Soft Skills of Life
Consider an act of love to someone in need. One way of achieving this is by volunteering in cash, kind or any way you deem and must be out of freewill.
Volunteership is an opportunity for everyone: rich, poor, young or not young.
To help develop mentorship in this area the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide.
UNV is set to launch the first-ever State of the World's Volunteerism Report (SWVR).
Together with the internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador AngéliqueKidjo, UNV are partnering in a campaign to show the world the importance of volunteering.
Volunteers are the foot soldiers of the big society. Their management and development is important.According to UNV, Organizations making use volunteers must make sure that they want to stay by finding ways of making assignments interesting enough to attract and involve others.
It ought to be seen a driver for development benefiting the society at large and the individual volunteer.
Volunteering contributes to a more cohesive society by building trust and reciprocity among citizens.
It can be challenging and rewarding requiring use of skills in a new context.
The individual transfers useful knowledge while gaining a greater understanding of the issues affecting other people.
The Red Cross Society is an example of an organization that mobilizes volunteers to effectively deliver vital services to those in need when needed.
Economic pressures and changes in lifestyle and family composition have led to fewer volunteers. There is probably no better time than Christmas to appeal for more volunteers.
The formula for successful volunteering or Incentives that either influence decisions to become involved in volunteer work, or that might encourage others to join include: to gain a sense achievement; for recognition and feedback; and for personal growth.
Other incentives include: to give something back to the society; to bring about social change; family ties [some families value volunteership]; for friendship, support, bonding and a feeling of belonging.
UNV helps set the pace for meaningful contribution to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
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