A Reflection On A Beautiful Volunteer Experience

The painting called The Volunteer’s Return (The Kunstmuseum Basel Oil on canvas, 97 x 77 cm.) was made by Swiss artist, Frank Buchser in 1867. Based on the title, we know that the painting represents the end of the American Civil War which lasted 4 years (1861-1865)

The enduring differences between individuals are an intriguing subject area in modern psychology. An interest in examining how people differ in their thinking, feeling and behaviour has developed over time. Even over 2000 years ago, Plato stated “No two persons are born exactly alike; but each differs from the other in natural endowments, one being suited for one occupation and the other for another”.

My volunteer time at the Salvation Army was really exciting. It was my first time experiencing something like that and I’m happy that I got the chance to go. It was an eye opener but it was pretty great.

I was kind of surprised to know that today there are nearly 11,000 senior centers who are serving 1 million older adults every day. Indeed, it’s very important organization to empower the elderly. Oxford Senior center was not only limited to offer a wide range of opportunities but the center is also a resource for the entire oxford community, providing services and information on aging, and assisting family and friends who care and show respect for older persons. In addition, the center is also optimally helping to reduce loneliness and depression. As the director of Oxford Senior Center said Oxford Senior Center is facing numerous concern like funding woes, transportation issues, etc. In addition to such issues, I think the questions remain as to how center can attract young older adults who can provide volunteer services and leadership while at the same time responding to the older adults. It is not easy that baby boom generation will identify themselves as old age as previous generations. It seems like young old adults will more likely be in their 65-70 age category as baby boomers will work into their 70s. I think if the senior centers want to attract the younger older adults who are in their 50s to 60s then it will be even more difficult in the future. So, in my perspective creative

America’s gift of volunteerism to my generation has made an impact on the country, and more specifically, my family. With all the things going on in the world today like wars, tough economies, terrorism, natural disasters, and what’s going on in Washington, I feel that everyone is pulling together closer, and wanting to see their communities shine.

I have had the chance to work with numerous organizations across the great city of Las Vegas. My first volunteer experience was with the Rescue Mission, a local homeless shelter in Downtown Las Vegas. There, I served food and assisted the homeless. Since that moment, only 12 years old, I knew that my passion resided in service. I volunteered at the Mob Museum, a museum in the heart of the Old Downtown Area. There, I helped guide tourists and provided information about the museum and the mob. I've scheduled events of 50+ people and volunteered at Clean the World, another non-profit organization that repurposes half-used soaps from hotels and purifies them for third-world countries. I've traveled to Pioche, Nevada, on multiple occasions to help

Seniors come to the St. Clair Senior Center for services, and to participate in activities to enjoy themselves. Once when I was volunteering at the nursing home where my grandfather lives, I planned a 50’s themed dance party for the tenants. Volunteering at the summer camp I spent a great deal planning yard days, workshops, and tutoring sessions for the campers. These tasks took a great deal of mapping out what exactly would be appropriate for the age groups, and would it keep them engaged.

Being involved in church my entire life has made the world hunger and economic poor situations to be brought to my attention several times. I had never really made an effort to do something about it besides the occasional gift basket we would send overseas. But then my friends at my church told me about a breadline in my area and how the experiences there have changed their outlook. This made me want to join and try it myself. I thought it was not only important for me to become a better person but, to help those in need.

In particular, I not only grew more familiar with several seniors but I began to see the value of being with these seniors. Despite their aging bodies, these seniors remained encouraged to do whatever they loved doing, whether it be participating in tai chi, playing Crazy Eights or rummy, singing along to old classics, or simply socializing with one another. Such determination was rather inspiring for me to witness, seeing how not even age, canes, or walkers can necessarily stop them from enjoying life as much as they can. Certainly, I have gained a better understanding of the human elements of the people I serve.

Through the years I have had the pleasure of both volunteering and working for a variety of different places and organizations. Since the age of fifteen I have held four jobs and have volunteered for a tremendous amount of groups, all which have taught me different valuable life lesson and all of which have shaped me into the person that I am today. Most notable and enjoyable of all of my jobs and volunteering I would have to say was my time as a high school lacrosse coach.

Many things can make the distinction between the old and the young. For instance, as young adults, or even young kids, it is often that we get discredited and dehumanized for all that we do and of course because of the age that we are. Young people, have the reputation for being immature and unknowledgeable. This for some reason is how it's been for ages. Now on the other hand, elders or anyone i’d say thirty and up are known as more knowledgeable and definitely more mature. Simply because they have walked this earth far longer than the youngins. Older people see the world and life differently than younger people do. It’s

-I would like to try something I have never done before. I think to become a volunteer in SDC would be a very valuable experience.

My experience volunteering for Nightline have allowed me push myself and those I have worked with to provide the best support to those who need it. Throughout my time at the University of Bath I have volunteered for Nightline, which is a student confidential listening service. Nightline aims to offer anonymous support over the telephone, email or via text message to students at the University. Many of the calls or messages that are received are from students in distressing situations or suffering from issues that can scope across various health issues. Through this experience I have been able to build upon my listening and empathy skills on an emotional level, as wells building communication skills on a more practical level. This role can be

From 2013 until 2015, I volunteered at Country Manor Nursing Home in Sartell. It was a wonderful experience that allowed me to meet a lot of people. I began volunteering because I had free time during the summer of 2013, and I continued to keep going because I enjoyed it so much.

Volunteering is an aspect of society that is characterized with selflessness and honor. Volunteering is defined by academic sources as, "A person who performs a service willingly and without pay (Van Der Wagan, 2005)." Volunteers provide services from society from the kindness of their hearts and require nothing in return. They are not extrinsically motivated by awards such as money, prestige, or status but are intrinsically motivated by a sense of service for others. Volunteers have given freely of their time and energy to help others through many of the world's crises. The London 2012 Olympics is no different in this regard as many individuals give of themselves for nothing more than a "Thank You." The Olympics is a grand spectacle which exhibits many of the finer qualities of human society. Sacrifice, honor, collaboration, and respect are just some of the quality traits that many athletes and volunteers alike exhibit to the world. Volunteering however, has much different strength depending on differing perspectives. Organizers, Tourists, and other volunteers see the overall status of volunteering from different perspectives. Through this document many of these differing concepts will be discussed in detail.