VOLUNTEERING

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good”, spoken by Greek philosopher Aristotle over 2300 years ago as one of the most ancient quotes about volunteering offers proof that giving back to the community is hardly a new concept, it has been in existence for quite a long time and is increasingly becoming really important and necessary in our world of today. Volunteering has gone way farther than we thought it will ever go. According to Wikipedia, volunteering is considered as an activity where an individual or a group freely gives time to benefit another person, group or organization. Volunteering now is popular for skill development and has proven to promote goodness and improve human quality of life. Volunteering has many benefits embedded in it aside monetary benefits; it makes contacts for intended employment, makes on trained in various areas which is of added advantage to one's personality and society. There are various types of volunteering, some of which are: skill-based volunteering, virtual volunteering, micro-volunteering, environmental volunteering, volunteering during emergencies, volunteering in schools, corporate volunteering, community volunteering, and social/welfare volunteering. Whichever aspect of volunteering you choose, make use of the post well as it has its benefits now or in future. How beneficiary is volunteering? What do I stand to gain when I volunteer? You will gain a lot, more than you have ever thought of. Gain confidence-Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. Make a difference-Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive affect on people, communities and society in general. Meet people-Volunteering can help you meet different kinds of people and make new friends. Be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family. Learn new skills-Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience and sometimes even qualifications. Take on a challenge-hrough volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills and discover hidden talents. Improves School and College Experience Provides Better Job Prospects Health benefits-Volunteering helps in improving one's health and promoting longevity Have fun-Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life As much as there are rights to official workers, so also are there rights to volunteers. As a volunteer you have the right to: work in a healthy and safe environment. be recruited in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation. be engaged in a meaningful role that adds value to the organisation’s purpose and goal. receive relevant induction, training, supervision and feedback to fully understand and carry out your role safely and effectively. be given accurate and truthful information about the organisation you work with. be adequately covered by the organisation’s insurance. have a position description, agreed working hours, reasonable workload and clear tasks. be trusted with confidential information if necessary for your role. have your confidential and personal information properly managed and privacy protected. have choices and feel comfortable about saying no. have access to volunteer and relevant organisational policies and procedures, including a grievance procedure. be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. be supported in your role and consulted about matters that directly affect you and your work. participate in organisational life through inclusion in meetings and social events. not be exploited. not fill a position previously held by a paid worker. not do the work of paid staff during industrial disputes. be acknowledged and appreciated for your contribution, value and impact in you volunteering position. There are various barriers to being a volunteer. Some are wrok and other commitments, children and family responsibility, ignorance, inexposure, and many more. The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers are not paid, not because they do not know their worth but because they are priceless. Akinleye Grace Oluwabusola @grace_akinleye