International Volunteer Day 2022 is being celebrated on 5th December. This year, the theme of International Volunteer Day 2022 is “Solidarity through Volunteering”. For the future of our planet, we must act together and we must act now. Volunteering is a selfless act. Volunteers offer their time, energy and efforts to community service to make this world a better place. I also started my journey in the social sector as a volunteer. Going on daily field visits and meeting new people was such an enriching experience. It really helped me to equip myself with new skills and it also kept my mental health sane.

Regular interaction with beneficiaries had a profound impact on my overall personality and it also gave me a sense of purpose. I am at peace owing to the work I do. I have always believed that every single step towards change makes a huge impact in the lives of others. I was elated that all my efforts, big or small, were able to bring a small difference in the lives of the underprivileged.

During my volunteering days, I also participated in a winter drive which was organized by Wishes and Blessings. We distributed more than 100 blankets that day. I had never visited “Basera” until that day. It was an overwhelming experience that gave me a reality check as to how many people out there have to brave the cold during winters.

My volunteering experience was surreal. I am a firm believer in giving back to society. When I joined Wishes and Blessings, I tried to provide the same experience to my volunteers. I am handling the Volunteering Wing of the organization at present. We have more than 1000 volunteers. Squad For Change provides a unique platform where we start by bringing change within in order to change society.

Wisely said by Mother Teresa “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving!”

Volunteering comes with a lot of responsibility. One prerequisite before volunteers start work is they should be clear about their purpose of volunteering because it requires a lot of time and commitment to fully experience the entire essence of it. While choosing to volunteer, volunteers should choose an area about which they are passionate. This will give them enough motivation to stay committed to their work, and not get bored of it. They should enjoy and they should love whatever they do.

How to get into Social Work with No Experience?

Five Community Service Ideas to Help:

1. Volunteering at Old Age Home

Spending time with the elderly at the old age homes and assisting them in their regular chores will be a good way to give back to those who were once at the beck and call of their families.

2. Mentor a child

This involves volunteering at day care centers, orphanages or children homes. Help kids with their holiday homework, teach them and guide them for the future. Helping children is a rewarding social mission.

3. Protect our environment

Litter lowers the quality of life for everyone in a community. You can join organizations committed to keeping areas clean, or organize your own efforts with friends and neighbors. Even just picking up trash when you see it is a valuable community service

4. Feed the needy

There are thousands of people dying because of hunger. One can join organizations committed towards hunger eradication. Volunteers can join their food donation drives.

5. Organize a fund-raiser

Every community service organization needs monetary donations. You can volunteer by organizing a fund-raiser for your preferred organization. By putting together a charitable raffle, walkathon, race, or other community event, you can make an impact by donating something just as valuable as money: your time.

Here are some experiences that young Volunteers at Wishes and Blessings shared:

Arushi Mehra:

My time with the organization, Wishes and Blessings has been exceptional. I interacted with so many intelligent and talented children as well as lovely “Ammas” and uncles at the centers. I truly loved being a part of this community and have learned so much along the way, all the tasks and activities that we conducted were substantial and interesting. I felt like a helpful volunteer along with the help of my coordinator.

Noopur:

Wishes and Blessings have widened my perspective. It gave me an opportunity to look into other’s lives, those who are not as privileged as us. “I am so grateful to the Ngo for the work they are doing to make the world a better place and I am thankful that I got an opportunity to work with them.”

Gauri:

Volunteering at Wishes and Blessings has given me an opportunity to contemplate my contribution to society.

Kunal Saluja:

Volunteering at Wishes and Blessings has given me a wonderful opportunity to give back to society and contribute towards the betterment of the world. I thoroughly enjoyed all tasks, workshops and events that I have participated in.

“It felt great being a part of the SFC community which has not only brought out the best in me, but enabled me to see the good in others as well.”

Saksham Selly:

All the work like that of educating poor as well as needy people is the work which we all must actually try to do.

“I am so privileged that I am able to bring change in the world thanks to Wishes and Blessings which made me a better person. I had a great time as a volunteer at  Wishes and Blessings.”