Why Volunteer? - Turning No to Yes!

The real question we should ask ourselves - WHY NOT VOLUNTEER FOR A NON PROFIT!!

Before I delve into a more detailed analysis, lets spend some time understanding regular beliefs/assumptions and the counter agreement mostly based on my last 7 yrs of Volunteer Life.

Since 2006, I have been volunteering for "Asha for Education" and have been involved in different coordination activities - chapters, projects or organization wide. "Asha for Education" is aimed to educate the underprivileged children in India and it is totally volunteer-driven organization. It has been a wonderful learning experience so far and kept me connected to my motherland while I was in USA for many years. I have not only found great friends but met some amazing non-profit leaders working in grass root whose dedication has influenced me deeply.

However, while trying to engage others (friends, family, acquaintances, complete strangers) and to ask for donations or volunteer time/effort, I came across some notions that stop people to volunteer. I think it is about time I capture them and bulldoze these common assumptions. Personally, I believe "Yes" is a much better word than "No" but only logical reasoning can turn No to Yes.

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1) I CAN NOT DO MUCH TO SOLVE THE COMPLICATED PROBLEMS OF SOCIETY.

Then who can!! This is the most common hurdle in volunteering - belief in own strength. Most under-estimate their own potential and forget the power of many. If we all come together to solve a technical or non-technical problem, it can be solved in a minute. It is true that socioeconomic problems are more challenging in nature than technical ones, but you have to set personal goal and go for it!!

2) I DON'T HAVE ANY SPARE TIME. PERIOD

May be this is true when you have a demanding job and two kids at home. But, we will always be busy in life and volunteering for a non-profit can be part of that busy schedule. It is important to integrate the culture of giving and volunteering in daily lives.

So, find time!! Your 10 minute may mean life to someone and once you realize the impact of those 1-2 hrs/ week, you will find time!! I have seen volunteers to cut their sleeping hours to find time for Asha.

3) NOTHING CAN CHANGE THE SITUATION

This has to do with how one looks at life. If you believe that we as part of society can build the society, then we can change the situation. In my opinion, only optimism can make you and others around you happy!

4) EVERYTHING IS GREAT AT MY HOME AND LOCALITY. WHY SHOULD I BOTHER!!

True, we sometimes believe if we do not see poverty or suffering, there is none. However, as the gap between beautiful ideal world and real world with tough hurdles increases, the suffering increases as well.  I have seen this a lot in US, where poverty is ignored in big cities...poverty is restricted to pockets, ghettos. In India, you will see more mixing but most of us are desensitized by the suffering we say in daily basis.

Why should you bother?? - So that your kid can live in a more balanced society! So that a child with great future from the other side of the world do not turn into a criminal.

5) IT IS NOT MY JOB TO FIX THE SOCIETY. IT IS SOMEONE ELSE'S OR GOVT'S!

A country of 120 crore people can not be run by a single entity - Government or any Role Model unless every citizen plays their part. I wish only the tax payers money could do it, but India has more serious challenges in its store.

The important step that you can take is to be aware about Govt rules and existing rights. Corruption can only disappear with education and awareness.

6) IF EVERYONE CAN TAKE CARE OF HIS/HER OWN FAMILY, THAT SHOULD SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS

Yes. As long as your family is not only limited to people related to you by blood or marriage. Otherwise, the ones who are not-so-privileged by birth do not get any opportunities and there is no push to change their situation.

7) EVERYONE IN GOVT  IS CORRUPT. MONEY WONT GO TO THE PEOPLE.

There are many honest people in Government and that is why it is not falling apart. Govt consists of people like us and can be efficient if the rules are enforced well after making them. That does not limit us to identify the corrupt ones and relieve them off their duties. I have seen many cases where Govt and non-profits work very closely in remote areas to change lives of many.

8) WE CAN'T HAVE FUN WHILE FIXING THE SOCIETY. IT IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!

If you remember the best moments of your life, there is always someone else in there - your parents/kids, your husband/wife or friends. Fix the society together with your near and dear ones, it will bond you more than you will bond watching a cricket match or a movie.
Yes, there can be some realizations leading to frustration when you start but you will soon figure out when and where to devote your time.

9) I KNOW THE SOLUTION TO ALL THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Believe me , you don' t! It is a field that demands knowledge and expertise as well. Keep yourself updated, learn what others are doing in social front and you can do your part more effectively.

The good thing is that you will have a direct connection with beneficiary so the learning process is a journey not to be missed.

10) VOLUNTEERING IS A CASUAL EXERCISE

You can not be casual while volunteering. However, it gives a lot of joy and self-satisfaction. After few hrs, you will not miss your alternative weekend pass-time. Trust me on that.

Find a non-profit with a clear goal and you wont regret. But it is important to understand what the community needs than what you want to give them.
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I will finish this article with a request to all - Do not think/analyze much and find 2-3 hours a week to volunteer, get that into your schedules. If you are extremely busy, donate a bit (say 1% of your savings) for a noble cause. You choose your cause..something that drives you. There are non-profits in every corner of the World. In India, you do not have to go far to find the needy. Children (specifically, girls) are the most vulnerable group. Help them directly or as a group of volunteers. You wont regret those hours spent and you will always come back with the most precious gift - wonderful smiles!!!