Posted by Oneka Richard, Gulu Uganda Just imagine a world where no one volunteered…think of what would have happened if after the Tsunami hit the coasts of Asia, Haiti Earthquake Tragedy and many others, and nobody bothered and everyone refused to help, if there were no voluntary doctors, no voluntary help rendered. It would truly have been a sad state of affairs. Without voluntary fund raisers and organizers, would it be possible to host music events, pop concerts or festivals? Volunteering has become a part and parcel of society and it is truly unimaginable to think of a world without it. Volunteering is the perfect vehicle to discover something you are really good at and develop a new skill. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” It is never too late to learn new skills and no reason why you should stop adding to your knowledge just because you are in employment or have finished education. Planning and implementing a major fund-raising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Supervising and training other volunteer’s helps to develop supervisory and training skills. These are examples of skills that can enhance a career but you don’t have to develop skills with the intention of facilitating your career. Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your co-workers can be a rich source of inspiration and an excellent way to develop your interpersonal skills. Volunteering also offers an incredible networking opportunity. Not only will you develop lasting personal and professional relationships but it is also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries. Networking is an exciting benefit of volunteering and you can never tell who you will meet or what new information you will learn and what impact this could have on your life. Time and time again, volunteers have returned from a day of doing something positive for others filled with a special kind of gratitude that goes far beyond the realization of how great they are for not being underprivileged. It’s as well a deeper realization that they have made a difference in the lives of others. Personally, I have greatly discovered that one of the substantial benefits of working with Caleb’s Hope is that I have had the good fortune to meet and interact with many people with hearts of voluntarism and humanity around the world. My message to our volunteers and supporters is that you are contributing in making something extraordinary to happen in the lives of people around the world. “You will receive much more back than you give”. Your support and trip to Africa, Uganda and Attiak in particular will leave you with a lot of aspiration for humanity around the world. CommentsLisa 08/10/2010 18:06
Richard, Holly 08/28/2010 20:54
This blog is so important. I'm so happy that you write about things like the importance of volunteering. Our team is so excited to meet you and everyone in Attiak!! Regards to all! Leave a Reply | AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesJune 2011 Categories |
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