Volunteering is Work....

There are some who say that because volunteerism is not work, we cannot tell volunteers what to do.  I disagree. Volunteering is work, without the salary.

There are others who say that we cannot put a price on volunteering as these folks are priceless.
I agree.

But there is a split in thinking - those who volunteer for recognition and those who volunteer for self-satisfaction.

And that split is what makes getting jobs done by volunteers so difficult.  Some feel that because there is no pay, there is no responsibility; no sense of commitment; no need to follow through.
And then there are those who are responsible and who end up doing the work of those who are not.

Funny how we, as a society have lost our passion for doing things, just because they need doing. We have come to the conclusion that we should be paid.... maybe not always in cash, but in "thanks".  We have expectations of others that they should appreciate our efforts - but that is the same as expecting payment, isn't it?

I have met both.

And I love to work with those whose passion leads them to work toward a common cause without expecting anything except getting the job done and reaching the goals they share.

But working with those who need to be patted on the back for each and every task, who need to be asked, or persuaded or called to even show up, are more work than needed.  I understand why folks just do things themselves.

Usually it is easier to do the task oneself, than to beg someone else to do it and therefore, it seems the same people do all the work.  Funny how the other group who doesn't like to get their  hands dirty, always seem to know when the media is nearby, and are groomed and ready for limelight.

And so, for me, I need to remember there are two sets of folks who volunteer, (or who are persuaded to volunteer) - those whose passion see a job and get it done, no matter if it is behind the scenes, or in front of the public; and those who do it for the recognition.

Every so often, one of those who has lost his passion will be influenced by one who hasn't and she will regain hers.  Which is why we cannot eliminate that group of volunteers whose motives seem questionable.

SAGACIOUS....

I love it when I find a new word that makes sense but one that I can actually use now and then, even if in my mind...

This one means, as I am sure  you know, "to have or show the ability to understand difficult ideas and situations and to make good decisions".

I am reading Nelson Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom' and this word keeps coming to mind.  I am astounded at his passion for freedom and the decisions he makes to living his commitment in giving his life for it.

In thinking hard about this over the past month as I read the book, I am humbled and grateful that I was born into a country where freedom has been given to us.. fought for and won for  us by  our parents and their parents.  I have seen movies and  photos and read the stories, and I have seen that passion.

I think passion has to be personal.  It has to mean something. Something that comes from deep inside - although I do believe passion can be incited into others.

In my reading of Mr. Mandela's book, I continue to have more than a little awe and know that I can only relate to his words with profound respect and gratitude.

It is good for us to learn of the struggles of others - it instills an appreciation for what we have, what we believe and what we can do to make the world a better place.  Even if it is a tiny bit more tolerance for others than we had yesterday and a bit more understanding of the plights of others tomorrow.

One day at a time, one moment, one thought, one word, one smile... like the Butterfly Effect, it will make a difference; maybe to only one person but that one person could just be the one to pass it on, and so on.