Module 7

Topic 1
CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF VOLUNTEERISM

INTRODUCTION

The commission, in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service

Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) as the lead agency in policy formulation and in monitoring
volunteering programs by Filipino volunteers here and abroad, enjoys all heads of agencies to
establish and implement their Volunteer Programs on top of agencies regular mandate and
functions, to promote the value of volunteerism in the public sector. Volunteerism activities shall
be done beyond office hours to prevent disturbance in the agencies delivery of their mandated
functions.

The agencies Volunteer Program aims to provide opportunity for government employees to
express and actualize their personal motivation and desire to help others particularly the
underserved and marginalized sectors where volunteer efforts are focused.

Projects and activities such as

1. Social services: feeding program for children and elderly orphanages, medical mission,
build houses, visit to prisoners, counselling, bloodletting, and others;
2. Technical development assistance toward knowledge and skills sharing, like conduct of
lectures and training programs, reading and writing workshops for children;
3. Environment and disaster response, clean up drive, tree planting relief and rehabilitation
work, donation of basic needs such as calamities and disasters;
4. Promotion and advocacy of volunteerism such as: sponsoring ordinances or bills to
support volunteerism
5. Resources support in partnership with the private sector and civil society groups to raise
funds and materials for volunteer programs and activies.

Volunteerism definition

Volunteerism is the practice of providing time and skills for the benefit of other people and
causes rather than for financial benefit. In an employment-related context, volunteerism is
concerned with the methods and tools employers use to support employees that want to
volunteer.

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Volunteerism is the practice of providing time and skills for the benefit of other people and
causes rather than for financial benefit. In an employment-related context, volunteerism is
concerned with the methods and tools employers use to support employees that want to
volunteer.

Volunteerism: Building Hope, Changing Lives

Volunteerism

An act involving a wide range of activities, including  traditional forms of mutual aid and
developmental interventions that provides an enabling and empowering environment both on the
part of the beneficiary receiving, and the volunteer rendering the act, undertaken for reasons
arising from socio-developmental, business or corporate orientation, commitment or conviction
for the attainment of the public good and where monetary and other incentives or reward  are not
the primary motivating factors. (RA 9418 or The Volunteer Act of 2007)

• Free will, no compulsion

• No financial gain
• Benefit third party

Why volunteerism

 government may not have all

the resources to provide the
needed public service
 volunteers provide services in
a cost- efficient and cost-
effective manner
 governance and development
requires greater citizen
participation

Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community.

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Learning Exercise 1.1

: :
:_________________________________ Cours
Name _________ Time ______
_ e
_ _
: :
Traine Scor
: _________________________________ Date _________ ______
r e
_ _

1. Illustrate or describe the picture below

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Topic 2
ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEERISM

The five essential elements of Volunteerism are the following:

1.  Create a Plan for the Volunteer Program

Before you even start looking for volunteers to assist your organization, you need to first
determine what your needs are, who will manage these volunteers, and what exactly their
positions should be. The first step should always be a needs assessment, where program staff and
volunteer managers (who may be the same person) sit down and determine exactly what they
need help with.

2. Recruit and Place Volunteers

Now that you know what volunteers you need, you can set about recruiting them.  A good place
to start is writing an effective opportunity listing that both accurately describes the position and
makes volunteers want to help your organization.

Once you have the opportunities in hand, you should plan a recruitment strategy that brings staff
members together into a volunteer recruitment team and utilizes a wide range of techniques for
reaching out to people in the community.  Whether through effective use of social networking
sites, volunteering databases, or more “traditional” media, you should promote your volunteer
needs and events as widely as possible.

3. Orient and Train Volunteers and Staff

Orienting and training helps get everyone on the same page and goes a long way towards
ensuring a volunteer engagement is successful. From the beginning, its important to determine
exactly what volunteers will need to know in order to be successful. This can include information
about the goal and vision of your organization as well as the more nuts-and-bolts type
information about the task at hand. Having gone through many orientations myself, I know that it
helps me be a much more successful volunteer when the organization makes an effort from the
beginning to get me excited about its mission.

4. Supervise and Recognize Volunteers

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Just as you organize a schedule for your volunteers to come in, you need to organize supervision
and management activities to support the work of the volunteers. In managing volunteers, you
should always be conscious of the internal and external motivators for volunteers. Different
personality types react differently to different management styles, so you should be careful that
your method for managing volunteers doesn’t upset some by being too impersonal or too
disorganized. To ensure that your volunteers stay happy (and come back), you should develop
some sort of method for recognizing them. Small gifts, from quote books to branded pens, can be
a great way to show that you’re grateful for their help. You can also recognize people who help
you out on social media by mentioning them by name on Twitter, or tagging them in a photo on
Facebook.

5. Evaluate the Volunteer

Evaluation is one step that many volunteer programs skip, but it’s essential for developing an
effective program. Whether you utilize a printed or online survey, gathering information from
volunteers about the quality of their experience and how they feel about it can help you identify
problem areas. You should also compare the outcomes of your volunteer engagement with the
goals that you set forward in your volunteer program plan

Volunteering: the Core Elements

The core elements of science are observation, measurement, testing and publishing your findings
for the sake of replication. This got us thinking; Can we use this same method to help people
become better volunteers? If so, what are the core elements of volunteering?

Set Goals

When you’re approaching volunteerism for the first time, make a list of goals that you want to
accomplish as a volunteer. Perhaps you want to go on a specific number of trips this year or you
want to learn a new skill. Whatever the goal is, write it down. Now, figure out which
organization aligns with your volunteer goals and set up a meet and greet. Don’t procrastinate!
Get to know the organization and share your personal volunteer goals with them. Work out a
plan for gettingstarted.

Observe
Once you’ve gone on that volunteer trip, observe how volunteering makes you feel. How does
volunteering contribute to your mental, physical and spiritual health? Pay careful attention to
what happens when you try something new (such as traveling to a new volunteer location or
supporting a new organization) and figure out how the experience affects you

Repeat

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If the results of your volunteer trip were good, repeat it. If the results were not what you hoped
for, try something new. Whatever you do, don’t give on up volunteering

Topic 3
THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN STRENGTHENING VOLUNTEERISM

In many instances,
volunteerism provides entry
points for young people to
determine their own priorities,
set their own agendas and
engage with young people or
other actors. Volunteering may
be a catalyst, particularly for
young people, to participate in
the political realm. For example,
a 2012 Mercy Corps report
suggests that expanding
participation of young people in
local groups nurtured greater
electoral and political
participation.

Youth often engage in volunteering through peer groups

rather than as individuals; such groups can become brokers
of engagement, connecting institutional initiatives with
volunteer action at community level to ensure that their
interests are reflected. Thus under the right conditions,
youth volunteering brings together different components of
social action, for example combining direct action and
service provision with online and in-person advocacy and
representation. The latter roles have potential for building
ownership, leadership and contributing to the development
of inclusive institutions in the longer-term

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The role of youth in influencing social norms varies by context and by issue, but there is
evidence to suggest that young people are able to push adults to challenge traditional
practices or ways of thinking. As research on social norms and adolescent girls in Nepal
has shown, youth are important agents of change when they become local leaders, heads
of peer groups, government representatives or local teachers. Young people can provide
role models for others and form positive networks and environments to ensure that
vulnerable groups are not drawn into conflict.
Volunteers, including young people in youth and mixed age groups, address deficits in service
provision in conflict and fragile settings, address violence against women and children, and more
broadly strengthen the social capital required for lasting peace

While volunteers promote and contribute to peace through their professional skills
and competencies, it is often their status as volunteers, and their values, attitudes and
behaviours, that can most positively influence social cohesion and peace
processes.Volunteerism can be perceived as a neutral force for positive change by
motivated individuals, helping unite people who are otherwise divided, improve
cooperation and dialogue and galvanize wider community participation.
Governments have often partnered with volunteers to create safe spaces for exchanging
views and addressing concerns as part of healing societal fractures. Seeing young people
volunteering without direct personal interest for the benefit of others in an inclusive manner
often plays a powerful role in questioning conflict and hate mechanisms.
Young people’s access and benefits of such opportunities will be gendered and are also
likely to depend on other socio-economic factors such as ethnicity, class and status. As such,
trust-building and solidarity through volunteerism requires careful consideration of the type
and nature of activities, the profile of volunteers and in many cases greater attention to
ensuring more open and inclusive forms of volunteering.
Building networks, platforms and relationships across groups
Youth from different tribes participated in joint peace initiatives and thus learned to
accept each other and become less suspicious of members from other ethnic groups and
“stronger in their belief that the different communities can live together peacefully”.The
older generation, on the other hand, were more reticent in overcoming hate and distrust
toward other tribes.
Prevention and protection
Finally, youth volunteers can play a more direct role in fostering peace and security,
including leading and supporting violence prevention and protection mechanisms. Young
people can also play vital roles in helping other youth find an off-ramp from violence, by
providing networks, solidarity and promoting positive norms among their peers.

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Newer forms of volunteering, such as online volunteering have the potential to

increase participation from some groups. For example, UNV’s own online volunteering
service has more significant participation of persons with disabilities than onsite
volunteering. Online volunteering especially youth may also be a good option for people
with less time and location flexibility.

Topic 4
THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERISM

The Importance of Volunteerism for Youth

Why is volunteering important for youth? While we should support youth volunteerism to better
our communities, children and teenagers who volunteer will also see and feel transformation
within themselves. In the words of Opportunity Nation, “There is mounting evidence that
volunteering, participating in service projects, and other forms of community involvement are
more than feel-good activities. They can contribute to better outcomes for youth and for
communities.” In other words, we all benefit by encouraging altruistic behaviors in our
communities’ youth. Below, we outline some of the many ways volunteering can lead to success
for teenagers and children:
Develop Transferable Skills
Youth who volunteer regularly practice skills—like collaboration and problem solving—that
are vital to succeed in academics, the workplace, and their personal lives. Whether it’s collecting
donations or caring for the elderly, youth develop an understanding of citizenship that extends
into adulthood. Plus, volunteering helps teens fill their resumes with robust, real-world
experience. That’s why colleges and employers look for civically engaged applicants who will
thrive in team settings and take on challenging work. 
Reinforce Social Capital
Teens who volunteer build relationships and strengthen their support network, or “social
capital.” Social capital strengthens trust and sense of community and is critical to upward
mobility. According to Opportunity Nation, volunteer opportunities for low-income teens are
especially integral in facilitating meaningful connections and sourcing educational pathways,
“Research shows [volunteerism] can serve as an effective conduit to positive educational and
career outcomes for low-income youth.” 
The act of volunteering increases the likelihood of finding employment, resulting in
a measurable increase in employment among volunteers ages 16-24 who were not in school and
previously unemployed. In addition, volunteering is an effective avenue for college
students preparing to enter the workforce; employers are 82% more likely to choose a candidate
with volunteering experience and 85% more likely to overlook resume flaws when volunteer
work is present. 

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Make Real Change

Volunteering gives youth the opportunity to work through real challenges and make meaningful
change. These transformative experiences encourage teenagers and children to confront moral
dilemmas, investigate solutions, and employ innovative thinking. As young volunteers begin to
notice real changes as a result of their effort, they establish a cognitive connection between effort
and positive outcomes. According to this article, young people who volunteer regularly develop
a civic identity, as leaders and changemakers, and therefore become more socially and politically
active adults.
Facilitate Respect
As children grow, they develop a more refined sense of self-awareness and an awareness of
others. Volunteers must put their own needs aside to address the needs of others. Children who
do so will also learn to value and understand themselves throughout the process. Empathy and
citizenship are developed during childhood and adolescence. And participating in activities like
caring for the elderly or addressing homelessness from an early age introduces young people to
the process of confronting moral dilemmas and thinking about social change. Exposure to
meaningful volunteer opportunities as children and adolescents will help foster lasting empathy
and inclusivity, qualities necessary in cultivating safe, unified communities.
Support Academic Success
The National Youth Leadership Council states that students who participated in service-
learning scored higher in social studies, writing, and language arts subject tests than non-
participating students. 
When students participate in service-learning curriculum, they demonstrate deeper cognitive
engagement and greater motivation to learn. And educators are employing service-learning as a
tool to reduce high-school dropout and increase achievement among at-risk students. Volunteer
opportunities paired with a good education are the success “power couple” for today’s youth;
nonprofits and schools together can develop a children and teen volunteerism program to support
a rising generation of altruistic citizens.
Participation in volunteer and civic opportunities from an early age instills empathy, inspires a
sense of citizenship, and helps youth find pathways to meaningful education and work. In fact,
young people who volunteer help to improve the present, while ensuring healthy, secure futures
for themselves and their communities.
Teenagers are not only an extremely valuable resource of energy, good will and
creativity, but also the key to our future. In a culture that is so wrapped around ‘wants’ and
‘achievements,’ it is easy for our teenagers to grow up without a sense of gratitude for what they
have and empathy for the needs of the less fortunate around them. Volunteering in community
service projects and helping others can be very fulfilling, and if you can show your teen how
enriching it is from a young age, they’ll start to make an association between helping someone
else and their own joy. There are lots of service projects available to teens locally, statewide,
nationally and even internationally. Although volunteering can sometimes be a part of high
school graduation requirements and meeting scholarship needs, it needs to be instilled in teens as
a value that is truly appreciated and pursued with passion.

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Benefits of volunteering: Teen volunteering has been on a steady rise since the 1980s.
Research has shown that teens who engage in community service are more responsible with
higher self-esteem and resilience. Volunteering helps the teens gain new skills necessary for the
job market such as leadership, communication skills, dependability, time management, and
decision making. Teens who volunteer perform better at school and also build a stronger resume
for college and scholarship applications.
Some community service ideas for teens:
Sports: Teens could participate in fund-raising activities or offer to assist on the day of school
sports events. Look up the Special Olympics website to check what is scheduled in your area and
offer to volunteer. There are a wide range of opportunities that provide a rewarding experience
for our young athletes.
Local hospitals: For teens interested in healthcare and serving the sick, there are sometimes
opportunities to volunteer in local hospitals after some initial medical screening and training.
Animal lovers: You could volunteer at a local shelter for homeless animals where you could
help with activities such as walking the dogs, cleaning, or feeding the animals.
Helping senior citizens: You can participate through school-hosted elderly or hospice programs
or contact the local nursing homes directly. Programs such as Meals on Wheels encourage
volunteer participation and you could help pack and deliver meals. Just by visiting the elderly
who have no family brings them so much comfort. You could also volunteer by bringing gifts
during holidays or reading out to them.
Volunteering taps into a teen’s innate desire to be independent, in a productive way. Teenagers
are extremely busy bodies with academics, extracurricular activities, sports, and of course their
social events! But carving a few hours out of their busy schedules regularly for community
service can be therapeutic for them and also better our community on so many levels.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress,
combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true
that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to
involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in
even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier

1. Volunteering connects you to others.

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community.
Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even
helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people,
animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit
you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a
volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

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2. Volunteering is good for your mind and body.

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social
contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your
overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful
connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown
to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with
others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against
depression.
Volunteering makes you happy. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers
have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings
are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.
Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the
community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer
can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the
more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have
retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping
others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your
own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.
3. Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who
volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to
walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high
blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of
chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Volunteering can advance your career.

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term
commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you
can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in.
For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a
nursing home.
Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships
that could benefit your career.

5. Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

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Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work
you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day
routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed
creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

Many people volunteer in order to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For instance,
if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider volunteering to help
plant a community garden, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out at a children’s camp.

Learning Exercise 1.2

: :
:_________________________________ Cours
Name _________ Time ______
_ e
_ _
: :
Traine Scor
: _________________________________ Date _________ ______
r e
_ _

1. Ask yourself
 1. Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?

 Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

 Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?

 How much time are you willing to commit?

 What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?

 What causes are important to you?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

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2. How much time should you volunteer?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

3. How do you participate volunteerism?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

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