Is it your civil duty to volunteer?
The last few months have taken a toll on us. You may be a parent who’s now left with hardly any time because you need to crisis school. Your company may have told you that they’re restructuring and no longer require your services. The constant changes may just be too much to keep up with. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have experienced a rollercoaster ride. That’s why I’ve decided to volunteer!
You’ll know from previous posts that I’m a big fan of giving back to the community. This may come in different shapes and forms. You may be helping your elderly neighbours, handing out leaflets to promote a school play or beautifying your street. Volunteering also has benefits for not just for the receiver but also for the giver, the volunteer.
Feel needed when a pandemic takes over
Let’s face it. This year feels like we’re making one step forward and two back. After the Australian bushfires, did we think this year could spiral downwards?
2020 seems to have taken our purpose from many of us. Supporting a local charity can give you that feeling of being needed and being able to make a difference. Simultaneously, you’re getting back control! It’s one of the biggest complaints, which you can call it that, that many have voiced of having lost due to COVID-19.
Apply your skills
We all have so much to give. During your education or as part of your job, you may have acquired specific skills, for example designing a website or coordinating complex logistical processes. There are also so many skills we process that some of us don’t even recognise them, like speaking a another language.
Many charities are so poor, it hurts. Without the required financial support, they can’t hire employees and depend on volunteers with general and/or specific skills sets. This is your chance to give back of what you’ve learnt and experienced over the years.
Learn new skills
At the same time, volunteering lets you learn new skills. You may have only started exploring a particular field and have not yet have the opportunity to deploy the skills. If you’ve ever worked in a corporate setting, you know how controlled the environment generally is. Making a move into a different work area is often a challenge.
Many charities are more open and let you explore and learn. In a crisis, they do require specialised, experienced volunteers. Yet, because of the sheer amount of support that is required, they are more flexible. Volunteering during a pandemic will certainly allow you to learn new skills that you can utilise during and in our new normal. Who knows, perhaps it’ll even land you a new job or completely new career.
Volunteer and feel good
I’m going to be very honest. It feels so good to help others! At the moment, it’s about others as it is about ourselves. It’s satisfying to help others! Your own rollercoaster gets a little smoother once you see the impact your actions have on others. Especially if you are volunteering with animals, your stress levels decrease and you’ll notice how much calmer you’re becoming.
For me, volunteering is also the right thing to do. As such, I’ve been honoured to support the UAE’s mental support line. It’s a free hot line for anyone who’s currently struggling. You can call 800-4673 (HOPE) every day of the week from 8 am – 8 pm.
What’s your why for volunteering your time and skills?
Until next time,
Agni