‘Volunteering is an important expression of citizenship and an essential component of democracy. It is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community and can take many forms. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain.’
The word volunteering is used for a range of activities such as community service, self-help, charity, neighbourliness, citizenship, public service, community action, community involvement, trustee, member, helper.
To some people it is an act of kindness, to others it is a means of achieving a personal goal or putting something back into society. It is also a way of gaining new skills and improving job prospects.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and are active in almost every aspect of society that you can think of – from visiting elderly people, to sitting on a magistrates’ bench, to governing local schools, to performing in a local play or coaching young athletes.
Volunteering opens up a world of possibilities – and volunteers can and do almost everything!
As a volunteer you can really have an impact on peoples’ lives and the community around you, as well as making your own life more fulfilled and rewarding.