle of contributing one’s time, talents, and resources freely to worthwhile purposes without tangible compensation. It is considered the most fundamental act in the Society. It is geared toward good causes that help alleviate the suffering of others. It Promotes peace, solidarity, and trust among citizens. Volunteerism can serve in various areas ranging from medical, environmental, and educational support groups to child Protection and human rights advocacies, poll or election work, peacekeeping missions, and relief operations, to name a few. Some people consider volunteerism a pastime; others see it as a vocation. Some volunteers have high-paying jobs and stable careers; others are well known in their fields. Volunteers could be teachers, doctors, lawyers, or celebrities. They could also be housewives, students, or retirees, Regardless of age, economic status, sex, and educational attainment, volunteers work together toward a common cause for which they commit their time, know-how and expertise, and sometimes even their own money. However, one does not become a volunteer by simply raising his/her hand. Avolunteer has to undergo trainings and attend seminars for specific functions or tasks that he/she volunteers for. Moore (2002) describes a volunteer as follows: “A volunteer is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand, namely, being aware of another's need and doing something about it. “A volunteer is a person who strives to make other people happy, who takes the loneliness out of the alone by talking to them, who is concerned when others are unconcerned, who has the courage to be a blessing and to say the things that have to be said for the good of all. “A volunteer is a person whose charity is fidelity, who is faithful in an unfaithful world, grateful in an ungrateful world, giving when all are grasping, listening when others need to tell about their fears and problems.” Volunteers are people from all walks of life, all ages and stages, having a common “desire to make a difference in their community and their own life by giving of their time and expertise. For young people, volunteering brings a new sense of confidence and self-gratification. It is a good way to interact in the “grown-up world.” It enables them to develop communication, career-building, and social skills that will be useful in other facets of their lives. 157e Students NSTP-CWTS 1 Worktext for Collegs Benefits of Volunteers Volunteerism yields the following benefits: 1, Community development 2. Development of the skills of volunteers 3, Peace, solidarity, and trust among citizens 4, Career opportunities for volunteers 5, Friendship among citizens 6. Experience and self-esteem gained by volunteers Values Expected of Volunteers Here are some core values expected of volunteers: 1. Commitment. Volunteers are attached to, identified with, and involved in community service. 2. Professionalism. Volunteers observe work ethics in performing their responsibilities with socially and morally accepted behavior. 3. Creativity. Volunteers search constantly for new strategies and methods of doing a task for improved results, 4. Unity. A volunteer supports teamwork to achieve the common goal. Volunteer Opportunities on The 2001 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering, and Participating shares the lowing questionnaire, the answers to which help determine what kind of volunteer opportunities will be suited to the individual volunteer: 1. Ifyou have all the human and financial resources in the world, what problem on ve, what would you change, and what would you create? Your Swill tll you what matters the most to you. - What kind of time commitment ai for a regulariweekly voluntens en ing te make? Are you looking opportunity? T commitment or a short-term/one-time . Would yoia tf a you ws ‘oVolunteer with other people or by yourself? : You like to voluntee; ‘ volunteer in an eee your own home or would you prefer '© 158Chapter 13: Volunteerism paeseinae ents that you would like to share with an 7, Would you like to develop a specific skill? 8. What are your personal we oals? i mn : Boals? Would you like to re-enter the workforce or Potential volunteer opportunities are as follows: ‘A. Based on the interests of an individual 1. Ifyou like animals, you can help out at an animal shelter or the nearest 200. 2. Ifyou like working with kids, i » You can get involved at a day- rrescht center or help younget students with their schoclmke . 3. Ifyou enjoy playing sports, you can play games with the kids at a nearby sports complex or organize a mini-sports fest. 4, Ifyou like to cook, you can get together with friends and teach moms or housekeepers new recipes, the latest about food preparation and preservation, and entrepreneurship opportunities in cooking. 5. If you enjoy arts and crafts, you can teach how to make curtains or bedspreads, embroider pillowcases and towels, and make unique fashion accessories at a women's shelter, nursing home, or orphanage. 6. Ifyou enjoy the outdoors, you can help organize a clean-up drive in your street or park or help a neighbor plant flowers. 7. If you enjoy dancing, singing, and acting, you can participate in your community’s cultural show group. or live far away and you do not get re passed awa} 8. Ifyour grandparents have pi Y ee to see them as often you want to, you can make friends and adopt him/her as your grandma or grandpa. 9. Ifyou are interested in foreign culture, you can volunteer at a school that accepts foreign students. .d about people 10. Ifyou are concerne eee ee people with goal of an individual dical field, you ca hospital or clinic. junteer at a public school. with disabilities, you can volunteer at an rae physical or mental disabilities. agency or institution B. Based on the future career ike to work in the me 1, - Ifyou like oer health center or 4 gover! in teaching, n volunteer at a community i yu can vol 2. Ifyouare interested yo 159NSTP-CWTS 1 Worktext for College Students 3. If you are interested in science, you can volunteer at the local Science museum or 200. If you like to work in an office someday, you can volunteer at a non-profy, organization. Community Service Community service is identified by the higher educational institution (HEI) in consultation with the local government, community-based organizations, and non. governmental organizations as designed to improve the quality of life of community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs. Community service includes the following: 1. first aid training or health care, preschool storytelling, social welfare, social services, trauma counseling, group dynamics, crime prevention, recreation, street cleaning, and community improvement 2. serving in the youth corps as defined in the NSTP Act of 2001 3. assisting students with disabilities 4. tutoring, supporting educational and recreational activities, and counseling, including career counseling Volunteer community-service can be rendered in government offices, private companies or in any place where services may be needed. Volunteers can also work from their homes. Ba Conclusion : ama volunteerism entails identifying resources; building up present sone eoporrering Partners or individuals to reach their potential; facilitating new ae a a - ee Hes Strengthening such connections; and fostering le ability of indivi belonging and a desire to be involved.” Se 160