It’s natural to try and do whatever we can – or whatever it takes – to help people around us. But in reality, if you’re not making this your full-time job, it is impossible for you to give back to the community on a full-time scale.
To make us feel like we are doing something and due to social or religious obligations, many of us donate money or needfuls (often in the form of spare change to the local mosque or Zakat twice a year or so) or we volunteer to help street kids. At least we are doing something rather than complaining and ranting! But, what about thousands others who did not commit to any volunteering activity? Are they being inconsiderate or selfish?
TO HELP or NOT TO HELP
Have you ever been in a position where you don’t really feel like helping, but you help anyway not because it feels like an obligation or simply because everyone else is doing it? And you don’t want to be the only one with judgmental stares. This does not make you evil, but are you going to be less of a human being if you just refuse to help?
We get it, some people are positive, community-driven, altruistic and always on the spirit of giving back to the community regardless. And the world needs more of these people. Kudos to you if you are in this group of people. Continue doing what you are doing right now because there is no harm in helping.
On the other side of the same coin, we have another large group who’d rather be involved silently through social media – supporting causes and sharing awareness or donating money if they can afford it – or do nothing at all. There are people out there who just don’t want or don’t like to be involved directly in helping the community. For whatever reason you guys have for not being involved, it does not mean that you are less of a human being. Volunteering takes your time and energy and if you are not planning to commit to it on a monthly basis at least, there’s a big possibility that active volunteering is not your game at all.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
If you are working for a Bank or a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI), chances are, your organization has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department – which gives back a percentage of the company’s profits to the community by various social initiatives. The same holds true for many other private companies – such as Robi and BSRM, who are very active in the communities they work in. If you do, this means that your work already contributes to making a better community, you don’t have to work at a Non-Profit to make a difference! Share the work your company does, or support them if you have any issues you care about.
do you still need to lend a helping hand by volunteering?
It goes without saying. Of course, you should. In fact, helping people in general, should be part of your routine. If you’ve committed yourself as a volunteer, be sure to pick the right organisation and give your 100% commitment. Ask yourself again, why are you doing this. Always remember that you are not the focus of attention when it comes to volunteering. Yes, volunteering will definitely help brush up your skills and what not. But your main goal is to always serve the needy and make them feel that they actually belong in the society.
Volunteering is more than posting a picture on Instagram with “It feels good to be able to give back to the community” as a caption!
