VOLUNTEERISM

(Reflection Paper)

When we heard the word Volunteerism the next thing that we can think about is the one
who is volunteering. And that person is what we usually called a volunteer as someone who
performs an activity willingly without any payments. They are the one accepting jobs or
activities that has a purpose to be of help with others. However, according to Mr. Jonathan, it is
not always the case with regards to volunteers. Nowadays, there are some mode of
compensating the volunteers as a sign of appreciation which I considered to be acceptable and
reasonable because as we all know, some of the activities of our volunteers are not that easy to
do. Imagine, travelling from one place to another, allotting an ample time or sometimes
overtime just to fulfill their duties, right? It is a though thing to do being a volunteer and their
hard-work for a certain activity will always be remarkable. So, to this it is the right thing to
highly appreciate and reward them.

In this topic, I have learned that the word “Volunteer” came from the Greek word
“Volu” which means hope, determination, and willingness. If we connect these meanings, we
will come up with a meaning; Volunteerism is the determination to bring hope out of the
willingness to help others. Volunteering to serve the community is not only beneficial to the
individuals involved but it is necessary in creating better societies for all. For instance,
community members may volunteer to clean up a town near them or feeder roads.

This way, all members benefit by living in a clean environment which is free from illnesses
related to sanitation. By cleaning the compounds surrounding them, society members help
promote the health of their young ones who are always playing during which time they can eat
anything on the ground which would have otherwise caused them serious infections. With
these, indeed Volunteerism always equates Services provided for the people in needs. I also
highly appreciate what Mr. Jonathan had done in which he simplifies the lessons for us. He goes
for the empirical type of learning instead of bombarding us with technical terms that may later
on be forgotten also. Moreover, I would like to commend what he does with providing us
questions on why one is willing to volunteer. He also added that there are several factors that
influences a person to engage in volunteerism but he inly incorporated four major reasons and
these are Spiritual Pursuit, Social Mission, Knowledge Learning, and Self-Fulfilling Values.
These four factors are the main reasons why a certain person is volunteering. One is for the
spiritual well-being where they can see their purpose in doing such things for our Mighty God
and his disciples. Then the social mission for the society. Just like what Mr. Jonathan did in
participating in 2010 volunteering convention for implementing the new way of voting system
in the country. This kind of volunteering activity is very essential for all of the citizen of one
country because the ones that had volunteered in the said convention or event are the ones that
are able to instill the knowledge for the rest of the people in the country. It is also beneficial for
the government because instead of sending the members of one agency, they can rely on the
volunteers that attended the said event, right? Then the knowledge learning and Self-Fulfilling
values that enhances life experiences and improve mental well-being that allows anyone to take
a breath in everyday stress of life. I have also learned that engaging to become a volunteer need
a proper motivation to do so. In this case, we need to find the right thing to motivate us. And
take note that every motivation is personal so we should’ve been judgmental with regards to
this kind of manner and must also bare in mind that we should not stick our nose of whatever
are motivating a person to volunteer

Then, the after question that one should ask themselves is where can we ever volunteer?
Number one on the list is to consider where you are as of the moment. It is important because
our current location now is what will determine on how can we be of help with others and
where is the accessible area that we can be comfortable as of the moment. Next, is to note the
time that we can spare to be a volunteer. It is essential to have a time management in order to
keep in track of what things are we prioritizing. After that, check the resources at our disposal
or within our reach. Knowing these are essential because we cannot give what we don’t have
right? It is a difficult to forcefully produce a resource when you really don’t have one. Then
search your personal and professional networks. In volunteerism, connections are the lifeblood
of everyone because it is the one that will push you to continue on serving towards other
people. Having enough companions is the one that will keep you pursuing your scorching
passion to serve. Then assess the knowledge and skills that you may offer. In this case, you may
consider yourself as a competent volunteer to confidently share your knowledge and skills with
everybody that may need your help and experience. Then lastly is, self-assessment of why you
are volunteering. We must ask ourselves why? Because failure to do so will result to a half ass
work which may only lead to an unpleasant scenario. One must not force himself or herself
with the things that he or she don’t want to do that’s why it is called “Volunteering” right?

I appreciate Mr. Jonathan’s mini activity of determining what type of volunteer are we.
As for me I am mostly Bs that resulted to the social type of volunteer that according to our
respected guest speaker is the one associated with the kids and other members of the said
volunteer events. We are the ones responsible for communicating with the people most of the
time which I consider true because that’s just really is my personality a person that I may offer
also to the people that I will serve.

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” “You make a
living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. Thus, Volunteers are the only human
beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience,
and just plain love for one another. Volunteerism is an everyday choice that comes with great
responsibility and goodness towards doing good deeds not just for a group of individuals but
for all the people in the society and in larger aspect, the whole citizens of a country. There really
is no “I” in a team, but we certainly are glad that there is “U” in our Volunteers. 😊