What is Volunteering?
Posted in Volunteers - Articles for Volunteers
- Volunteering is defined as the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of the society and the community, the environment or individuals outside ones immediate family. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain.
- A volunteer is someone from the community who contributes to the development of the community. They are valued as individuals who bring a unique contribution to the group with whom they work. Volunteers work for no reward other than the development of themselves and the community. They accompany others towards a common goal.
- Volunteering covers many varied and different activities, from visiting an elderly or sick neighbour; getting involved in a youth club, scouting or guiding club; assisting a charity with its finances or administration; helping someone to read and write; the list is endless.
- Anyone can volunteer. It doesn't matter whether they are young or old, male or female, able bodied or disabled, in paid work or not, there is something they can do. Some people volunteer a few times a year when they have spare time, others give a regular commitment of several hours per week and some even volunteer on a full time basis.
- At Westmeath Volunteer Centre, we aim to enable a person to do voluntary work if they so wish. In doing so we aim to give priority to the needs of the volunteer, to help them to work within their own area of interest and to aid their self development. We also promote best practice in regard to all voluntary activities.
