BV SEMAH

“Non nobis solum nati sumus” is a latin quote by ancient Roman Politician Marcus Cicero which translate to english as “not for ourselves alone are we born”. This realisation seems to underscore the primary reason for volunteerism.

In Ghana, volunteerism is gradually becoming popular among the youth. It is heart-warming to note that in recent times, a number of students in our tertiary institutions do well to engage in some form of volunteerism especially during the long vacation.

This post is a reflection on four indispensable elements of volunteerism.

SELFLESSNESS…  The first element of volunteerism should be selflessness. The “genesis” of every noble volunteering initiative is a desire to make life better for others, especially those who are underprivileged. Volunteers are those individuals who are commited to solving a problem in society not for any direct economic benefits but with the objective of putting smiles on the face of others. As english novelist George Elliot rightly wrote “what do we live for if not to make life less difficult for others”?
Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.

SACRIFICE…  Selflessness leads to sacrifice. To sacrifice simply means to give up something valuable in order to attain a desired objective. True volunteerism requires a great deal of sacrifice. A response to the call to volunteerism demands a willingness to sacrifice one’s time, energy, money and other resources as well as stepping outside your comfort zone all in the name of making a difference in the life of others. Sometimes to show love will mean “to give, but give until it hurts”. And that’s what sacrifice is all about.
Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.

SERVICE…  Another necessary element of volunteerism is service. One question that keeps ringing in the mind of well-meaning volunteers is; what can I do in my own small way to contribute to “healing the world and making it a better place.”? The foundation of volunteerism is LOVE. And love as Mother Teresa once said ” cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.”
Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.

SUPPORT… Finally, every worthwhile volunteering endeavour needs the unremitting support of individuals, corporate bodies and even the political authourity. Individuals or groups who are volunteering to provide solutions to some identified problems and causing a positive change in society should be acknowledged and encouraged. You should support such ones financially if you have the means. If not, you can equally support with your prayers and that will also count as an invaluable contribution.
Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.

The dream of a brighter future can only be realised when changemakers, that is
SELFLESS  individuals who are making
SACRIFICES  to  SERVE  in love are
SUPPORTED .

The government alone cannot provide solutions to all the problems that exist in our communities. It is therefore important that once in a while people especially the youth who are exuberant engage in some form of volunteering initiative aimed at providing solutions to some identified problems.

Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.