How working as a volunteer in Ngo can really reward us in our life....
Volunteering in Ngo is nothing new & the importance is growing day by day where students from colleges & institutes are being sent to Ngo for internships or to access some experiences as a part of social responsibility.
But still, the question might arise- how working as a volunteer in Ngo can really reward us in our life....
In search of it, we should---
Consider three cases below..
1. A few years ago one student who pursued an engineering degree from a premier institute came to me because he needed volunteering experiences in a civil society organization.
2. During her professional course in management, one student came to an organization where I was working & spent some weeks with us, helped in our work. I had to evaluate her work & this was supposed to be submitted in the institute where she was pursuing her management degree.
2. Throughout my journey in Ngo work, I have seen a person to work in a topmost management position(Director level) in a Ngo where he came once as a volunteer & later absorbed at this post. He is also an engineer from a premier institute (MIT- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge)
What did you understand???
You have rightly guessed it. Both of the above two reflected the concept of volunteerism.
Though in definition & concept-wise you will never find any note related to financial reward or benefit.
Still, it(volunteering) has a lot of opportunities to provide us if we are dedicated & have passion for the concept.
However, as per definition- volunteering means donating time & energy for the benefit of the people of society.
We know that Ngo works for the welfare of the individual/society. It is right that It has limited resources in kind of manpower, materials to accomplish its objectives.
Therefore, dedicated persons are called to fulfil the gap as a social responsibility & to help Ngo achieving its objectives.
Here Obviously, you would point out the benefit of the organization. But those days are gone when some aspects related to self-realization of doing good things have been mentioned.
Volunteering in an organization brings opportunities to our careers. Society needs a professional who during his service(whatever it might be) will also be aware of the community/society.
Now through working in a Ngo, you will certainly develop the qualities listed below..& working as a volunteer in Ngo can really reward us.
1. Leadership(through accepting some responsibilities being provided to you).
2. Win over negative psychological factors by attaching with/connecting to people.
3. You will be able to pursue a real-life situation & attending maturation while handling it.
4.Ngo workers have to follow some principles like-Rapport building, the principle of acceptance,non-judgemental attitude. You will learn the skill to interact & to build a friendly environment without any bias within yourself. Experience of Working in a diverse & multicultural environment can provide you with the confidence to sustain in long run in your career.
5.While rendering your volunteer services, you come in contact with many persons in the society who are in power & position. You will get an opportunity to interact & build confidence within yourself.
I am grateful to a Non-profit organization through which I could interact with persons like Prince Andrew-Duke of york, Ian Botham( cricketer), playing the Tabla(musical instrument) with Johannes moller, a world-class classical guitarist from Sweeden- or Governor(WB, India) etc to name a few..
It was quite impossible for a simple person like me to get an opportunity to interact with them otherwise.
6.The greatest strength & reason is flexibility & dynamism. One most important difference that exists between the corporate sector & the Non-profit sector reflects flexibility. You must be flexible enough to do each & every kind of job(of course as per your skill & requirement of organization).
Here(in non-profit organizations) you will find top management (earning a handsome salary) is sitting & eating beside orphan children. You might find a senior manager doing A-Z responsibilities as per requirements. Spirit of Dynamism that you learn through volunteerism will keep you aside from others throughout your career.
7. Employers use to look for candidates who had volunteering experiences.
82% interviews expressed their views to Deloitte that they prefer candidates with volunteering experiences(Src-fortune.com)
Some might be in their opinion that this is a waste of time where they wouldn't be able to concentrate on their core skill & professional goal. But dear friends, on the contrary, the recruiter's perception is quite opposite.
They are of the opinion that a candidate with volunteering experience shows something extra beyond his daily activities. This reflects his positive attitude, a desire to learn & to attach to the environment around him, having the energy in accepting the challenge in the job & be social to be fit in a multicultural workforce.
If this motivates you to work as a volunteer then scroll down to look for the organizations that provide such opportunities.
You might keep in mind that while volunteering organizations provide you with lodging & travel expenses. Some organizations provide food also.
Check it out below.
1. UN VOLunteer.(in more than 160 countries)
7.Service civil international.
10.United way
11. Volunteer Fdip
13.Teach for India(Housing allowance + honorarium of $270/month for fellowship programme).
Even you can search jobs related to how to handle volunteers & these are paid jobs.
For e.g-
1. To apply for the post of Manager, Volunteer resources, you have to apply in fraser health careers.
2. Volunteer development Manager (the truessel trust).
3. Volunteer coordinator(Inland waterways association).
In the case of rendering volunteer service you have to choose carefully because if you are not interested & it is not your skill, you might feel frustrated.
So, if you want to bring change in the society by your skills if you are a student & want to add your experience/ skill in your c.v for your career if you have a passion to help people to help themselves--- volunteerism is for you.
Needless to say, volunteering in a non-profit organization definitely reward us many ways in our life..
According to Arther Ashe--"Start where you are---
Use-What you have---
Do-- What you can-"
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