generosity
I’ve been thinking a little about this lately – in particular the nature of those who volunteer and give. What makes people choose to volunteer themselves for something? Does there need
to be something in it for the individual other than the knowlegde and satisfaction that you might make a difference? What makes a person give to a charity, or an organisation, or even just to another person? Does there have to be sort of motivating factor, some sort of reward for the individual? Do they expect something in return?
I find I am constantly frustrated by people on a whole in our western society and the
amount of selfishness that exists. People who only do things because they are paid; people who
won’t do things because ‘they don’t have time’ – infact, I have come to hate that excuse and I openly rubbish people who use it yet can’t tell me what they do with their time…
What irritates me even more are those who only want to volunteer for something that is almost purely for personal gain.
It’s like people can’t do something for nothing these days. Sure our world runs on money, but when are people going to realise that real riches don’t come from wealth?
I think my problem is that I’ve always had a hard time saying no to people, it means I’ve been taken for a ride on several occassions ,which has led me to, at times, begrude those who constantly say no to me, those who are strong enough to say no and walk away without looking back, and those who continually put themselves first.
Are you a geneous individual? Why/Why not? What motivates you to do something for someone? Does being more selfless make you an easy target for those of more selfish natures?
I think there needs to be personal gain for people to want to volunteer – whether that be to enhance their resume, gain skills, meet new people or simply to feel like they are making a worthwhile contribution to society (yes, I believe that is a “selfish reason” is some ways). And even for those who do give of their time and effort selflessly, they still gain many rewards in the process.
I originally volunteered at lip because I wanted to work in magazines and thought this would be a good opportunity to learn about the industry, make contacts and gain experience. Several years on I’m still here: I’m still learning and developing my skills, but it’s no longer about furthering my career and more about creating something special! I find the time to contribute to lip every day, among a full-time job, uni studies, family commitments and social activities. I do this because I love it and gain so much more than an entry on my resume.
What I think is more important than one’s reasons for volunteering, is their commitment to it. Volunteering should not be something you do because you have nothing better to do one weekend. If you volunteer for Meals on Wheels, for example, do your clients go hungry until you “find the time” to deliver their food? If you are rostered on to walk dogs at the RSPCA and decide not to show up because your friends are going to the movies, do those dogs stay locked in their cage all day? If you volunteer for an organisation, there are people relying on you to meet your commitments.