VOLUNTEERISM

By Rizaly Malinao Dionela, Philippines

"All men are born good… True goodness springs from a man's own heart."

Volunteerism is an act of helping others without expecting a reward, an act done without force and hesitation. Mr. Medsil Carillo, our camp director, illustrates volunteerism as an act of service without being told and with no costs. Mr. Kevin Gibbons, a Peace Corps Volunteer from Florida, USA, also shared his experiences about volunteerism. He said that service is more important than wealth. Even though his salary here in the Philippines is not big compared with greener pastures abroad, he still loves to serve Pandan. He likes the hospitality, love and respect showed to him by the Pandananons.

Offering service is not an easy task. It needs strength of character and strong determination. Almost everybody wants and needs money. Money is not present in volunteerism, but the joy and satisfaction we get in volunteerism is the thing we are dearly proud of. Knowing that you helped somebody in need gives great satisfaction that no amount of money could compensate. Volunteerism is an act of heroism; it is an action of self-giving and self-sharing.

ESSENCE OF VOLUNTARISM

By Gilly Terrayo and Allen Yuarata, Philippines

There is nothing one can say more about voluntarism but its essence of willingness…willingness to help, care and assist those who are in need. One can give the best help if he or she is willing and responsible enough to do it for his or her fellowmen and country. Just as Pres. John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

Voluntarism as I have analyzed is multi-defined. It can be shown in every case of helping and giving. Willingness to volunteer is willingness to serve. That is why every volunteer bears in mind that everyone he helps is God's challenge and it serves as the spice of life.

How does one become a volunteer? There are no exams or school required. As long as the person understands how love for others work, he can bear the paths of voluntarism. If you help your friends by doing something without expecting anything in return, that means you volunteer. Even committing one's self to God is voluntarism.

Voluntarism may vary according to the stages of duty from simple errands to tough assignments. Regardless of how these activities are classified, they all have something in common… volunteering.

The elixir of voluntarism is not just about helping but committing and offering one's self to others. For we all know, it is better to give than to receive.

Issue No. 9

August 01, 2005

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Inside this Issue

HEADLINES
Page 1

PANDAN WOWS
Page 2

PAGTATAP YOUTH
Page 3

CAMP WITH NATURE
Page 4

THE PERSONS BEHIND
Page 5

THE TALK
Page 6

A SHOWCASE
Page 7

THE EARLY TASKS
Page 8

THE MAGIC
Page 9

VOLUNTEERISM
Page 10

BEHIND THE TENTS
Page 11

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