THE IMPORTANT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN TODAY’S WORLD
Community service is the long held tradition of working without pay in order to serve the common good. In essence, we're talking about helping others either directly or indirectly in order to make the world a little bit of a better place. Often times, community service is different from other volunteer organizations because it is focused on one local issue rather than trying to save the world or focusing on larger problems. The whole premise of community service is based on the idea that it is a good thing to give of yourself without expecting anything in return, and that if everyone gives a little in their local community, the world can become a better place a little bit at a time. The real beauty of serving your community is that you get to help others, and in the end, it helps you too to have a stronger community with happier people. There are many reasons people do community service and there are many different ways in which to participate, but all of them share the common theme of making the world around you a better place without being compensated financially.
Community service has been a forever, long service done through giving people of communities in the effort to bring up their neighbourhood. These selfless acts of kindness have been passed through the generations with the same undertones. As volunteering services have grown through the times, there are now more available means of community services for people to involve themselves with. Those who taken on community service projects have greatly benefited from their work, gaining memorable experiences, and building unique character traits.
For those who are unfamiliar with volunteering, the thought of commitment comes to mind. The commitment that is made to volunteering is slightly different, for in most volunteering situations, you create as much of a commitment as you want. People have the option to volunteer as much of their own time as they are willing, still allowing them to remain focused on their school, work, and personal lives. As there are some services that do ask for a longer time commitment, you still are able to give as much time for a certain project as you want.
Students are always encouraged to volunteer for not only the experience and character building, but also for applying for colleges. The admission levels for universities is becoming more competitive, asking for more out incoming students. One major tool that has been helpful to setting themselves apart from most of their peers is their volunteering services. It is recommended that students volunteer in subjects and projects that they have an interest in, so that this way, it promotes their efforts within the volunteering community. Students have volunteered at soup kitchens, museums, elderly homes, and at school projects. What the students put into their volunteering experiences will show immensely in their character. As these experiences are pointed out on their applications, students have heard more acceptances than rejections.
Through volunteering, people who need an outlet for their character trait of being kind and selfless, have been able to receive that satisfaction. People have sometimes toiled with the notion of wanting to find some way to give back to their community, and help those that cannot help them. Those in this situation have been able to volunteer at soup kitchens and have discussions with people they serve, brightening up their day and making them smile. Others have gone to hospitals and aided with the elderly, having conversation with them and listening to stories of a time long ago, gaining wisdom. The elderly in this situation are always more than thankful for someone to have a conversation with someone and being listened to, especially if you are someone who enjoys playing a game of chess! In the same scene, volunteers are also able to work with children, playing games with them, reading and painting with them. Again, putting a smile on their face is all the payment a volunteer needs to make them feel grateful for doing this type of service.
Many people who have volunteered gain a type of growth that some cannot get anywhere else. Volunteers are given the opportunity to see this life from a variety of different angles, giving them, at the end of the day, a sense of humility for their own lives. When a person volunteers, they are able to give as much of their time as they want, making the commitment their own. One of the easiest things about volunteering is getting involved. There are countless organizations and charities that are always looking for an extra hand to put a smile on someone's face. With all the opportunities available to volunteer, a person can find their way into something that could change not just their life, but also the life of another.
References:
Riga. (2007). The Role Of Community Service In Eliminating Social Exclusion. FACTUM
Ruth MacKenzie, Brian Stratton, and Kim Turner. (2006). Imagine Canada Volunteering and Mandatory Community Service: Choice – Incentive – Coercion – Obligation A Discussion Paper . Volunteer Canada
Stevick, R.A. and Addleman, J.A. (2005, October). Effects of short-term volunteer experience on self-perceptions and prosocial behavior. The Journal of Social Psychology, 135(5), 663-669.