Why do Community Service?

Question

After years of doing it,I have come to the conclusion it does very very little good,and what it does do is short term.
It also tends to create a situation where ppl stop trying to do for themselves.

well lets see some 35 years of lions helping people see,and giving food to the hungry,jaycees all kinds of PS,kiwananas,optimists,f.&a.m.,i.o.o.f./encampment,volunteer probation officer,seniors outreach,christian/jewish childrens outreach,and a dozen other programs,and groups,not to mention countless others I didnt work on just sent money to i.e. darfur.
I cannot think of any worthwhile programs I've not worked on and or gave money to.!!!
It simply creates an inner welfare system for most,and others ok they a few are helped otherwise they themselves could give a rat's about us or about and this is more important society in general.

Answer 1

I am a Christian and I want to help others, I realize that sometimes we go to far and people stop helping themselves and it is at that point you have to start forcing that person back into helping themselves. Counseling is also part of community service, I have seen Pastors do it, But in the long run somewhere along the way you will make that difference in one persons life that will make it all worth while, I have also been a volunteer for years in everything from tutoring to hospitals. I am still doing it and I am always looking for that person each time that needs to smile. If I can give them a smile for just a few minutes, I have at least for that day let them forget about their problems.

Answer 2

I don't think we can ever know precisely how much good comes of the community service type work many of us do. It's not something that is easily measured. The 'bad results' are often far more apparent than 'good results' that may not show up immediately.

Part of the reason I continue is that I accept that I can not control the choices other people make, and I'm comfortable offering opportunities. I do try to find work that is closer to a hand up than a hand out. One of the organizations I volunteer with believes that people are responsible for their own recovery, our organization is there to offer brief, temporary assistance and then support them with information and suggestions as they work on getting their lives in order....I like this philosophy.

Why not take a break for awhile. Sometimes a bit of time to reflect and recharge can offer fresh ideas for finding work that is worthwhile.

Trying a different type of service, mentioned by a previous answerer is another excellent suggestion. I've planted trees a number of times with a local group. Some of those trees are now 15 years old, and I love seeing them.....they are an asset to the whole neighborhood.

This may be sappy, and may not really be posted at one of Mother Theresa's orphanages, but it's always seemed like a good way to look at things to me....

Anyway
http://www.karinya.com/anyway.htm

Answer 3

Your fried. I've been a probation officer for 16 years and I'm fried. Get a different hobby. When I'm not at work helping people who don't want to be helped, I swim and walk and read and go to dinner theater. I associate with people who are responsible tax paying citizens. They give me hope that not everyone is content to sit and let the government give them handouts.

Answer 4

You may be doing the wrong type of community service for yourself because it sounds as if you have become jaded. (That's happened to me too before...don't feel bad)

Why don't you check out The Pencil Project. (www.thepencilproject.com) I have been involved with them for some time and the woman who runs it believes that education is the only way out of poverty. She very much believes in a hand up rather than a hand out. Check it out...

Answer 5

It looks good when trying to get into college? Because the judge says you have to? Those are just a couple of reasons :)