What does it take to be less cynical and more able to freely be a volunteer?

Question

My cynicism is the only real thing getting in the way of whole-hearted volunteering. Believe me, I am not a bad person. I am kind to my patients and their families. I would LIKE to volunteer, but I've had past experiences with Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchen, setting up for American Heart Association events, and other activities that I did find that meaningful.

I don't know I feel my part wasn't that important and why I can't help think that anyone could have done it. I'm lost on the value of volunteering and the philosophy behind it when I've done nothing but hammer nails, lay sod, pass soup, etc. Please some insights. I am actually thinking about volunteering at a free clinic as a nurse, but I am afraid I might catch Tuberculosis. I am just not that much of a risk-taker. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer 1

Organizations don't always involve volunteers because they need an extra pair of hands. Volunteers *aren't* free -- someone has to supervise, support and train them, and that costs money. Many organizations can't afford to have lots of untrained people onsite -- it's sometimes "cheaper" for paid staff to do everything themselves.

Instead, organizations often involve volunteers to provide a way for members of the community to come in and see what it is they are really doing. The organizations are looking to create fans of their organizations -- people who might donate financially, tell their friends that the organization is worthwhile, write a letter to the editor to say they believe the organization does good work, etc.

"I can't help think that anyone could have done it."

Then why don't you volunteer using skills you have, rather than for jobs that just "anyone" could do? What training do you have? What's your degree in? What skills do you have that an organization might really need? Many nonprofits are very open to the idea of people coming to them and saying, "I'm an IT Networking expert, and I could help your organization develop a technology plan." It may not be something the organization was recruiting for, but when someone comes along and offers a specific area of expertise, they are often open to the idea of creating a volunteering opportunity specifically for that person. But they need people with real expertise -- you will need to have a resume and references that prove whatever expertise it is you are claiming.