Have you ever volunteered?

Question

I am interested to know if you volunteered for community service in any way before. We are compiling a volunteer programme for a South African organisation and would like to establish the reasons for volunteering. How did you volunteer, and Why?

Answer 1

I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and also worked on a crisis intervention hotline. I have even used my vacation time to go to Hungary on a couple of mission trips through my church. We brought groups there to do construction work and teach English.

I love to help and be there for others in times of crisis. But I think the factor that most influences people to volunteer is to get a real appreciation for the needs in this world, and how many people are suffering while so many of us are living extremely comfortably by the world's standards. Most of us seem insullated from worlds different than our own. We never know what it's like to be hungry or live in sub-standard housing or have no access to quality health care.

It isn't until we travel to another country, or have an up-close look at victims of hurricane Katrina or a tsunami, people living in poverty or under a corrupt government that we come to our senses. Or, a family member may have a particular disease or disability that allows us to experience their suffering firsthand.

So I believe the key is getting others informed about the needs by giving them an opportunity to experience them personally and face-to-face. This usually hits them over the head in a way they can't ignore, and they can experience great satisfaction knowing that they can be part of the solution to these problems.

Answer 2

Everyone should volunteer to help make the world a better place. Only greedy people demand money for their work. What do you believe in?

I volunteer for the California state parks and with an international student exchange program where young people can live abroad for a summer, a semester or an entire school year. It's cool.

The best reasons for volunteering are:
1) You have a personal interest in the cause.
2) You want to make a difference.
3) It fits into your lifestyle. Something that doesn't become a burdon on you.
4) You can see that your efforts are making a real change in the world.
5) You can develop a skill that you might not otherwise be able to develop, such as working with youth, the public, the media, etc.
6) Meeting others who are interested in the same things as you.
7) Well, sometimes, member benefits.

There are so many worthy causes that you can volunteer for. In the end, I find it to be the people I volunteer with or for that make the difference. It is all about the people.

Answer 3

I have a non-conventional answer.
While I was in collage I "volunteered" for a group called "americorps". We worked with local youth programs. Had a great time.
-The realistic reason for me to work with this program as oppose to others in the area $$$
That's right, I said it. We received a small "living allowance" we also were earning "tuition reimbursement". So that once I graduated I used that $$ to help pay off some student loans.
-It was a great program helping the youth in the community. I felt our group was making a difference in their lives.
-Would I do it again if I could (they have a 2 year max)?
Yes!
-Would I do it again without the $$ ? Probally not as many hours but maybe once a month. (I'm just being honest)

**Good Luck

Answer 4

I do the Breast Cancer 3Day (which I consider volunteering). This is my second year doing it. I volunteer my year training and raising money to help find a cure for breast cancer. I also volunteer to be a team captain and training walk leader. I do all of this because I also like to help people. It feels good at the end of the 3Day to know how much we raised to help this fight. Then you can multiply that number times 12 since they do 12 walks a year. Just think if they find a cure to get rid of cancer, I can say I contributed in some way!!
I also volunteer at my kids schools. I volunteer at church to teach Sunday school. I am also looking into volunteering this fall to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. I like to help others! It feels good.

Answer 5

I volunteered because I wanted to help make a difference.
(worked in a Food Pantry passing out weekly food to the less fortunate, worked in a food warehouse that distributed food to area agencies).

I volunteer now because I love kids.
(friendship worker for young man in youth home)

I volunteered to help the organization run smoother.
(volunteered time in my kids' small private school)

I volunteered because somebody had to do it.
( cleaned the church on a regular basis to save money for the church)

I get more out of it than I give to it and I work hard! The rewards are immeasurable.

Answer 6

I am volunteering for Habitat for Humanity building homes for less fortunate. I did it because I think every family should have a place to call home and feel secure at. Its also a great place to make memories as a family.

Answer 7

The old saying in order to be grateful with what we have, we must give it way. I volunteer at the Female Detention Center in Orlando, Fl Guiding the meeting around recovery and hope, it feels good to share hope.

What is was like, what happened and what is is like now, to visit a jail and see the dispair change to a gleem of hope is all worth it. Thanks

Answer 8

I volunteer at the local elementary school. Helping-out is good for the soul.

Answer 9

I have volunteered for a YEP (Youth Empowerment Program) I mentor these young ladies who have had slight brushes with the Law...ie. DUI, shoplifting, stealing cars. It helps them because we listen to them and give them guidence if the ask for it.

Answer 10

I got food warmed for the homesless and served it from my middle school years until I graduated I did for Student Service learning hours and because it felt good.