How to Effectively Volunteer Abroad
By Zablon Mukuba
Volunteering is fun, fulfilling and engaging. It's not meant to be
long, tedious boring and tiring. The work that volunteers do is important.
The volunteers are not meant to take over the work of the paid staff.
The volunteers are only there to help and they are given work that
is not meant to be tedious. Volunteers work for free, give out there
precious time and skills. Although the work is meant to be fun it
should also be effective and meaningful. Things to do to be an effective
volunteer worker:
1. Be mindful of others
During your volunteer period you will be working with other workers.
You might work with the paid staff and other volunteers. Some of the
people you are going to work with are from diverse backgrounds. In
some cases you might be volunteering in Africa where the people are
totally different from you. You are meant to be open minded and mindful
of others. Everyone in the organization is important and everyone
has a part to play.
2. Work with the program
The organizations come up with the programs which you as the volunteer
will work in. The organizations are the experts and they are the ones
who know the solutions to the problems that are affecting them. Some
volunteers come and work in programs and after sometime they want
to impose their own ideas to the programs. The ideas might be good
but the organizations might not be able to add your programs. They
don't have resources to be able to include your ideas. The organizations'
programs are locally made and they are suitable for the local situation.
As the volunteer you are meant to work in the programs. When you change
the programs you offend the people who came with the program and who
have been on it.
3. Friendship
Being a friend to the guys you work with. Trust is important and once
you earn it, it will be a lot easier to work with the people. Being
friendly also helps you to relate with the people you are working
with. The work will be more fun, enjoyable and exciting if you are
friendly. The work won't feel like work anymore if you are having
fun with your friends. When you are all friends they will treat each
other with love and respect.
4. Understand each other differences
We are all different and have varying opinions and ideas on how things
should be done. The diversity is what makes everyone's opinion to
be important. Also diversity comes by through a person's attitude
and position on life. Understanding all these makes working easier
for everyone. You should learn to accept people for who and what they
are. We should always have an open policy on people and their ideas.
5. Be responsible
Lastly being responsible is important for you to be effective in your
volunteer work. Being responsible to yourself helps people not to
worry about you. Be responsible in your work means somebody doesn't
have to come and do the work all over again. Being responsible is
like keeping time, handing over your assignments in time, and working
hard or working smartly. Being responsible affects your work in a
multitude of ways.
For more volunteer tips and advice visit:
http://www.volunteercapitalcentre.org
http://www.volunteercapitalcentre.blogspot.com
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