Let’s discuss volunteerism today. My interest in this subject dates back to my student days. But let me begin by showing appreciation to all our volunteers, including myself. They are the reason why I am writing this piece.

Our volunteers live busy lives but sacrifice their time and sleep for a worthy cause. They share love and joy with the children we serve. They volunteer for the Joy In Giving Foundation and are our priceless gifts.

I yearned for an opportunity to volunteer as a student Journalist, but I think I did not search too hard, so I never found one. Later in life, I searched online for organizations for which I could volunteer. I discovered that there were so many volunteering offers outside my country, and if I wanted to proceed, I would incur some costs, including application, flight, and accommodation. However, not having the money to sponsor a trip, I did not pursue it.

The good news is that I am now a volunteer. Are you surprised? I am the founder of the Joy In Giving Foundation, but I am also the number one volunteer because every team member volunteers at our foundation. Again, through this foundation, I will have the chance to do what I have always wanted: volunteer.

The blessings, satisfaction, and joy we derive from serving the less privileged are enough rewards.  Maybe I can explain it better by quoting what Harriet, one of our volunteers, said after visiting the Volta Home Orphanage for the first time-“The experience was amazing…..It is time we all come together to support these kids who are our future leaders.”

This may be why many more people have expressed interest in volunteering for our next project. Welcome aboard! You will enjoy it.

So, who is a volunteer?  According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, “A volunteer is a person who does something, especially for other people or for an organization, willingly and without being forced to do it or paid to do it.”

The Cambridge English Dictionary definition of a volunteer is not different from what the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, captured in its 2015 Annual Report: “The terms volunteering, volunteerism, and voluntary activities refer to a wide range of activities … undertaken of free will, for the general public good, and where the monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.”

The UNGA explains that universal volunteerism is multifaceted and can be organized and managed formally within structured organizations, especially CSOs, governments, and the private sector. It can also be run informally, and millions of people volunteer within informal structures and groups outside of formally recognized institutions. Volunteering is often practiced within the communities where people live and work and can be a lifelong commitment.

 I did not limit myself to dictionaries and Annual Reports. Still, I consulted my Bible and was amazed at the number of scriptures and verses that relate to or support volunteerism. For this article, I will use only three verses I came across. 1 John 3:18 admonishes us to demonstrate our love by words and actions; “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Galatians 6:9  encourages us not to be tired of doing good; “ Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap if we do not give in.” Titus 3:14 cautions us against becoming unfruitful: “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

The truth is that many people, especially the young ones, volunteer for organizations or institutions without being aware. Internships and offering a service at any organization without monetary reward at one’s will can be described as volunteerism, right?

For us at Joy In Giving, sacrificing time and service is a priceless gift. Our volunteers give this gift to the foundation and the children we reach out to, and we do not take this gesture for granted.

Some universities and tertiary institutions in Ghana have included volunteerism in their curricula. I believe this is to teach the students or inculcate the spirit of giving and serving one’s community without expecting anything in return. In other countries, men and women who occupy high societal positions, including former presidents, volunteer for the causes they support.

I encourage you to embrace volunteerism. If you are not too busy—perhaps even unemployed now—be productive by offering to volunteer at any organization willing to take you on. This activity must be captured boldly on your curriculum vitae, CV, or Resume. And you must be proud to talk about it anytime. Remember, you may be doing it for free, but hold on because very soon, that gesture will pay off, to your surprise.