VOLUNTEERING

[Doolhof]

There can be many benefits to volunteering, if it be weekly, monthly or even just as a once off experience.

It must be extremely rewarding if you can travel over seas to volunteer, unfortunately that is not possible for everyone.

There are so many different ways and places to do volunteer work. It does not matter if you help overseas or locally, the difference you can make in a person's life is something that may be immeasurable.

If you were to consider a volunteer role, where would you go?

I have recently started at a Riding for the Disabled group in our region. I don't know much at all about horses. I didn't even know how to put a bridle on a pony let alone a horse. Some of the horses are so big!

If anyone would like to share their comments and thoughts here, you are most welcome.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[Quiettall]

I am really curious about the fact that my wife and her family take great delight in criticising or mocking my voluntary work, particularly when I do something at home they dont agree with, or if I stand up for an issue that I find is offensive, racist or disrespectful of others.

An example which is becoming increasingly prevalent is if I say I dont want to do something, or I prefer to do something a different way to others, then the comment is thrown back at me like "oh, but you are such a goody 2 shoes working with Beyond Blue or doing overseas aid, but you dont want to do what we want you to do". I find this offensive and even manipulative. Is this an over-reaction.

Many of my voluntary colleagues both locally and overseas get good support from their immediate family or partners, but I find it's a struggle to even be able to share anything about the work I do, so I just keep quiet about it. It makes me feel even more determined to do more volunary work, particularly overseas, and with Beyond Blue, because I know it is valued.

[Doolhof]

Hi Quiettall,

Thanks for your comments. It has been a long time since I have written anything on this thread, so thanks for starting it up again.

I feel that we need to be true to ourselves. If you believe that what you do is valuable, has meaning and purpose, than yes, it is important to you. Other people may not be able to appreciate what you do, as long as you know your value, I believe that is what counts.

Maybe people also think they have the right to expect people to do things for them regardless of it being in the other persons interest to do so.

I know I am guilty of this! I think my husband should do this job and that one because I don't know how to and he can do it. Maybe he doesn't want to!

Since starting this thread I have had various volunteer roles. One has now led to paid work. I still do volunteer work with 3 organisations, because like you, I find it to be rewarding, valuable and meaningful.

If you would like to share more about the benefits you feel with your volunteering, you will certainly be appreciated here.

I'm certainly not saying that paid work or assisting family members is not valuable, those things are important as well. A balance is needed, and peoples desires respected.

Cheers all from Doolhof

[Quiettall]

Hi Doolhof

Thanks fora meaningful and balanced reply. I love volunteer work because I feel it is me giving from within to someone or group with no expectations of return. My experience of working one to one with them and learning about other cultures and life perspectives is all I need and receive in bucket loads. Even when I am not volunteering overseas, I have a few migrant families I provide ongoing support and care for. One family is a Vietnamese woman with 2 children who had to leave their violent and negative Indian husband mid last year. I was able to arrange legal advice, emergency accommodation and support for them, and now they are settled in a nice little Housing Dept place close to where the kids can continuie their schooling. When I cam back from my last o/s stint, I called in to see the new place, and noticed they had no curtains or fans/air conditioning. So instead of spending $$$ on Christmas for myself and my wife, when we have more than enough, I bought her new curtains and a couple of stand fans and dropped them in within any fuss or fanfare. They were so happy and I felt it was a much more positive way for me to celebrate Christmas. Before I did it, I asked my 2 grown up kids who have left home and are self supporting, if they needed anything or could I give something meaningful like this to someone else on their behalf. I was so heartwarmed to get their positive encouragement to help this family. It felt like I was leaving a positive legacy for the family as well as for my own kids and grandson

Have a wonderful New Year

[Doolhof]

Hi Quiettall,

Thanks for your comments. You sound like a very caring, considerate and conscientious person, looking out for others and being prepared to do what you can.

I believe we can feel rewarded and valued both at work and when volunteering, as well as when interacting with family and friends.

To me it depends on how you view life, if you might consider helping others or looking after yourself or anything in between.

Recently I read a story of a Police Officer who picked up a lady in the early hours of a morning as his shift was ending and drove her to work as she didn't have a car. He continued to do this morning after morning. He went above and beyond his job description and requirements.

I like how you shared your intentions with your children.

One year I connected with an overseas charity and paid for things like mosquito nets, medicine, chickens and other items at Christmas. Someone overseas received the gifts and I sent cards to family and friends saying what I had bought on their behalf for someone else.

Some family members were supportive of my gesture, others wanted to know where their gifts were!

May you be blessed in some way as you bless others. It doesn't have to be in a big way, just a smile and acknowledgement can be enough to keep us going!

Wishing you all the best for 2020 as well.

Cheers