Volunteerism

Learning Objectives
• At the end of this chapter, the learners is
expected to:
1. Give the meaning and benefits of volunteerism;
2. Name the core values expected to volunteers;
and
3. Explore volunteer opportunities that one may
engage in.
Overview
• This chapter takes up volunteerism-its meaning
and benefits, values expected of volunteers, and
volunteer opportunities.
• Volunteerism helps hasten and strengthen
community development as it promotes active
participation of individuals in different
programs and projects that respond to the needs
of community.
What is Volunteerism?
• The act, practice, or principle of contributing one’s
time, talents, and resources freely to worthwhile
purpose without tangible compensation.

• It is considered the most fundamental act in the

society.

• It is geared toward good causes that help alleviate

the suffering of others.

• It promotes peace, solidarity, and trust among

citizens.
• Volunteerism can serve in various areas ranging
from medical, environmental, and educational
support groups to child protection and human
rights advocacies, poll or election work,
peacekeeping missions, and relief operation.
• Some people consider volunteerism a pastime;
others see it as a vocation. Some volunteers have
high-paying jobs and stable careers; others are
well known in their fields. Volunteerism could be
teachers, doctors, lawyers, or celebrities. They
could also be housewives, students, or retirees.
• Regardless of age, economic status, sex, and
educational attainment, volunteers work
together toward a common cause for which they
commit their time, know-how and expertise, and
sometimes even their own money.
Moore (2002) describes a volunteer as
follows:
• A volunteer is a person who is a light
to others, giving witness in a mixed-
up age, doing well and willingly the
tasks at hand, namely, being aware of
another’s need and doing something
about it.
Moore (2002) describes a volunteer as
follows:
• A volunteer is a person who strives to
make other people happy, who takes
the loneliness out of the alone by
talking to them, who is concerned
when others are unconcerned, who
has the courage to be a blessings and
to say the things that have to be said
for the good for all.
Moore (2002) describes a volunteer as
follows:
• A volunteer is a person whose charity
is fidelity, who is faithful in an
unfaithful world, grateful in an
ungrateful world, giving when all are
grasping, listening when others need
to tell about their fears and problems.
Benefits of Volunteers
• Volunteers yields the following benefits:
1. Community development
2. Development of the skills of volunteers
3. Peace, solidarity, and trust among citizens
4. Career opportunities of volunteers
5. Friendship among citizens
6. Experience and self-esteem gained by
volunteers
Values Expected of Volunteers
• Here are some core values expected of volunteers:
1. Commitment. Volunteers are attached to,
identified with, and involved in community service.
2. Professionalism. Volunteers observe work ethics
in performing their responsibilities with socially and
morally accepted behavior.
3. Creativity. Volunteers search constantly for new
strategies and methods of doing a task for improved
results.
4. Unity. A volunteer supports teamwork to achieve
the common goal.
Volunteer Opportunities
• The 2001 National Survey of Giving,
Volunteering, and Participating shares the
following questionnaires, the answer to which
help determine what kind of volunteer
opportunities will be suited to the individual
volunteer:
Volunteer Opportunities
1. If you have all the human and financial resources in the world, what problem
would you solve, what would you change, and what would you create? Your
answer will tell you what matters the most to you.
2. What kind of time commitment are you willing to make? Are you looking for a
regular/weekly volunteer commitment or a short-term/one-time opportunity?
3. Would you like to volunteer with other people or by yourself?
4. Would you like to volunteer from your own home or would you prefer to
volunteer in an organization?
5. If would like to volunteer away from home, where is the best location for you-
near you home, your work, your child’s care center?
6. Do you have specific skills or talent that you would like to share with an
organization?
7. Would you like to develop a specific skill?
8. What are your personal goals? Would you like re-enter the workplace or meet
new people?
Potential volunteer opportunities are as
follows:
A. Based on the interest of an individual
1. If you like animals, you can help out at an
animal shelter or the nearest zoo.
2. If you like working with kids, you can get
involved at a day-care or preschool center or
help younger students with their school work.
3. If you enjoy playing sports,
Potential volunteer opportunities are as
follows:
B. Based on the future career goal of an individual
1. If you like to work in the medical field, you can
volunteer at a community health center or a
government hospital or clinic.
2. If you are interested in teaching, you can
volunteer at a public school.
3. If you are interested in science, you can
volunteer at the local science museum or zoo.
4. If you like to work in an office someday, you can
volunteer at a non-profit organization.
Community Service
• Community Service is identified by the Higher
Educational Institution (HEI) in consultation
with the local government, community-based
organizations, and non-government
organizations as designed to improve the quality
of life of community residents, particularly low-
income individuals, or to solve particular
problems related to their needs.
Community Service
• Community Service includes the following:
1. First aid training or health care, preschool
storytelling, social welfare, social services, trauma
counseling, group dynamics, crime prevention,
recreation, street cleaning, and community
improvement
2. Serving in the youth corps as defined in the NSTP
Act of 2001
3. Assisting students disabilities
4. Tutoring, supporting educational and recreational
activities, and counseling, including career
counseling
Community Service
• Volunteer community-service can be
rendered in government offices,
private companies or in any place
where service may be needed.
Volunteers can also work from their
homes.
Conclusion
• Community volunteerism entails identifying
resources; building up present strengths;
empowering partners or individuals to reach
their potential; facilitating new connections
within the community and strengthening such
connections; and foresting relationships that
enhance the ability of groups and individuals to
have sense of belonging and a desire to be
involved.