Volunteerism

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve."

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have been working  all my life for the past 34 years .  During those times , I often think that pardise would be the day where I don’t have to do anything . Sleep late , get up late and watch TV or  FB as much as I want or just laze around. And  during the busy life , full of purpose and meaning , that might be true, never mind if it is for a couple of days or weeks. But take away the surrounding work and purpose – a day with nothing to do takes on a whole different hue– especially if that “ one day “ stretches out to “ who-knows-when” , with no change of status in sight . 

I  have retired for 2 years + already and enjoyed the freedom of being free from “ work “  tremendously . It is indeed like being in a paradise on most days , only on few occasions that I felt the guilt of whiling away my time too easily . Then , I would desire to have more purpose in the suddenly-free and empty days .  The first thought that would insinuate into my mind would be – VOLUNTEER ! MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OTHER’S LIVES &  YOUR OWN TOO ! 

I am fully aware  of the many intangible benefits of volunteering – such as pride , satisfaction , accomplishment –- are worthwhile reasons to serve . Community service in any form is a good thing. When  we share our time , talents and resources , we not only connect to others , help transform their lives , improve their lives , solve problems and most of all , we make a difference !  

 

During  the morning mountain walk this morning , a good friend  asked me if  I would like to join her in visiting an “ orang asli “ settlement on a regular basis ,  as a volunteer to teach groups of children . I  have not commited to  her invitation yet , for I want to examine which dimension of citizenship that said programme is addressing and would I be suitable  to do the service 
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Looking at volunteerism , there are 3 dimensions of citizenship

• ·         Personally responsible – to help people I know
• ·         Participatory Citizen  - active in community projects
• ·         Justice oriented citizens – examines causes and provide solutions  social ills
   

It is  not the first time that I am coaxed to serve , another friend of mine is actively involved in helping children with Down Syndrome . In fact , she is the founder of a KIWANIS centre set up in local community to help children with Down Syndrome & ADHD . After some success , she was spurred on to do more and  since then ,has helped in setting  up various other centres around the country . Currently , she holds the post of District governor in that movement . As usual , I did not commit myself to the noble cause  when she approached me.