Who volunteers?
By Lisa Saremel
An
international discussion about the abilities of affluent and less privileged
people to participate in volunteering projects has raised debate about
the nature of volunteering.
The World Volunteer Web posted two articles pointing to the trend of more affluent people participating in volunteer projects as opposed to those living in developing countries.
In the online forum that followed, postings from volunteers around the world reiterated that the majority of international volunteers is drawn from qualified backgrounds in order to share their skills and knowledge with people in less developed nations.
It was generally recognised that the basic needs of people living in poor conditions had to be met before they could get involved in volunteerism.
The role of programs such as the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) was distinguished from the need to engage more help locally in developing countries, as well as the difference between international volunteer projects and volunteering in your own community.
Many volunteers voiced a desire to get involved but indicated they were constrained financially from participating in international projects.
Visit World Volunteer Web and read their commentary on Is volunteering always about money? Who is a true volunteer?.
The Centre
for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au