6 Pillers of Volunteering

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6 Pillers of Volunteering

There’s a debate raging at the moment about what constitutes volunteering and whether certain organisations should rank higher than others. Should service hours for serving children rank higher than those for animals or the environment?

I don’t really have an opinion, but it has made me thing about the purpose of volunteering. I do think that we should start with what the pillars of volunteering are or should be.

 In my opinion, and I’m happy to hear your opinion, the most important pillars in volunteering—regardless of the cause or setting—tend to revolve around a few core values and principles that ensure the experience is meaningful, ethical, and impactful for both the volunteer and the community being served.

Here are the most important pillars:

1. Service and Impact

  • Purposeful contribution: Volunteers aim to create real, positive change.
  • Community-centred: Activities are driven by the needs and voices of the community.

2. Commitment and Responsibility

  • Reliability: Volunteers honour their time commitments and responsibilities.
  • Follow-through: They complete tasks with dedication and integrity.

3. Empathy and Compassion

  • Human connection: Understanding and caring about the lives of others and sentient beings is at the heart of volunteering.
  • Respect: Volunteers treat everyone with dignity, regardless of background.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork

  • Working together: Volunteering often means being part of a team, sharing tasks, and supporting one another.
  • Listening and learning: Volunteers are open to ideas and experiences different from their own.

5. Learning and Growth

  • Personal development: Volunteering offers opportunities to learn new skills, gain perspective, and grow personally.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Volunteers develop awareness and respect for different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.

6. Integrity and Ethics

  • Do no harm: Actions are thoughtful and considerate, avoiding any negative or unintended consequences.
  • Transparency: Volunteers are honest about their intentions, limitations, and capabilities.