The Joy of Volunteerism

MEGS S. LUNN

“If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.”

Like many other vocations, an individual can also be destined to become a volunteer. Such individuals are called to community service not because they need to, but because they love to.
According to the book – “A Road Less Travelled and Beyond,” volunteerism is the word that is used to describe the effort to do good in spheres that lie beyond personal economic interests and the family. As soon as an individual stands up for something, with no expectation of reward, their involvement becomes essentially voluntary.

• A philantrophist volunteers his money
• A teacher may provide free tutoring to children in a poor neighborhood.
• Astudent may assist at a homeless shelter
• A homemaker may make weekly visits to spend quality time with lonely residents of a home for the elderly
• And many others…

There are many more reasons why it is both fun and also fulfilling to volunteer. There are many books on the subject of volunteerism. Speaking from my own experience, the true essence of volunteerism is being there yourself. Some are called to be doctors, to be teachers, to be politicians, while others are destined to be missionaries and volunteer workers.

According to my best friend, who is a priest, “it is indeed a legitimate and as complex a choice as any career decision…..”

Volunteering is an opportunity to learn and to grow in service to others. It demands both time and presence, but once undertaken the rewards are substantial since one learns something good, together with the personal satisfaction of knowing that one has been of help.

Further to this, when one does commit to being a volunteer, timing becomes crucial.

Volunteering can be immensely satisfying. One could not ask for more. At the end of the day, one feels at peace in the knowledge that through this effort the world has become a better place in which to live, both for our children and also for our children’s children.

Simply by giving a little of your time, the feeling can be overwhelming, and the feeling that you have become part of the solution can be most gratifying.

To whom much is given, much is also expected. If one has been given time, talent and treasure, one can even do more. No one is so poor that they cannot share a little of what they have with others. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Give until it hurts.”

There will always be those who criticize or who try to belittle those who give so freely of their time, but it often happens that it is individuals such as these who themselves have nothing to give. This is all a part of the world of volunteerism.

People who are negative about such philanthropic efforts are actually the ones who are challenging one to do more. Nobody is perfect in a position of leadership. On some occasions one cannot avoid stepping on the toes of others.

Human beings are after all social animals. Many of us also become pikon.If one fails to recognize them, one is in trouble. If one asks them to be there, one is also in trouble.

Volunteerism involves doing an extra mile by being generous with your time. When volunteering, one is also helping to unite others.

One way to deal with negative criticism is to count ones blessings, and often this will overcome any such criticisms.

The Bible tells us that we need to forgive our brothers and sisters 7 x 77 times and even beyond. It is the sin and not the sinner that we should despise.

The only consolation when one is criticized or judged is to remember that nobody has the right to do so. Only God has the right to judge.

The hardest part of volunteerism is the asking. One volunteer once said, “Tell them about your own personal experience so as to give them reasons to give.”

When volunteering involves fundraising, one also has the responsibility of managing any donations wisely, making sure that they really go to the beneficiaries involved. The results should then be reported right away. Benefactors will be reassured to see how their donations have been spent.

There are many good reasons for being volunteer, but the most important one of all is the new dimension it creates in one’s own life, and the personal fulfillment it brings.

* The author will be happy for you to be her partners in service. For those who would like to donate to one of her advocacies: PROJECT W.A.L.K. (Wishes of Aid and Limbs for Kids), please call this Office. Thank you./WVE