VOLUNTEERING

The word volunteer was first recorded in 1755, expressing "one who offers himself for military service, derived from the French language: voluntaire. The word in the Non-military sense has a more recent usage, still predominantly military, synonymous with the word community service. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, and is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life, which in return produces a feeling of self-worth and respect, but no financial gain. Volunteering is also famous for skill development, socialization and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment or for a variety of other reasons. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on a needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster. During 19th century and before then, few formal charitable organizations existed to help people in need. During this time, America experienced the Great Awakening. People became conscious of the disadvantaged, and realized the cause for the movement against slavery. Younger people started helping the needy in their communities. During the Civil War, women volunteered their time to sew supplies for the soldiers. Salvation army is one of the oldest and largest organization working for disadvantaged people. Though it is a charity organization, it has organized numbers of volunteering programs, since its inception. We can also define volunteering as any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives. Central to this definition is the fact that volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual. This can include formal activity undertaken through public, private and voluntary organizations as well as informal community participation. Why volunteer There are many reasons that people give for volunteering. For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of: Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience / Developing existing skills and knowledge / Enhancing a CV Improving one's employment prospects / Gaining an accreditation Using one's professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono) For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include: Meeting new people / Making new friends / A chance to socialize / Getting to know the local community On top of this, many people volunteer for a variety of other reasons, such as: Giving something back to an organization that has impacted on a person's life, either directly or indirectly A desire to make a difference to the lives of others / Helping the environment / Helping others less fortunate Feeling part of a team / Feeling valued Having quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle / Building up trust / Gaining confidence and self-esteem Another reason for its popularity is that volunteering is open to all. How do I know which opportunity is right for me? Before you start looking for volunteer opportunities, think about what cause or issue you would like to volunteer for. For example are you passionate about the environment or do you want to help children or the elderly? Also think about what you would like to get out of the experience. Do you want to meet people, learn new skills, support a particular cause, get some experience for your CV or just do something new? You may also have some practical considerations - maybe you can only volunteer at certain times, need a building that is accessible, or prefer to volunteer near where you live. Lots of different organizations involve volunteers, ranging from small community groups, to hospitals and national charities. Careers in the Voluntary Sector In the last decade the number of people working in the voluntary sector has increased by over a quarter, making it a viable option for both those embarking on their first job and those looking for a career change. The reason for this increase is largely due to government agencies and local authorities contracting out more work to organizations that are better placed to deliver public services. This means there is a vast array of opportunities for people considering working in the voluntary sector. I. Answer the questions: 1. How important for you is to volunteer in a program, activity etc and what are your reasons for volunteering? 2. Students have a lot of volunteering opportunities such as: teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. State your opinion. 3. How often do you volunteer? Enumerate some programs/organizations that youve volunteered for so far. 4. What should you expect as a volunteer? Get training, get a qualification, feel valued? 5. Volunteering in Romania: generosity or simply a trend? II. Translate into English: Voluntariatul a devenit un trend n ultimii ani. Desigur, aceasta situaie ar trebui s bucure sectorul non-gvernamental i societatea, n general, dar dincolo de tendina tinerilor de a se implica n astfel de activiti, ce motivaii au aceti voluntari? Sunt, fr ndoial, oameni care i doresc s i ajute semenii. Altruismul este unul dintre cei mai importani factori motivaionali ai implicrii n activiti de voluntariat, context n care altruismul i voluntariatul devin rspunsuri creative la provocrile pe care noul mileniu le lanseaz umanitii. Alteori mai motivant este faptul c voluntariatul reprezint o cale pentru atingerea anumitor obiective personale. n ultima perioad se poate constata o motivaie foarte pragmatic a tinerilor pentru a desfura activiti de voluntariat: adeverinele care echivaleaz practica de specialitate. De altfel, multe dintre ONG-urile care recruteaz voluntari subliniaz printre avantajele implicrii n organizaia respectiv obinerea unei adeverine de aceast fel. Deci, a devenit voluntariatul doar o chestiune de birocraie?