| In part 1 of this series on volunteerism, I | | | | quality of life in our communities. The impetus for |
| suggested that one's life skills provide a solid | | | | the creation of All For Good was in response to |
| foundation for the spirit of giving back. One can | | | | the call from President Obama to serve. |
| also think volunteerism as an exchange: | | | | GLOBAL VOLUNTEERING |
| Volunteer activities can provide a variety of | | | | International volunteering involves cross-cultural |
| benefits to you. And, there is absolutely nothing | | | | interactions. The work takes place in a country |
| wrong with that. | | | | other than the volunteer's home country. In |
| Marc Freedman, the chief executive of Civic | | | | addition, the work offers little of no remuneration. |
| Ventures, noted that although people do indeed | | | | A major goal is to improve in any way possible, |
| focus very heavily on the idealism of giving back, | | | | people's lives. These improvements may certainly |
| volunteers that he talked to indicated that there | | | | include human rights, economic considerations, and |
| are other immediate aspects that appeal to them. | | | | environmental issues. When you volunteer on a |
| For example, being part of a group with a place | | | | global basis, it could be one of the most exciting, |
| to go or a schedule to follow may give them a | | | | educational, and indeed, one of the most |
| reason to get and out of bed in the morning. | | | | inspirational things you do in your lifetime. It is an |
| "Relationships and a sense of purpose are just as | | | | ultimate learning experience. Some examples |
| important as some of the more lofty ideals in | | | | include:o Cross Cultural Solutions - Their mission is |
| getting a satisfying experience." Many people find | | | | to operate volunteer programs around the world |
| that being in a leadership position and recognized | | | | with sustainable community initiatives, and to |
| leads to passionate sense of commitment. | | | | foster cultural understanding.o Peace Corps - The |
| Volunteers are also attracted to the work from | | | | Peace Corps is huge. To date, almost 200,000 |
| the learning opportunities provided. The important | | | | volunteers and trainees have served in one |
| thought here is for you to carefully consider what | | | | hundred thirty-nine countries. The current number |
| you would like to gain from volunteering and | | | | of volunteers, at the time of this writing, comes |
| which organizations offer you those choices. | | | | in at around 8000.o Global Volunteers - This |
| There is, however, more to this idea of exchange. | | | | non-profit, non-governmental organization |
| At present, you may be the individual with the | | | | maintains close partnerships with people |
| ability to help others. After all, you are retired. | | | | worldwide. Their purpose is to maintain a |
| Perhaps you have the time to be a literacy | | | | sustained service partnership with the host |
| volunteer, or even work for Habitat for Humanity. | | | | communities around the world. |
| But in the future, these actions may be reciprocal. | | | | MEDICAL VOLUNTEERING |
| You may require volunteer medical assistance | | | | Each year, thousands of people volunteer their |
| eventually. You may even need help with your | | | | time in an effort to fight disease and suffering |
| residence if a catastrophe occurs. | | | | both here and abroad. It is important to |
| Let's examine additional venues for volunteering. | | | | understand from the outset that you do not need |
| COMMUNITY SERVICE | | | | to be a medical professional to help out. Medical |
| The most accurate definition of community | | | | volunteers do indeed involve doctors and nurses, |
| service is when someone performs an action that | | | | but the group is varied. Non-medical personnel |
| benefits his or her community. In the true sense, | | | | include therapists, students, technicians, |
| it is an altruistic service. When you think about it, | | | | missionaries and other dedicated persons. With |
| you are performing a positive action that | | | | some research, volunteers with almost any |
| revitalizes the people around you. Additionally, you | | | | medical or medical support skill can find |
| are making that community healthier and livelier | | | | productive, rewarding assignments. Organizations |
| with all of that energy. Some examples of | | | | include:o Health Care Volunteers - The mission of |
| organizations include:o Americorps - AmeriCorps | | | | HealthCare is very broad, in that it attempts to |
| State and National supports a broad range of local | | | | empower individuals to make an impact in |
| service programs that engage thousands of | | | | community and global health.o Global Service |
| Americans in intensive service to meet critical | | | | Corps - This organization actively seeks out |
| community needs.o Experience Corps - This | | | | Boomers and retirees. You are asked to |
| award winning organization, utilizes volunteers over | | | | volunteer abroad and utilize your extensive |
| the age of fifty-five in meeting communities' | | | | knowledge, maturity and skills.o Flying Samaritans |
| greatest challenges. They have about two | | | | - This organization has ten chapters in California, |
| thousand members that tutor and mentor in | | | | Arizona, and Mexico. Basically, it operates free |
| twenty-two cities across the country.o All For | | | | medical clinics and education to people in the rural |
| Good - This organization makes it easy for | | | | areas of Mexico. Volunteers include doctors, |
| volunteers to share activities with friends and | | | | dentists, nurses, translators, pilots, and support |
| families. The main focus is on improving the | | | | personnel. |