Volunteerism
Volunteerism is a deliberate, non-paid service provided to organizations. Kevin White advocates for volunteerism with purpose, volunteering selfishly. Scholars have invested resources and time to find out whether the selfish approach to volunteerism is appropriate or inappropriate.
The concept of volunteerism was not new to Kevin White, the founder of Denver Gives when growing up. After the Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, he had a desire to volunteer and help the situation He later received a call to join the animal evacuation team in New Orleans from an animal orphanage he had volunteered earlier. Despite his lack of experience in animal health, he was skilled at organizing and implementing resources. The experience equipped him with knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and helped him to acquire a higher paying job.
The selfish approach to volunteerism is an appropriate strategy. It increases confidence, mental acuity, quality of life, health, and creativity. It helps individuals to secure new jobs, rediscover their purpose, build their resume, increase their educational performance, reduce crime, and combats depression. Volunteering increases happiness. A study carried out indicated that individuals who volunteered between two to four weeks were 60% happier. Additionally, it reduces heart diseases and blood pressure.
The selfish approach volunteerism may be deemed inappropriate. It is emotionally and physically exhausting. Additionally, it is challenging to work without pay, time-consuming, and frustrating as some organizations do not volunteer seriously. Moreover, a significant number of volunteer opportunities may collide with volunteer work schedules.
Volunteering with a purpose helps in utilizing new skills and even acquire new ones. It provides relevant knowledge and experience. Volunteering is flexible as it can be executed at any stage of life; for example, students or individuals who want to advance their careers. Volunteering has a ripple effect in a career, and it allows individuals to reap the benefits of a selfish good deed.