Volunteering

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One might think that our societies do not owe anything to people in need – the sick and weak, too young or too old, dependent, disadvantaged by fate or themselves. They only generate costs, force us to sacrifice and give up our personal aspirations. They make individual and community life more difficult. Jesus says about himself that he is in the “least of these”, and that by interacting with them, we build a relationship with God. To live the Gospel, we must learn to act “irrationally” and “unprofitably.”

Volunteering is just such an irrational and unprofitable activity that is often misunderstood by society. Recently, I met with volunteer coordinators from Diocesan Caritas to discuss the essence of volunteering. During the talks, we also touched on the subject of the social reception of their work. Concerned family and friends would ask if they are perhaps not being used, whether it would be better if they would do “something for themselves” or devote more time to the family. Coordinators of the volunteers meet these questions every day, and what helps them deal with them is the certainty that their work makes sense. Maybe not humanly, but definitely for God.

Nevertheless, the truth is that in addition to building ones relationship with Jesus, volunteering is a great way to acquire numerous competencies. 

Why volunteer with us? 

• An opportunity to use your experience, skills and expertise to support people in your local community 

• Be a part of the wider change and make an impact on people’s lives 

• Access various online and in-person training courses to further enhance your skills and knowledge 

• Join a friendly, supportive team 

• Meet new people 

• An enjoyable experience! 

The Benefits Of Volunteering

Volunteering is associated with benefits at all levels: for the individual volunteers, the organisations they assist, and society at large. Let’s break down these advantages:

For Volunteers:

• Personal Growth: Volunteers acquire invaluable experience and learn new skills, setting the stage for both personal and professional development.

• Networking: It opens doors to new social networks, enriching volunteers' lives and potentially leading to new career opportunities.

• Well-being: Engaging in volunteer work boosts mental and physical health, increases life satisfaction, and can significantly reduce feelings of depression (Yeung, Zhang & Kim, 2018).

• Impact: Volunteers have the unique chance to contribute meaningfully to causes close to their hearts, making a tangible difference in the world.

For Organisations:

• Expanded Capabilities: A diverse volunteer workforce enhances an organisation's ability to deliver services, broadening its impact.

• Community Engagement: Volunteer involvement strengthens community ties and promotes social inclusion, paving the way for personal and community development.

• Fresh Perspectives: Volunteers often bring innovative ideas that can refine and energise an organisation’s efforts, leading to more effective and efficient operations.

• Tailored Support: For organisations to harness these benefits fully, it's crucial to customise recruitment and support strategies to meet the diverse needs and motivations of volunteers.

For Society:

• Collective Growth: A vibrant volunteer sector contributes to the development of both individuals and groups, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

• Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in volunteering, reflecting its role in adapting to and thriving amidst societal shifts and challenges (European Economic & Social Committee).

• Social Cohesion: Volunteering underpins inclusivity, solidarity, and active participation in community life, echoing deeply held societal values.

In essence, volunteering acts as a means to do good. It enriches lives and communities and presents a win-win-win scenario where individuals, organisations, and society flourish together.