Society & Culture

volunteer work

Society & Culture

Posted by: Hilary

20th Feb 2012 01:37am

I am interested in learning about what volunteer work people do, how they got started in it, what it involves and what they like about it or not like about it?

Comments 31

simla
  • 14th Sep 2012 02:57am

hi hilary, i'm into visual art. i have contributed to many community based art projects. i have retired now, but i'm always interested in what the art community is doing.the artists contribute creativity color and vibrancy to the world we live in. can you imagine how dull a festival would be without the flamboyant eccentrics that inhabit the world of art?-Simla

Hilary
  • 17th Jul 2012 11:02pm

Thanks for all the replies. There are many caring people.

hoppy55555
  • 20th Apr 2012 08:16pm

I would just like to say,thankyou.Not many people realize how many volunteer.I did many years for SES.The people you may meet come with there own ideas.You also have a lot of self pride.The things that you may learn help with your life.When injured while on duty,and received brain damage.I have learnt many things about people.I did volunteer work for about three years with the Salvation Army.Helping others helps.Think of what you would like to help with,and give it a go.If you are not happy try something else.I do not like being in the way.Others may be trying to help.GOOD LUCK.

anna
  • 9th Apr 2012 04:35pm

Have read all replies on here, wow you do a wonderful service for those in need of help! I work with a Day Club one day a week, the RSL 2 days, visit hospital half a day, one & a half days on the phone to chat to Ex Service Personnel to see if we can help in any area! I class myself as very lucky as I meet some lovely people & never tire of hearing life stories! My parents worked tirelessly for the RSL so down the track I retired from work & had tons of time free! I have been given so much support & truly love where I am at! There are so many places to offer your services, ask about, I am sure you will find a great place! Good luck one & all!

daisy
  • 1st Apr 2012 10:53pm

hello Hillary my Nmae is Robyniwould like to say thank you for replying to me on volunteer workcan you please answer me back as to what state you are in pleasebecause depends where you are there are differnent ways of doing volunteering work you can go to gum tree which is on the computer if you are in Hobart or Launceston there is apalce called volunteer Tasmania what are your skills what would you like to do .have alook on shop windows what happens with volunteer Tasmania is you tell them what you want they give you areferal letter and you ring and make an appoitment if you are on centrelink pension you can get mobility allowanceas long as you are doing 32hours in the months

DMcF
  • 19th Mar 2012 11:47am

I started doing volunteer work while in my early teens, continued throughout my forestry career & as a family man, and still volunteering as a retired person: I've been involved with my Christian church, Boy Scouts, Alpha Phi Omega, Peace Corps, Meals-on-Wheels, local SPCA, local community house, Alternatives to Violence Project, Maori Wardens, & Lifeline. For me, seeing or hearing the joy &/or satisfaction of finding a way forward from people who have been helped by what one has done provides a great deal of personal satisfaction.

I had figured out before I started volunteering that we cannot live outside of a community – no matter how much of a self-reliant, self-sufficient hermit we think we could be, there will always be a community we're attached to. Therefore we all have a civic duty to contribute to our community to make it a safe, secure, and satisfying place for everyone to have a full lifestyle and pursue a paid livelihood. I think, generally speaking, that ceasing to volunteer for the betterment of your community while you are still physically and mentally capable is to be dead, whether you're still breathing or not.

That means gifting a portion of your time & resources to the welfare of your community. That said; for our own welfare, we need to realise that what we do for our paid livelihood is best kept separate and different to what we gift as a volunteer. Don't let the boundaries around what you get paid to do and what you gift as a volunteer get blurred. Note: as a citizen, volunteering is a gift; a responsibility; a civic duty – not something that can be required or obligated or purchased or earned. And that is something the community leaders & politicians who “accept” people's gifts through their volunteering need to remember as those leaders respond to volunteers. So-called “volunteer” (unpaid) internships (usually being “required” to get into or advance your paid career) are blatant exploitation.

Also, when we are told / expected / demanded that to be accepted our gift of volunteering must meet “professional standards”, with training & qualifications paid for by us, then you can bet “someone” has structured our community to be exploitive & controlling rather than being a nurturing and liberating society. [But that leads into a different topic probably more related to politics & government; so, enough said here on it.]

shell bell
  • 18th Mar 2012 10:57pm

WOW so many amazing people replying to this, well done to all of you.. I personally have volounteered over the years helping the lcal UPA with driver reviver, now my 19yr old son does it.. Running games of hoy of bingo for the oldies and helping the school canteen. I think it gives you a great sense of achievement to know you made a difference.. Keep up the good work guys xoxox

Jubie
  • 18th Mar 2012 06:34pm

when i left my daughters dad i decided that i needed to do something for me that didn't involve kids, my friend convinced me that i should answer an add in the local paper looking for volunteers. I joined Youthline a year and a half ago and have really enjoyed the people and the position, I've gone from not knowing about them at all to being a buddy (helping to train the new volunteers) a staff member and on the fundraising committee :) i love being able to help its really rewarding but also its fulfilled a need in me and helped me find my career path :)

nusanan
  • 18th Mar 2012 06:40am

I volunteer at the local lifeline shop i have worked in retail all my life and love it i live in a high tourist area so apart from enjoying the work i have the added advantage of meeting people from all over australia and the world very satisfying.Lifeline does such good work for people with depression which is on the increase that i also feel as if i to am helping them.

suganspyc
  • 18th Mar 2012 06:24am

I have done many volunteer programs in my time and at present am a docent ( tour guide) at Te Whare Taonga O Te Arawa ( Rotorua Museum of Art and History New Zealand) I started doing volunteer work as a kid (Volunteered to wash the dishes or baby sit my niece etc) My husband and I also help wayward teens and some times adults. Its interesting challenging sometimes heart breaking but it is always worth while when you can see that you have made a difference in someones liffe either by listening to a child or explaining our geo thermal area to overseas guests. I love being a volunteer

Astrojunkie
  • 17th Mar 2012 11:58pm

I used to run on my own, charity stalls for World Vision and some environmental//wildlife/animal rights organisations. I currently help and have helped on street collections for Zealandia-Karori wildlife Sanctuary, SAFE, WWFNZ, Barnado's, Foundation for the Blind.... I have helped at the Wellington SPCA's catrun, from where I adopted a cat, who now wins good places at cat shows. I also sing with a pianist at a retirement home. I have always had an interest in and a concern for all environment issues and have helped in one way or another to bring about public awareness. Should I add that I do these things despite having cerebral palsy?

liz
  • 1st Apr 2012 12:05pm
I used to run on my own, charity stalls for World Vision and some environmental//wildlife/animal rights organisations. I currently help and have helped on street collections for Zealandia-Karori...

Hi Astrojunkie, I used to live near Karori (Wadestown) so it was nice to be reminded of the place you work. Good on you for the volunteering you do, makes life worth living doesn't it. God Bless.

Lilibet
  • 17th Mar 2012 06:13pm

I've taken part in a variey of areas of voluntary work over many years. It is rewarding to be able to help others as well as a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, My latest 'work' is in a regional art gallery where I meet and greet people visiting the exhibitions. I'm also involved with setting up the exhibitions and often get to meet the artists at the openings. This is a very satisfying way of meeting my need to be creative and to be involed in diverse and exciting arts

liz
  • 17th Mar 2012 02:51pm

My husband and I volunteer for an organisation which sends containers of goods to Romania. Its an extremely poor country, the people have very little or no income, and there is very little to buy even if they did have any money. We send new clothing and shoes, blankets, household linen etc, and refurbished furniture, hospital equipment, bikes, prams etc. Local Christian pastors are in charge of fair distribution so we are confident that the goods get to where they are needed. We work alongside Romanians here in Melbourne, who know the needs of their countrymen. We spend a lot of time sorting, counting and packing, and my husband cleans and repairs the bikes, prams, medical equipment. I also knit blankets which keeps me occupied in the evening while watching TV. The containers go hopefully twice a year, and we rely on donations to buy and ship them. Our group is associated with 2 orphanages, and an aged care home, which was built from scratch on a pastors piece of land and furnished and equipped by gifts from Australia. We love doing this work, and feel that what people throw out, someone else can use. We are such a wasteful society here, but we are doing our bit to recycle all the good stuff that others don't want.

daisy
  • 1st Apr 2012 11:05pm
Hello Robyn, thanks for the encouragement. Yes we are Christians and would do more if we had better health. I should mention that my darling husband also volunteers as a Driver mentor for young...

idont mean to pry into your private life where are you fromand what Qualifactions do you havereason for asking that is Iwork at voluntry work at Alizhimers Australia in Tasmania have done for 5yearshave you got qualifications in social work area we have day club and our social workers go into peoples homes and help people out that have Alhimers and dementia have you sought help for the people in your family so its not so hard on the carers it is tuff work how it works an assesment has to be made by Gp and then ameeting will be arrangedto see where they are at and they will give the help thats neededand theres also help availbe 24hors aday people with Alzhimers dont like noise Ihope this helps you wasnt trying to be nosy robyn

daisy
  • 1st Apr 2012 11:04pm
Hello Robyn, thanks for the encouragement. Yes we are Christians and would do more if we had better health. I should mention that my darling husband also volunteers as a Driver mentor for young...

idont mean to pry into your private life where are you fromand what Qualifactions do you havereason for asking that is Iwork at voluntry work at Alizhimers Australia in Tasmania have done for 5yearshave you got qualifications in social work area we have day club and our social workers go into peoples homes and help people out that have Alhimers and dementia have you sought help for the people in your family so its not so hard on the carers it is tuff work how it works an assesment has to be made by Gp and then ameeting will be arrangedto see where they are at and they will give the help thats neededand theres also help availbe 24hors aday people with Alzhimers dont like noise Ihope this helps you wasnt trying to be nosy robyn

daisy
  • 1st Apr 2012 11:02pm
Hello Robyn, thanks for the encouragement. Yes we are Christians and would do more if we had better health. I should mention that my darling husband also volunteers as a Driver mentor for young...

idont mean to pry into your private life where are you fromand what Qualifactions do you havereason for asking that is Iwork at voluntry work at Alizhimers Australia in Tasmania have done for 5yearshave you got qualifications in social work area we have day club and our social workers go into peoples homes and help people out that have Alhimers and dementia have you sought help for the people in your family so its not so hard on the carers it is tuff work how it works an assesment has to be made by Gp and then ameeting will be arrangedto see where they are at and they will give the help thats neededand theres also help availbe 24hors aday people with Alzhimers dont like noise Ihope this helps you wasnt trying to be nosy robyn

liz
  • 1st Apr 2012 12:03pm
hello Liz Iam robyn iam pleased and very blessed that you go and do some volunteerwork its good you can take the time and go and help some one else that is in need and needs some to lean on and...

Hello Robyn, thanks for the encouragement. Yes we are Christians and would do more if we had better health. I should mention that my darling husband also volunteers as a Driver mentor for young people who don't have access to a car, to help them get the 120 hours they need before they get a licence. Its a scheme run through the local council who supply the car and fuel but all the mentors are volunteers who have done a course first. My husband also volunteers as a guinea pig in various medical areas and has just done a big study at the Austin hospital on pre-Alzheimers. He hasn't got it but its in his family and they want to record brain changes from normal to dementia. He has also trialed various diabetes drugs over the years. We like to help where we can.

daisy
  • 31st Mar 2012 12:05am
My husband and I volunteer for an organisation which sends containers of goods to Romania. Its an extremely poor country, the people have very little or no income, and there is very little to buy...

hello Liz Iam robyn iam pleased and very blessed that you go and do some volunteerwork its good you can take the time and go and help some one else that is in need and needs some to lean on and chat and do the work you do.its good isnt it Liz for the social aspect of it as well and you are meeting new friends as well and you can share with each other cant you its like you are achristian are you?? Ido volunteer work as wellat least its some thing you can go to and lookforward to it cant you.keep up with your volunteer work Liz and nice reading your story fromRobyn

wattle
  • 17th Mar 2012 12:08pm



I AM A VOLUNTEER FOR lAYCOCK STREET THEATRE IN GOSFORD I LOVE IT IT BEATS STAYING HOME AND WATCHING T.V PLUS YOU ARE HELPING THE ARTS. IT A LOCAL THEATRE YOU MEET A LOT OF DIFFERENCE PEOPLE AND YOU GET TO SEE THE SHOWS.AT CHRISTMAS YOU GET TO SEE A LOT OF DANCE SCHOOL AS I AM ALONE NOW IT A GREAT WAY TO GET OUT AND ABOUT

lonewolf 322
  • 17th Mar 2012 11:20am

I am a member of my local SES , I think it is great and learn a lot of skills so that I may help my community in times of need, plus there is great companionship with meeting new people.

from Lonewolf

Stormed
  • 17th Mar 2012 05:30pm
I am a member of my local SES , I think it is great and learn a lot of skills so that I may help my community in times of need, plus there is great companionship with meeting new people....

Fully agree with you about SES. Both of my daughters, my sister and one of her sons and I are all members too. One of my daughters has been all over Australia helping as out of area assistance after natural disasters and the last couple of weeks we have had our own minor flooding. It's a great way to give back to the community. I have also volunteered at our local music festival and the recent sand sculpting event. I love meeting people from all over and sharing a laugh.

glendaj
  • 17th Mar 2012 08:51am

i volunteer at the local library each week as a Justice of the Peace. When I retired I saw an ad in the local paper and replied. i have been there for nearly three years and love it. The people you meet while providing this service are varied in nationalities and, professions and they are grateful for the service we provide. The staff also are very friendly and it is an absolute pleasure to go each week . I love it!

Anonymous
  • 17th Mar 2012 08:33am

I volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Most delivery runs are in the late mornning, so it works in well with family commitments. Delivering hot meals to those unable to care for themselves is a worthwhile thing to do. You get to visit, talk and make friendships with the clients, get to know fellow volunteers.'
On the downside - a vehicle is needed (your own as the driver - or you go with someone else as a helper) - petrol voucher reimburses your fuel costs.
Rosters allow you to pick the days and frequency that suit you best.
The 2 hours I spend once a week, puts a smile on my face for the rest of the week.

Meerkat 45
  • 17th Mar 2012 12:28am

I volunteer with my local police. I go twice a week and love doing it. I meet and greet people that come into the station and then pass their query onto an officer who can help them. Volunteer work is most satisfying as far as I am concerned because of the satisfaction I get from it.
Tanya

mossie
  • 16th Mar 2012 09:47pm

I work as a volunteer in an emergency food relief centre. Its a rewarding job being able to help people in need. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them and someone who understands their problems.
I have been doing this since the centre started 6 years ago.

I also volunteer for the local CFA. I am a member of the CFA's ladies auxiliary and I help cater to provide food for the firies when they are fighting fires.

I love my volunteer work.

I am on a disability pension with a lot of health problems. Volunteering also helps me to focus on something else besides my health

woodie
  • 16th Mar 2012 09:10pm

I have Volunteered in a lot of places over the years including Rural Fire Brigade and was Coordinator for Meals on Wheels. I found the only problem was other Volunteers putting their need before power before the importance of the job. I have also worked doing Adult Literacy Tutoring and for small Government Agencies. The most rewarding work was when I worked for a Cat Rescue place as the Cats and people were appreciative of the work done. There are many good places to Volunteer but depends on coworkers if it will be enjoyable or not. Often there are Volunteers needed for Public Functions and have heard that that is a very fun and rewarding job to do. My experiences weren't good due to the places I worked at but the people I helped appreciated it and that's the main thing. Many people though have good experiences and enjoy the work.

pobbers
  • 16th Mar 2012 08:06pm

I have been doing volunteering work for nearly 50 years, I started as a teenager,
helping out with sporting groups.
I have found that many people of my age have been doing volunteering work all their lives, but there is very few if any younger people coming behind to take over when my age becomes too old to continue.
I think volunteering is a great time to show other people what can be done in the community. But many people these days think they are too busy to help out in their community.

singham
  • 17th Mar 2012 04:44am
I have been doing volunteering work for nearly 50 years, I started as a teenager,
helping out with sporting groups.
I have found that many people of my age have been doing volunteering work...

I really happy about the valuable service you have rendered and trying to render as much as you could at this age. Volunteering work is something like a gift and it is not easy to get a volunteering work now There are thousands of Volunteers all over the world rendering a valuable service to the Agedcare & Dissability. To tell you the fact I am now 75 years old active and I have rendered valuable service at the Leprosy Hospital when I was a Teenager. I wish you all the success.

Tricia
  • 21st Feb 2012 12:19am

I am a volunteer at the MCG.Having said that I believe it to be an individual choice on where you volunteer I find amongst our ranks everyone has a different story many are retireed business people other are teachers, nurses etc in an extremely stressful work situatio.Others like me are caring for parents so see a lot of hospitals so this is ideal for us we are giving back to the community in a way were we represent our club and country to overseas guests. What ever you decide to do find what suits you but the main thing is to enjoy and feel fulfilled what ever it is you choose. Don't wait jump right in you will vet out as much as you give.

Hilary
  • 21st Feb 2012 12:45am
I am a volunteer at the MCG.Having said that I believe it to be an individual choice on where you volunteer I find amongst our ranks everyone has a different story many are retireed business people...

Hi Tricia,
That would be interesting meeting people from overseas. Volunteering is a good way to meet others. I have volunteered at Meals on Wheels and a reading program at a local primary school. I stopped volunteering but now the kids are grown up I'm wanting to do something again.

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