title: Volunteerism: You, Me and Them.
date presented: 16th November 2010
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Good Day,
Fellow Toastmasters, Ladies and Gentlemen.
They say the best ways to get audiences' attention are either to start your speech with something extraordinary, or to pose a question for them to ponder.
I chose the latter.
The question is, "What is Volunteerism?"
Based on Google, the famous definition of volunteerism is the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service.
But contrary to popular belief, it is more than that. Volunteerism is something that means more than that one dimensional definition.
So what is Volunteerism?
To answer that question, lets have a look at the scope of Volunteerism.
There are only two scope for volunteer activities.
Committal - meaning you commit yourself to the activities either part-time, full-time, or sparingly. For example, joining PEMADAM (the anti-drug organization) as volunteer, becoming Toastmaster member, and becoming full-time volunteer for MAKNA (National Cancer Council Malaysia).
Non-Committal - you participate in volunteer cause, as and when required. For example, participating in previously held Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run, contribute donation for flood relief fund, and volunteered to give Manual Speeches here today :)
Next question is, Why should I become a volunteer?
The main reason is because Volunteerism is an act of charity and good deeds. Every main religions put good deeds in highest priority. In Islam, the faith dictates on rewards and sins (punishments) to the believers. In Christianity, the Golden rule states "do unto others as you would have them do unto you Behave toward others as you would like to have them behave toward you..". As for Buddhism and Hinduism, the Karma cycle. Those are the spiritual factor that drives one to do good deeds. And volunteerism is one of the way for it.
Amongst PETRONAS staff, this statement holds dear in our hearts. Energy Receive, Energy Returned. Aspiring People Everywhere.
All this while, from the day we were born, we have been on the receiving end from our community. Reflect back, and look around you. Public utilities, public transportation, public education system, public toilets, and lots more. Now, it is time for us to pay back to the community. We owe them, big time, and it is time for us to clear the debt.
If you don’t know where to start, maybe this Native American proverb might offer you some hint: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”
Finally, my personal reason of joining volunteer activities: Self Satisfaction.
Have you ever tried a Do-It-Yourself project i.e Tamiya cars, completing Jigsaw Puzzles, or plucking mangoes from the tree by yourself? How did you feel at that moment, when you successfully done those things? Happy, a little bit of proud with our ability, and full of satisfaction. Right?
The same thing applies to volunteerism. When you participated in charity run, knowingly that all collection will be channeled to finding a cure for cancer; When you handed your clothes, knowing that the same clothes will make sure the flood victims will have warmth and clean clothes; Tutoring orphans at orphanages knowing that you are assisting them in their pursuit of happiness and success in life; tell me, are you not proud of yourself, and feel that you deserve that pat on your back?
Do know that even though some might feel that Volunteerism is time-consuming, only benefitted one party, and is only for portraying good image; it is more than that. It is about enriching our religious experience, paying back to the community, and to achieve self-satisfaction.
Remember, if you have time, you may want to volunteer in activities that require your commitment. Else, join the non-committal activities. Coming soon is the 5K Walk for Charity to be held on 21st November. Come lets join the fun!
Let’s volunteer!
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