In a 2005 Hot Topic, I briefly mentioned the growing trend of volunteer vacations or “voluntouring.” In the last month or so, media attention to this idea has heated up considerably. I’ve seen short feature stories on the ABC Evening News and Fox News, as well as articles in places as diverse as The New York Times and British Airways High Life Magazine. One of the organizations promoting “vacations in service,” GlobeAware, provides a list of media mentions of the concept.
Steve McCurley has also noticed this burst of attention, since he selected volunteer vacations as his topic for the current “Along the Web” feature of e-Volunteerism.
All of this is especially interesting to me because 30 years ago I drove several travel agents (remember those?) nuts trying to uncover something useful I could do for one to two weeks on a vacation, other than help with a scientific expedition. We never found anything although I now know we might have discovered some of the early “work camps” still operating from the 1950s. But last week when I saw British Airways offering a package deal to its customers to fly them to an exotic location and connect them to a volunteering project, I realized the concept had come of age.
What Is Voluntourism?
As the word implies, voluntourism combines vacation travel with volunteering at the destination visited. Search the Web and you’ll find dozens of organizations – both nonprofits and travel businesses – deeply involved in organizing volunteering vacations. It’s also spawned a new vocabulary: voluntourist, ethical holidays, travel philanthropy, and more.
Voluntourism is aligned with the more established concept of “sustainable tourism,” defined by Sustainable Travel International as “lessening the toll that travel and tourism takes on the environment and local cultures.” Their motto is: Leave the world a better place™.
The best site to learn about voluntourism is VolunTourism International, which provides a wealth of articles about the concept, offers a free Voluntourist e-newsletter, and sponsors an annual Global Voluntourism Forum in Washington, DC. Their special twist is to mobilize the travel industry (tour operators, travel planners, and convention bureaus) to partner with nonprofits and service-learning programs. VolunTourism’s commercial site (www.volunteertourism.com) explains:
VolunTours™ is more than just volunteering. VolunTours™ is a new way to travel. It is a revolutionary form of interacting with your destination and your destination interacting with you. VolunTours™ is the next step in the development of unique meetings & conventions' experiences.
Two examples of sites that connect people with voluntourist opportunities are Go Differently and North by North East Tours.
What’s good about voluntourism?
When it’s well-organized and thoughtfully planned, the traveler can indeed use vacation time to great advantage, helping the host country and gaining many personal benefits. Some of the most obvious pluses are:
* It meets the needs of busy people who want to volunteer and travel – with special benefits to families seeking a memorable shared experience and to the many adult singles (of all ages) who prefer taking vacation time in the company of others. Given the research about Baby Boomers, it seems evident that voluntourism will be very popular with them for many years to come.
* Well-managed spurts of volunteer help can be extremely productive for many types of projects that need a lot of willing hands. After a natural disaster, for example, the enormous clean-up and rebuilding work goes on for years, and a continuous stream of fresh recruits can keep the momentum going.
* Ideally, voluntourism is a people-to-people experience, in which both the helper and the helped become acquainted with one another. Just as Peace Corps or UN Volunteers strives to create cultural exchange and understanding, even brief periods of working together gives everyone involved insight into the world of the “other.”
* Positive experiences as a voluntourist can lead to more sustained service, either in return trips to the same country or to more informed and deliberate forms of volunteering back home for international or development causes.
Are there problems with voluntourism?
Note that above I said “when it’s well-organized and thoughtfully planned….” If the voluntourism organizers don’t truly understand the complexity of making this sort of experience successful for everyone, it can be more harmful than good. A few issues are:
* How are the volunteering opportunities chosen? Are these real needs and can volunteers truly do something useful in as little as a week?
* Is there an application process or qualifications for volunteers or does the receiving site have to take anyone and everyone who wants to come?
* What’s the ratio of service to sightseeing? Voluntourists do not have to martyr themselves and can opt to play as hard as they work, but service projects that are so slim they only give a respectable veneer to an otherwise leisure tour hurt the entire idea.
* Does the project provide orientation and training to both the foreign volunteers and the local recipients of the service to make sure both sides are fully prepared to get the most from the experience?
* Who‘s on site to troubleshoot possible problems?
* What exactly is the risk management process here? Are both sides protected from willfully bad conduct? How?
* What happens to the local project over time if some other destination becomes more popular? In other words, is there any commitment by the tour organizers to complete work started?
In general, the biggest gripe about volunteer vacations is that they simply expand the trend of episodic volunteering, in which feel-good bursts of service give the volunteer pleasure but do not result in much useful help for the recipients or the complex cause. It is also often noted that problems away from home can be more appealing to support than those close to home.
What does this trend mean to traditional volunteering?
It strikes me as fascinating that at the same time we in the developed world have evolved frantic risk management policies and procedures, particularly the requirement of all sorts of police and other background checks, it has been possible at the same time to create more and more off-shore volunteering opportunities, seemingly without any screening demands at all. Is this a function of paternalism, in which under-developed countries are thought to be so needy they shouldn’t worry about formalities? Is it simply an overlooked loophole?
When important projects with few resources can welcome willing volunteers from far away, the risks may be worth it to both sides. Can this teach us all something about balance? Might we be able to apply this calmer attitude towards risk back home?
At the moment, the vast majority of volunteer vacation projects send people from North America and Europe to developing countries in Africa, South America, and Asia. This is largely because it requires money, time, and access to travel abroad and those three resources are available mainly in the First World. But perhaps someday the concept can be practiced in both directions. Hurricane Katrina was a disaster than engaged people from around the world. For Americans, it may be sobering but also illuminating to recognize that we might be recipients of the help of others, too.
More important, are there some organizations that can develop domestic volunteer vacations? Think about these possibilities:
* Are you located near a popular tourist destination? Why not approach some travel organizers about offering a play/service package during which voluntourists participate in your project for a few days or weeks?
* Do you serve people who come from the countries some volunteer vacations help? Might you connect with the voluntourism groups to offer post-vacation domestic opportunities to continue helping these people throughout the year?
* Can you partner with an overseas organization to do travel exchanges, in which individuals or groups alternate volunteer vacations in both locations, allowing for more ongoing service projects that need attention over a longer time?
* What do you think about voluntourism?
* Are there ways we can make it work to our advantage?
by Susan Ellis
Resourse: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
No prejudices, one mission: Young volunteers in Lebanon
It came from the mouths of babes, as they say. Tired of sectarianism and politics, eight teenagers who met regularly at Hamra cafes decided to take a stand. So they formed a group, "Volunteers With No Constraints" - meaning without religion and without political affiliation. Their plan is to volunteer wherever necessary, offering help with no questions asked.
Their leader is a 17-year-old straight-A student, Shawky Amineddine. The idea came to him after the summer 2006 war. He and his friends spent all their time helping out refugees sheltered in Beirut. Despite the bombing in the background, the teenagers distributed relief supplies and spent hours entertaining the distraught children. With the war over, Amineddine felt he had found his mission in life and called a meeting with his friends. The first meeting held in a cafe attracted 30 youths. Eight out of those chose to commit seriously to Amineddine's idea and they began to plan.
The first rule was that there would never be political or religious talk. Nor would there be racism or gender discrimination. The second was that everyone, board and members, had to be under the age of 20.
Next, they had to find a place to serve as their headquarters. Aid Lebanon, a local non-governmental organization, offered them office space in Sodeco Square. In return, the Volunteers With No Constraints will dispatch dozens of teenage volunteers as needed for various projects.
Ironically, Amineddine first balked at the idea of volunteering last year when he found out that he had to do 90 hours of community service as a requirement for graduating from the International College (IC). An IC scholar - he won a full scholarship based on his high academic grades - he wanted to concentrate on his studies.
"I thought it was a waste of time," he recalled.
To his surprise, he found out that he enjoyed it. "At first I just felt sympathy for the orphans, the disabled and the deaf," he said. "But then, I realized that I didn't feel just sympathy anymore. I genuinely liked working with them."
Before the year was over, he had completed 280 hours - many more than the required 90.
"I stopped counting the hours after that," he said, laughing.
IC began requiring all students to fulfill community service hours in 1998, when its senior vice president and director of the secondary school, Mishka Mourani, was seeking international baccalaureate (IB) accreditation for IC. She was told that IB students must fulfill certain community, action and service requirements.
Mourani, a strong supporter of community service herself, was intrigued by the idea. Part of IC's mission, after all, was to produce compassionate and giving citizens. She wanted all IC students to volunteer their time. And so she created a three-year community service program and made it a prerequisite to graduation.
Some parents protested. Their children, they felt, were too young to see poverty, disability and despair. Some students themselves resisted.
"Whether we like it or not our [IC] kids are more privileged," said Mourani, "and with privilege comes responsibility."
Mourani was adamant. Students would not graduate unless they fulfilled a certain number of hours serving their communities. In their first year, students have to fulfill 35 hours of community service. After a few introductory sessions on campus, students are taken to NGOs to spend time with orphans, the elderly and disabled people. At the end of the scholastic year, students host their new friends on-campus for a day of fun-filled activities created and organized by the students themselves.
In the next two years, students can choose to volunteer with one of 20 select organizations. Each NGO has agreed to accept several students. The program was such a resounding success that four other schools followed suit. Tellingly, many parents themselves now call up to volunteer their time.
For Amineddine, the program introduced him to a whole new world. He volunteered with many NGOs and participated in many events, including Global Youth Service Days. He found himself on various NGO committees, planning and organizing. He attended workshops faithfully and helped run workshops whenever needed. Together with other teenage volunteers from various schools, Amineddine continued working with the needy.
"This is when I started thinking that we should have our own group," he recalled. "We were all young, got along well and willing to volunteer."
Today, Volunteers With No Constraints boasts a membership of 250 volunteers.
The group is planning its first big event: an open-air carnival. Magicians, stage performances and inflatable bouncing platforms are all part of the program. The target audience is disabled, underprivileged and orphaned children. But it will also be open to the public for a small fee.
Somehow, between studying, passing the baccalaureate exam and attending classes, the teenagers must secure sponsors and financial contributions.
Once the carnival is over, Amineddine will be eagerly waiting for one thing: to turn 18 and register the Volunteers With No Constraints as an official Lebanese NGO.
Resourse: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org
Their leader is a 17-year-old straight-A student, Shawky Amineddine. The idea came to him after the summer 2006 war. He and his friends spent all their time helping out refugees sheltered in Beirut. Despite the bombing in the background, the teenagers distributed relief supplies and spent hours entertaining the distraught children. With the war over, Amineddine felt he had found his mission in life and called a meeting with his friends. The first meeting held in a cafe attracted 30 youths. Eight out of those chose to commit seriously to Amineddine's idea and they began to plan.
The first rule was that there would never be political or religious talk. Nor would there be racism or gender discrimination. The second was that everyone, board and members, had to be under the age of 20.
Next, they had to find a place to serve as their headquarters. Aid Lebanon, a local non-governmental organization, offered them office space in Sodeco Square. In return, the Volunteers With No Constraints will dispatch dozens of teenage volunteers as needed for various projects.
Ironically, Amineddine first balked at the idea of volunteering last year when he found out that he had to do 90 hours of community service as a requirement for graduating from the International College (IC). An IC scholar - he won a full scholarship based on his high academic grades - he wanted to concentrate on his studies.
"I thought it was a waste of time," he recalled.
To his surprise, he found out that he enjoyed it. "At first I just felt sympathy for the orphans, the disabled and the deaf," he said. "But then, I realized that I didn't feel just sympathy anymore. I genuinely liked working with them."
Before the year was over, he had completed 280 hours - many more than the required 90.
"I stopped counting the hours after that," he said, laughing.
IC began requiring all students to fulfill community service hours in 1998, when its senior vice president and director of the secondary school, Mishka Mourani, was seeking international baccalaureate (IB) accreditation for IC. She was told that IB students must fulfill certain community, action and service requirements.
Mourani, a strong supporter of community service herself, was intrigued by the idea. Part of IC's mission, after all, was to produce compassionate and giving citizens. She wanted all IC students to volunteer their time. And so she created a three-year community service program and made it a prerequisite to graduation.
Some parents protested. Their children, they felt, were too young to see poverty, disability and despair. Some students themselves resisted.
"Whether we like it or not our [IC] kids are more privileged," said Mourani, "and with privilege comes responsibility."
Mourani was adamant. Students would not graduate unless they fulfilled a certain number of hours serving their communities. In their first year, students have to fulfill 35 hours of community service. After a few introductory sessions on campus, students are taken to NGOs to spend time with orphans, the elderly and disabled people. At the end of the scholastic year, students host their new friends on-campus for a day of fun-filled activities created and organized by the students themselves.
In the next two years, students can choose to volunteer with one of 20 select organizations. Each NGO has agreed to accept several students. The program was such a resounding success that four other schools followed suit. Tellingly, many parents themselves now call up to volunteer their time.
For Amineddine, the program introduced him to a whole new world. He volunteered with many NGOs and participated in many events, including Global Youth Service Days. He found himself on various NGO committees, planning and organizing. He attended workshops faithfully and helped run workshops whenever needed. Together with other teenage volunteers from various schools, Amineddine continued working with the needy.
"This is when I started thinking that we should have our own group," he recalled. "We were all young, got along well and willing to volunteer."
Today, Volunteers With No Constraints boasts a membership of 250 volunteers.
The group is planning its first big event: an open-air carnival. Magicians, stage performances and inflatable bouncing platforms are all part of the program. The target audience is disabled, underprivileged and orphaned children. But it will also be open to the public for a small fee.
Somehow, between studying, passing the baccalaureate exam and attending classes, the teenagers must secure sponsors and financial contributions.
Once the carnival is over, Amineddine will be eagerly waiting for one thing: to turn 18 and register the Volunteers With No Constraints as an official Lebanese NGO.
Resourse: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org
Is forced volunteering helping anyone?
The provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador are engaged in a social experiment. Each of these areas requires its high school students to put in anywhere from 25 to 40 hours volunteering in their communities in order to graduate.
The hope is that by forcing teens to give back, they will be encouraged to be good citizens and volunteers as adults. And, of course, non-profits will also benefit from an unpaid labour force.
"We do have very clear research that shows the earlier we get citizens involved in volunteering, the more likely they are to be lifelong volunteers," says Marlene Deboisbriand, president of Volunteer Canada from her office in Ottawa.
But there is one big drawback to the plan: Volunteering is something you choose to do because you want to, not because you have to. What message are we sending teens if we are equating mandatory community service with volunteering? Volunteer or risk not graduating?
"We make kids do things all the time, presumably for their own good," says Linda Graff, president of Linda Graff and Associates Inc., an international consulting firm based in Dundas, Ont., that specializes in volunteerism and non-profit management.
"To call mandatory community service 'volunteering' is a problem because then we begin to confuse the distinction between an activity that is freely chosen and something that is obligatory and perhaps not always rewarding. Volunteering should be something you choose to do because you want to do it, not because somebody made you do it."
"Over time, if we're not careful, I think we can erode that ethos of caring that really distinguishes us as a nation," says Ms. Graff. "We are known around the world as good, caring, helpful people, and that is important to who we are, what our identity is and what our communities are about. If we start to confuse that with being made to do something that is sometimes unpleasant, it's not a good thing."
According to Imagine Canada's most recent national research on volunteering, teenagers have higher rates of volunteering than any other age group. In 2004, 45% of Canadians in general volunteered, compared with 65% of teenagers.
The volunteer numbers include mandatory community service, defined by the survey as an organization that requires volunteering as a condition of membership, court-ordered community service, school requirements and employer requirements.
When the survey came out last year, Ms. Deboisbriand went on her own fact-finding mission, visiting provinces where mandatory community service was not a requirement to graduate high school.
"I wanted to see if we were skewing the numbers by including these hours. But even in provinces where they don't have mandatory community service in their schools, the rate of volunteering is higher among teenagers than the rest of the population."
It is too soon to tell whether students required to volunteer will carry that sense of duty into adulthood.
Ontario was one of the first to introduce its mandatory volunteer program, in September, 1999.
"What we do know," says Ms. Deboisbriand, "is that for these types of programs to work, the volunteer experience has to be a positive one for the student."
It has to be more than a forced work program such as Ontario's, that simply requires the student accumulate a certain number of "volunteer hours," says Ms. Graff. "The research out of the United States says the schools need to work with the community to co-operatively identify work that is meaningful to the kids and that is connected back to curriculum in the classroom. The experience needs to be put in some kind of context so they understand the larger meaning. The Ontario program completely misses both of these requirements.
"My guess is that where this program is successful it is happenstance, not by design."
What of all those hours and able bodies made available free of charge to the 160,000-plus registered non-profits in Canada? "Unpaid labour is not necessarily free," says Ms. Deboisbriand. "The student needs training, monitoring, support, [and] without any guarantee the young person will engage beyond the 40 hours, what have you gained?"
For her part, Gail Nyberg, executive director of the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto, sees the program as mutually beneficial. "We help the kids get their hours and they help us get a lot of work done."
And the students? Many are stuck licking envelopes or mucking out stalls, which is how Grade 9 student Christina Lynn met her volunteer hours requirement.
"I volunteered at the stable where I ride," says Ms. Lyn, who lives in Oakville, Ont. "I chose something I enjoy and it was a good experience." As for volunteering as an adult, the 15-yearold said she would, so long as it was something she was interested in and had time for. Does that spell success?
by Mary Teresa Bitti, CanWest News Service
Resourse: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org
The hope is that by forcing teens to give back, they will be encouraged to be good citizens and volunteers as adults. And, of course, non-profits will also benefit from an unpaid labour force.
"We do have very clear research that shows the earlier we get citizens involved in volunteering, the more likely they are to be lifelong volunteers," says Marlene Deboisbriand, president of Volunteer Canada from her office in Ottawa.
But there is one big drawback to the plan: Volunteering is something you choose to do because you want to, not because you have to. What message are we sending teens if we are equating mandatory community service with volunteering? Volunteer or risk not graduating?
"We make kids do things all the time, presumably for their own good," says Linda Graff, president of Linda Graff and Associates Inc., an international consulting firm based in Dundas, Ont., that specializes in volunteerism and non-profit management.
"To call mandatory community service 'volunteering' is a problem because then we begin to confuse the distinction between an activity that is freely chosen and something that is obligatory and perhaps not always rewarding. Volunteering should be something you choose to do because you want to do it, not because somebody made you do it."
"Over time, if we're not careful, I think we can erode that ethos of caring that really distinguishes us as a nation," says Ms. Graff. "We are known around the world as good, caring, helpful people, and that is important to who we are, what our identity is and what our communities are about. If we start to confuse that with being made to do something that is sometimes unpleasant, it's not a good thing."
According to Imagine Canada's most recent national research on volunteering, teenagers have higher rates of volunteering than any other age group. In 2004, 45% of Canadians in general volunteered, compared with 65% of teenagers.
The volunteer numbers include mandatory community service, defined by the survey as an organization that requires volunteering as a condition of membership, court-ordered community service, school requirements and employer requirements.
When the survey came out last year, Ms. Deboisbriand went on her own fact-finding mission, visiting provinces where mandatory community service was not a requirement to graduate high school.
"I wanted to see if we were skewing the numbers by including these hours. But even in provinces where they don't have mandatory community service in their schools, the rate of volunteering is higher among teenagers than the rest of the population."
It is too soon to tell whether students required to volunteer will carry that sense of duty into adulthood.
Ontario was one of the first to introduce its mandatory volunteer program, in September, 1999.
"What we do know," says Ms. Deboisbriand, "is that for these types of programs to work, the volunteer experience has to be a positive one for the student."
It has to be more than a forced work program such as Ontario's, that simply requires the student accumulate a certain number of "volunteer hours," says Ms. Graff. "The research out of the United States says the schools need to work with the community to co-operatively identify work that is meaningful to the kids and that is connected back to curriculum in the classroom. The experience needs to be put in some kind of context so they understand the larger meaning. The Ontario program completely misses both of these requirements.
"My guess is that where this program is successful it is happenstance, not by design."
What of all those hours and able bodies made available free of charge to the 160,000-plus registered non-profits in Canada? "Unpaid labour is not necessarily free," says Ms. Deboisbriand. "The student needs training, monitoring, support, [and] without any guarantee the young person will engage beyond the 40 hours, what have you gained?"
For her part, Gail Nyberg, executive director of the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto, sees the program as mutually beneficial. "We help the kids get their hours and they help us get a lot of work done."
And the students? Many are stuck licking envelopes or mucking out stalls, which is how Grade 9 student Christina Lynn met her volunteer hours requirement.
"I volunteered at the stable where I ride," says Ms. Lyn, who lives in Oakville, Ont. "I chose something I enjoy and it was a good experience." As for volunteering as an adult, the 15-yearold said she would, so long as it was something she was interested in and had time for. Does that spell success?
by Mary Teresa Bitti, CanWest News Service
Resourse: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Benefits of volunteering
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that it can have many benefits for you too? Here are some reasons to volunteer:
Learn or develop a new skill
Volunteering is the perfect vehicle to discover something you are really good at and develop a new skill. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” It is never too late to learn new skills and no reason why you should stop adding to your knowledge just because you are in employment or have finished education. Planning and implementing a major fundraising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Supervising and training other volunteers helps to develop supervisory and training skills. These are examples of skills that can enhance a career but you don’t have to develop skills with the intention of facilitating your career. Painting a mural or making banners for International Volunteer Day – to celebrate the wonderful and priceless work that volunteers do – could gently push you to discover graphics and art talents. Explore your love for music and learn to DJ (disc jockey) so you can offer your newfound panache to local youth club discos. The possibilities are many.
Be part of your community
No man or woman is an island. We sometimes take for granted the community that we live in. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival but growth of such things as commercialism are seeing traditional values being disregarded. Communities are suffering due to the growth of secular societies but at the same time we can really bridge that expanding gap through volunteering. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s wellbeing. What better way is there to connect with your commmunity and give a little back? As a volunteer, you certainly return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.
Motivation and sense of achievement
Fundamentally, volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely. Unlike many things in life there is choice involved in volunteering. As a volunteer you have made a decision to help on your own accord, free from pressure to act from others. Volunteers predominantly express a sense of achievement and motivation, and this is ultimately generated from your desire and enthusiasm to help. Sometimes volunteers are regarded as do-gooders and those that hold that view also assume that one person can never make a differnece. It may be true that no one person can solve all the world’s problems, but what you can do is make that little corner of the world where you live just that little bit better.
Boost your career options
A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses
* 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without
* 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills
* 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted
Also, if you are thinking of a career change then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. If you have a passion for the arts but have career in computing then why not volunteer at your local theatre? Or if your ambitions are to be a doctor why not find out about volunteer opportunities at your local hospital – the ideal way to expand your work portfolio in your field and to gain a real insight into your chosen path.
New interests and hobbies
Sometimes we do get locked into the “rat-race” of life and volunteering can give that escape to everday routine and create a balance in our lives. Finding new interests and hobbies through volunteering can be fun, relaxing and energizing. Help run a youth radio station or website for a few hours a week or assist in publishing a charity newsletter. The energy and sense of fulfilment can carry over to a work situation and sometimes helps to relieve tensions and foster new perspectives for old situations. Sometimes a volunteer experience can lead you to something you never even thought about or help you discover a hobby or interest you were unaware of. You can strengthen your personal/professional mission and vision by exploring opportunities and expanding your horizons.
New experiences
Volunteering is a brilliant way to get life experience. Whether you build a library or mail flyers to raise awareness for a local charity, you will experience the real world through hands-on work. This guide section has established that volunteers can do almost anything and with the new millenium has dawned an era of infinite volunteer opportunities. For example, it is possible to volunteer in developing countries and see the direct impact of your actions on some of the most vulnerable people of the world. You could skydive for charity, a chance to experience the ultimate thrill and raise funds to help the charity continue its work.
Meeting a diverse range of people
Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your co-workers can be a rich source of inspiration and an excellent way to develop your interpersonal skills. Volunteering also offers an incredible networking opportunity. Not only will you develop lasting personal and professional relationships but it is also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries. Networking is an exciting benefit of volunteering and you can never tell who you will meet or what new information you will learn and what impact this could have on your life.
Send a signal to your employer, teachers, friends and family…
People pay attention to your life outside the environment in which they have direct contact with you. For example, your employer would be interested in the activities that gives you a good work-life balance, just as academic institutions are interested in your extra-curricular activities. Volunteering reflects and supports a complete picture of you, and gives real examples of your commitment, dedication and interests. Show people what you are passionate about and maybe you will inspire them too!
Resource: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/benefits-of-volunteering.html
References: Ten Professional Development Benefits of Volunteering (Everything I Learned in Life I Learned through Volunteering). Mary V. Merrill, LSW, Merrill Associates
Learn or develop a new skill
Volunteering is the perfect vehicle to discover something you are really good at and develop a new skill. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” It is never too late to learn new skills and no reason why you should stop adding to your knowledge just because you are in employment or have finished education. Planning and implementing a major fundraising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Supervising and training other volunteers helps to develop supervisory and training skills. These are examples of skills that can enhance a career but you don’t have to develop skills with the intention of facilitating your career. Painting a mural or making banners for International Volunteer Day – to celebrate the wonderful and priceless work that volunteers do – could gently push you to discover graphics and art talents. Explore your love for music and learn to DJ (disc jockey) so you can offer your newfound panache to local youth club discos. The possibilities are many.
Be part of your community
No man or woman is an island. We sometimes take for granted the community that we live in. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival but growth of such things as commercialism are seeing traditional values being disregarded. Communities are suffering due to the growth of secular societies but at the same time we can really bridge that expanding gap through volunteering. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s wellbeing. What better way is there to connect with your commmunity and give a little back? As a volunteer, you certainly return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.
Motivation and sense of achievement
Fundamentally, volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely. Unlike many things in life there is choice involved in volunteering. As a volunteer you have made a decision to help on your own accord, free from pressure to act from others. Volunteers predominantly express a sense of achievement and motivation, and this is ultimately generated from your desire and enthusiasm to help. Sometimes volunteers are regarded as do-gooders and those that hold that view also assume that one person can never make a differnece. It may be true that no one person can solve all the world’s problems, but what you can do is make that little corner of the world where you live just that little bit better.
Boost your career options
A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses
* 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without
* 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills
* 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted
Also, if you are thinking of a career change then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. If you have a passion for the arts but have career in computing then why not volunteer at your local theatre? Or if your ambitions are to be a doctor why not find out about volunteer opportunities at your local hospital – the ideal way to expand your work portfolio in your field and to gain a real insight into your chosen path.
New interests and hobbies
Sometimes we do get locked into the “rat-race” of life and volunteering can give that escape to everday routine and create a balance in our lives. Finding new interests and hobbies through volunteering can be fun, relaxing and energizing. Help run a youth radio station or website for a few hours a week or assist in publishing a charity newsletter. The energy and sense of fulfilment can carry over to a work situation and sometimes helps to relieve tensions and foster new perspectives for old situations. Sometimes a volunteer experience can lead you to something you never even thought about or help you discover a hobby or interest you were unaware of. You can strengthen your personal/professional mission and vision by exploring opportunities and expanding your horizons.
New experiences
Volunteering is a brilliant way to get life experience. Whether you build a library or mail flyers to raise awareness for a local charity, you will experience the real world through hands-on work. This guide section has established that volunteers can do almost anything and with the new millenium has dawned an era of infinite volunteer opportunities. For example, it is possible to volunteer in developing countries and see the direct impact of your actions on some of the most vulnerable people of the world. You could skydive for charity, a chance to experience the ultimate thrill and raise funds to help the charity continue its work.
Meeting a diverse range of people
Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your co-workers can be a rich source of inspiration and an excellent way to develop your interpersonal skills. Volunteering also offers an incredible networking opportunity. Not only will you develop lasting personal and professional relationships but it is also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries. Networking is an exciting benefit of volunteering and you can never tell who you will meet or what new information you will learn and what impact this could have on your life.
Send a signal to your employer, teachers, friends and family…
People pay attention to your life outside the environment in which they have direct contact with you. For example, your employer would be interested in the activities that gives you a good work-life balance, just as academic institutions are interested in your extra-curricular activities. Volunteering reflects and supports a complete picture of you, and gives real examples of your commitment, dedication and interests. Show people what you are passionate about and maybe you will inspire them too!
Resource: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/benefits-of-volunteering.html
References: Ten Professional Development Benefits of Volunteering (Everything I Learned in Life I Learned through Volunteering). Mary V. Merrill, LSW, Merrill Associates
Volunteer - Getting started
Whether it is your time or expertise, it is important to decide what it is that you can offer. For most voluntary jobs you don’t need any formal qualifications. If the job requires a specific skill then the organization will make sure you have training and supervision. Even if you think you don’t have any specific skill to offer, remember that many volunteering jobs involve just being there to talk to someone or an extra pair of hands. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you commit to an organization.
How much time do I have to commit? Do I want an ongoing, regularly scheduled assignment, a short-term assignment or a one-off assignment?
A common misconception about volunteering is that you will be tied down to a long-term obligation. This is not true. Recruiters are well aware of volunteers’ responsibilities outside their organization and realize you might not have much time to spare. This is why many organizations offer very flexible working periods and you don’t need to give up a great deal of time, so choose one that suits you. You could get involved in a one-off fundraising event which only takes place once a year. Or if you decide to make a regular commitment, it might be for an hour a month or several hours a week – the choice is yours.
There are many people, places and organizations that need volunteers and now you can decide how best you can benefit them. Here are some tips for getting started:
First, ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do.
For example, do I want…
…to make it better around where I live
…to meet people who are different from me
…to try something new
…to do something with my spare time
…to see a different way of life and new places
…to have a go at the type of work I might want to do as a full-time job
…to do more with my interests and hobbies
…to do something I’m good at
The best way to volunteer is to match your personality and interests. Having answers to these questions will help you narrow down your search.
Still have no idea? Then read on…
Browse through your local newspapers and in the phonebook to see what voluntary programmes there are. Also find out about local charities and community groups. Call and ask them to give you more information.
Visit your local town website or try searches on the internet. You may find volunteer opportunities listed there.
Contact your local advice bureau, cultural/arts association, student organization, or another association that can point you in the right direction.
Libraries, religious organizations, and hospitals are excellent avenues to explore volunteer opportunities too.
Here are some other organizations that are worth looking into and that you may not have thought of…
Day care centres, Neighbourhood watch groups,Schools and colleges Drug rehabilitation centres, Civic clubs, Retirement centres and homes for the elderly, Meals on wheels, Homeless drop-in centres, projects or soup kitchens, Museaums, art galleries, theatres and monuments, Community choirs, bands and orchestras, PrisonsParks or environmental/conservation projects Youth organizations, sports teams, and after school programmes Refuges and shelters for women and children Historical restorations and national parks
The possibilities are endless! Take time to explore your local community and find out about the hidden issues and projects that could do with an enthusiastic voice and extra pair of hands.
Once you have got a shortlist of organizations, call to ask for more information or if you prefer, write them a letter asking them to tell you more about the opportunities available. You may be asked to go in for an interview, informal chat or visit, depending on the organization, but use this as an opportunity to find out more about the projects and what you will be doing.
Resource: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/getting-started.html
How much time do I have to commit? Do I want an ongoing, regularly scheduled assignment, a short-term assignment or a one-off assignment?
A common misconception about volunteering is that you will be tied down to a long-term obligation. This is not true. Recruiters are well aware of volunteers’ responsibilities outside their organization and realize you might not have much time to spare. This is why many organizations offer very flexible working periods and you don’t need to give up a great deal of time, so choose one that suits you. You could get involved in a one-off fundraising event which only takes place once a year. Or if you decide to make a regular commitment, it might be for an hour a month or several hours a week – the choice is yours.
There are many people, places and organizations that need volunteers and now you can decide how best you can benefit them. Here are some tips for getting started:
First, ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do.
For example, do I want…
…to make it better around where I live
…to meet people who are different from me
…to try something new
…to do something with my spare time
…to see a different way of life and new places
…to have a go at the type of work I might want to do as a full-time job
…to do more with my interests and hobbies
…to do something I’m good at
The best way to volunteer is to match your personality and interests. Having answers to these questions will help you narrow down your search.
Still have no idea? Then read on…
Browse through your local newspapers and in the phonebook to see what voluntary programmes there are. Also find out about local charities and community groups. Call and ask them to give you more information.
Visit your local town website or try searches on the internet. You may find volunteer opportunities listed there.
Contact your local advice bureau, cultural/arts association, student organization, or another association that can point you in the right direction.
Libraries, religious organizations, and hospitals are excellent avenues to explore volunteer opportunities too.
Here are some other organizations that are worth looking into and that you may not have thought of…
Day care centres, Neighbourhood watch groups,Schools and colleges Drug rehabilitation centres, Civic clubs, Retirement centres and homes for the elderly, Meals on wheels, Homeless drop-in centres, projects or soup kitchens, Museaums, art galleries, theatres and monuments, Community choirs, bands and orchestras, PrisonsParks or environmental/conservation projects Youth organizations, sports teams, and after school programmes Refuges and shelters for women and children Historical restorations and national parks
The possibilities are endless! Take time to explore your local community and find out about the hidden issues and projects that could do with an enthusiastic voice and extra pair of hands.
Once you have got a shortlist of organizations, call to ask for more information or if you prefer, write them a letter asking them to tell you more about the opportunities available. You may be asked to go in for an interview, informal chat or visit, depending on the organization, but use this as an opportunity to find out more about the projects and what you will be doing.
Resource: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/getting-started.html
Volunteer - Finding the right opportunity
There are lots of volunteering opportunities available but it’s important that you find the one that suits you best. It is a good idea to approach your volunteer search like you would a normal job search. However, rather than being driven by the incentive of getting paid, you are looking for an enjoyable way to spend your valuable time - with the added bonus of helping others.
There are important factors to consider while looking for volunteer opportunities, so what you find is important to you and fits into your personal and professional life. The more you know about what you want to do, the more valuable you will be to the organization you join as a volunteer. So here are some valuable questions to consider before you make a commitment:
What causes or issues matter the most to you?
Do your research and find the organizations in your community whose missions are in line with your own values. Exploring the organization to find out exactly what they do will allow you to evaluate whether they are doing a credible job and deserve your support. Choosing a cause that you’re passionate about will make your volunteer experience that much more significant to you and give you the motivation to make an enthusiastic contribution to your chosen organization.
Do I want to volunteer for something that uses skills I already have, or do I want to do something completely different?
A good starting point is to consider what you can bring to the organization. If it is a specific skill, such as writing or bricklaying then you can find projects that can benefit directly from your expertise. Do you want volunteering to be an extension of your paying job or a departure from it? What skills do you want to use?
Sometimes volunteers want to do something that is completely different, an opportunity to experience new environments and this is fine too! So whether you’re contributing professional skills, additional qualifications, recreational talents and hobbies, your skills will make a positive impact. However, not all positions require specialised knowledge or skills and the majority of voluntary work simply requires good “people skills” – like being a good listener, offering supportive advice, being positive and friendly.
What would you most like to learn by volunteering?
Volunteering is a great way of using your skills but at the same time a chance to learn something new, which could even lead to a qualification or career progression. Is there something you wished you had the opportunity to learn? Volunteering throws up many original possibilities so it is worth thinking about what you want to do and what you want to get out of it.
What don’t I want to do as a volunteer?
The more content you are with what you’re doing, the better you will perform. Don’t be afraid to identify the things you want to avoid as a volunteer and this will make you happier in the projects you choose to do. You don’t have to say “yes” to everything that is offered to you, so negotiate if necessary to get the best out of volunteering.
Do I want an ongoing, short-term or one-off assignment?
Many people think that volunteering will be time-consuming and they will be tied down to an obligation, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you are unsure about your commitment then you can opt for temporary or one-off assignments. Other organizations will require a strong commitment so take time to evaluate your availability. Volunteers are invaluable to organizations and they will depend on you to maintain your scheduled promise, so be realistic about the time you have. A good idea is to start off with a limited amount of hours and then increase your availability if you feel you can give more hours or contribute for a longer period.
Who do I want to work with?
It may be worth considering the type of people you will be working with, if you will be working on your own or with others. It is important to think about these factors before you commit if you have preferences. If you are the type of person that thrives in team situations, working with different personalities, then you should avoid projects that require lengthy periods of individual activity.
Also think about the people who will be benefiting from your help. Do you want the end recipients to be a particular group, such as children or the elderly, or do you want to help a wider section of the population. Be aware that you may have to adhere to legal requirements if working for specialised organizations, for example references and criminal background checks, so be ready for them!
It is important to consider your needs before volunteering and thinking about these questions will help you find the right volunteering place. The closer you match your needs, the more satisfying and meaningful your volunteer experience will be.
Resource: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/finding-the-right-opportunity.html
References: Finding the right opportunity for you by Susan J. Ellis of Energize Inc.
There are important factors to consider while looking for volunteer opportunities, so what you find is important to you and fits into your personal and professional life. The more you know about what you want to do, the more valuable you will be to the organization you join as a volunteer. So here are some valuable questions to consider before you make a commitment:
What causes or issues matter the most to you?
Do your research and find the organizations in your community whose missions are in line with your own values. Exploring the organization to find out exactly what they do will allow you to evaluate whether they are doing a credible job and deserve your support. Choosing a cause that you’re passionate about will make your volunteer experience that much more significant to you and give you the motivation to make an enthusiastic contribution to your chosen organization.
Do I want to volunteer for something that uses skills I already have, or do I want to do something completely different?
A good starting point is to consider what you can bring to the organization. If it is a specific skill, such as writing or bricklaying then you can find projects that can benefit directly from your expertise. Do you want volunteering to be an extension of your paying job or a departure from it? What skills do you want to use?
Sometimes volunteers want to do something that is completely different, an opportunity to experience new environments and this is fine too! So whether you’re contributing professional skills, additional qualifications, recreational talents and hobbies, your skills will make a positive impact. However, not all positions require specialised knowledge or skills and the majority of voluntary work simply requires good “people skills” – like being a good listener, offering supportive advice, being positive and friendly.
What would you most like to learn by volunteering?
Volunteering is a great way of using your skills but at the same time a chance to learn something new, which could even lead to a qualification or career progression. Is there something you wished you had the opportunity to learn? Volunteering throws up many original possibilities so it is worth thinking about what you want to do and what you want to get out of it.
What don’t I want to do as a volunteer?
The more content you are with what you’re doing, the better you will perform. Don’t be afraid to identify the things you want to avoid as a volunteer and this will make you happier in the projects you choose to do. You don’t have to say “yes” to everything that is offered to you, so negotiate if necessary to get the best out of volunteering.
Do I want an ongoing, short-term or one-off assignment?
Many people think that volunteering will be time-consuming and they will be tied down to an obligation, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you are unsure about your commitment then you can opt for temporary or one-off assignments. Other organizations will require a strong commitment so take time to evaluate your availability. Volunteers are invaluable to organizations and they will depend on you to maintain your scheduled promise, so be realistic about the time you have. A good idea is to start off with a limited amount of hours and then increase your availability if you feel you can give more hours or contribute for a longer period.
Who do I want to work with?
It may be worth considering the type of people you will be working with, if you will be working on your own or with others. It is important to think about these factors before you commit if you have preferences. If you are the type of person that thrives in team situations, working with different personalities, then you should avoid projects that require lengthy periods of individual activity.
Also think about the people who will be benefiting from your help. Do you want the end recipients to be a particular group, such as children or the elderly, or do you want to help a wider section of the population. Be aware that you may have to adhere to legal requirements if working for specialised organizations, for example references and criminal background checks, so be ready for them!
It is important to consider your needs before volunteering and thinking about these questions will help you find the right volunteering place. The closer you match your needs, the more satisfying and meaningful your volunteer experience will be.
Resource: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/finding-the-right-opportunity.html
References: Finding the right opportunity for you by Susan J. Ellis of Energize Inc.
Change Your Point of View
Enjoy Your Life: Change Your Point of View
"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?
In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?
Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.
Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.
The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.
Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.
They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”
Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.
People respond positively to optimists
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.
Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.
In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.
They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.
Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.
Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?
In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?
Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.
Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.
The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.
Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.
They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”
Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.
People respond positively to optimists
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.
Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.
In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.
They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.
Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.
Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
Thursday, August 9, 2007
"Ramadhan: Feed the Fasting Campaign"
For more info and contact, please visit Islamic Relief Malaysia
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The Dirty Little Secret of Time Management
There are many reasons for wanting to have more time. You might want to make more money, spend more time with your family, have more time for recreation or you just feel as though there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. You're not alone!
Most people feel this way. You may feel that learning to manage time will be like a magic wand to help you get all of the things that you want. It can be that way, but unfortunately there's a dirty little secret when it comes to effective time management. You can't manage time and no one else can either. Everyone has exactly the same amount of time, every single day. Sleeping less isn't the answer either.
If you are truly seeking time management skills then you need to understand one very important thing: time itself cannot be managed.
The good news is you can learn to manage yourself and that's what time management really means. Any time you hear the word time management, simply understand it's about you, managing yourself. Before you think of this like some sort of self-imprisonment try to view effective time management as the ultimate source of freedom. When you learn what you want and learn how to focus some of your energy on taking regular action towards achieving it, you will actually see the results in your life. You will be able to get the things that you want and this is ultimately what time management is all about.
Your interest shouldn't be about how to squeeze out every ounce of your energy for your employer. Your focus should be on how to be productive in the hours that your employer pays you for, as well as how to be productive in your own life. In this balance you can have the things that you want.
Learning how to manage yourself better, you can live a balanced life and truly have it all. Consider this: if you had one major goal defined for this year a scheduled one hour of your day to work towards that goal, every day, you would still have 23 hours for everything else. At the end of the year, you have 365 hours towards that goal!
Are you important enough to set aside one hour a day for your goal?
It's true that it's not always that easy. If you haven't practiced these basic time management skills, they are not going to feel comfortable for you at first. Over time they will.
It's important to learn a simple system that you can apply to make time management easy. Once you have that simple system, apply it every day. Even if it's only a little bit at first, each day it will get easier and easier until it becomes a good habit that yields good things for you. This is just like riding a bike. The first time you rode a bike you didn't have very good balance, you weren't able to go very fast and you were probably very nervous the entire time. The more you rode that bike, the better you got. Managing yourself (the essence of time management) is the same. Take it one step at a time and eventually you will be a time management master. You'll be amazed at all of the things that you can do.
Dave Saunders is a national speaker and published author on personal performance. Make more money, spend more time with your family and have time for yourself too. You can have it all when you learn how to master your time at http://www.the-time-management-guy.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Saunders
Most people feel this way. You may feel that learning to manage time will be like a magic wand to help you get all of the things that you want. It can be that way, but unfortunately there's a dirty little secret when it comes to effective time management. You can't manage time and no one else can either. Everyone has exactly the same amount of time, every single day. Sleeping less isn't the answer either.
If you are truly seeking time management skills then you need to understand one very important thing: time itself cannot be managed.
The good news is you can learn to manage yourself and that's what time management really means. Any time you hear the word time management, simply understand it's about you, managing yourself. Before you think of this like some sort of self-imprisonment try to view effective time management as the ultimate source of freedom. When you learn what you want and learn how to focus some of your energy on taking regular action towards achieving it, you will actually see the results in your life. You will be able to get the things that you want and this is ultimately what time management is all about.
Your interest shouldn't be about how to squeeze out every ounce of your energy for your employer. Your focus should be on how to be productive in the hours that your employer pays you for, as well as how to be productive in your own life. In this balance you can have the things that you want.
Learning how to manage yourself better, you can live a balanced life and truly have it all. Consider this: if you had one major goal defined for this year a scheduled one hour of your day to work towards that goal, every day, you would still have 23 hours for everything else. At the end of the year, you have 365 hours towards that goal!
Are you important enough to set aside one hour a day for your goal?
It's true that it's not always that easy. If you haven't practiced these basic time management skills, they are not going to feel comfortable for you at first. Over time they will.
It's important to learn a simple system that you can apply to make time management easy. Once you have that simple system, apply it every day. Even if it's only a little bit at first, each day it will get easier and easier until it becomes a good habit that yields good things for you. This is just like riding a bike. The first time you rode a bike you didn't have very good balance, you weren't able to go very fast and you were probably very nervous the entire time. The more you rode that bike, the better you got. Managing yourself (the essence of time management) is the same. Take it one step at a time and eventually you will be a time management master. You'll be amazed at all of the things that you can do.
Dave Saunders is a national speaker and published author on personal performance. Make more money, spend more time with your family and have time for yourself too. You can have it all when you learn how to master your time at http://www.the-time-management-guy.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Saunders
The Dirty Little Secret of Time Management
There are many reasons for wanting to have more time. You might want to make more money, spend more time with your family, have more time for recreation or you just feel as though there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. You're not alone!
Most people feel this way. You may feel that learning to manage time will be like a magic wand to help you get all of the things that you want. It can be that way, but unfortunately there's a dirty little secret when it comes to effective time management. You can't manage time and no one else can either. Everyone has exactly the same amount of time, every single day. Sleeping less isn't the answer either.
If you are truly seeking time management skills then you need to understand one very important thing: time itself cannot be managed.
The good news is you can learn to manage yourself and that's what time management really means. Any time you hear the word time management, simply understand it's about you, managing yourself. Before you think of this like some sort of self-imprisonment try to view effective time management as the ultimate source of freedom. When you learn what you want and learn how to focus some of your energy on taking regular action towards achieving it, you will actually see the results in your life. You will be able to get the things that you want and this is ultimately what time management is all about.
Your interest shouldn't be about how to squeeze out every ounce of your energy for your employer. Your focus should be on how to be productive in the hours that your employer pays you for, as well as how to be productive in your own life. In this balance you can have the things that you want.
Learning how to manage yourself better, you can live a balanced life and truly have it all. Consider this: if you had one major goal defined for this year a scheduled one hour of your day to work towards that goal, every day, you would still have 23 hours for everything else. At the end of the year, you have 365 hours towards that goal!
Are you important enough to set aside one hour a day for your goal?
It's true that it's not always that easy. If you haven't practiced these basic time management skills, they are not going to feel comfortable for you at first. Over time they will.
It's important to learn a simple system that you can apply to make time management easy. Once you have that simple system, apply it every day. Even if it's only a little bit at first, each day it will get easier and easier until it becomes a good habit that yields good things for you. This is just like riding a bike. The first time you rode a bike you didn't have very good balance, you weren't able to go very fast and you were probably very nervous the entire time. The more you rode that bike, the better you got. Managing yourself (the essence of time management) is the same. Take it one step at a time and eventually you will be a time management master. You'll be amazed at all of the things that you can do.
Dave Saunders is a national speaker and published author on personal performance. Make more money, spend more time with your family and have time for yourself too. You can have it all when you learn how to master your time at http://www.the-time-management-guy.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Saunders
Most people feel this way. You may feel that learning to manage time will be like a magic wand to help you get all of the things that you want. It can be that way, but unfortunately there's a dirty little secret when it comes to effective time management. You can't manage time and no one else can either. Everyone has exactly the same amount of time, every single day. Sleeping less isn't the answer either.
If you are truly seeking time management skills then you need to understand one very important thing: time itself cannot be managed.
The good news is you can learn to manage yourself and that's what time management really means. Any time you hear the word time management, simply understand it's about you, managing yourself. Before you think of this like some sort of self-imprisonment try to view effective time management as the ultimate source of freedom. When you learn what you want and learn how to focus some of your energy on taking regular action towards achieving it, you will actually see the results in your life. You will be able to get the things that you want and this is ultimately what time management is all about.
Your interest shouldn't be about how to squeeze out every ounce of your energy for your employer. Your focus should be on how to be productive in the hours that your employer pays you for, as well as how to be productive in your own life. In this balance you can have the things that you want.
Learning how to manage yourself better, you can live a balanced life and truly have it all. Consider this: if you had one major goal defined for this year a scheduled one hour of your day to work towards that goal, every day, you would still have 23 hours for everything else. At the end of the year, you have 365 hours towards that goal!
Are you important enough to set aside one hour a day for your goal?
It's true that it's not always that easy. If you haven't practiced these basic time management skills, they are not going to feel comfortable for you at first. Over time they will.
It's important to learn a simple system that you can apply to make time management easy. Once you have that simple system, apply it every day. Even if it's only a little bit at first, each day it will get easier and easier until it becomes a good habit that yields good things for you. This is just like riding a bike. The first time you rode a bike you didn't have very good balance, you weren't able to go very fast and you were probably very nervous the entire time. The more you rode that bike, the better you got. Managing yourself (the essence of time management) is the same. Take it one step at a time and eventually you will be a time management master. You'll be amazed at all of the things that you can do.
Dave Saunders is a national speaker and published author on personal performance. Make more money, spend more time with your family and have time for yourself too. You can have it all when you learn how to master your time at http://www.the-time-management-guy.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Saunders
Monday, August 6, 2007
Genuine Happiness Comes from Within
Life isn’t the sweetest candy. Sometimes, when I feel like the world is just too heavy, I look around and find people who continued to live fascinating and wonderful lives. And then thoughts come popping into my mind like bubbles from nowhere – “How did their life become so adorably sweet? How come they still can manage to laugh and play around despite a busy stressful life?” Then I pause and observed for awhile… I figured out that maybe, they start to work on a place called ‘self’.
So, how does one become genuinely happy? Step 1 is to love yourself.
My theology professor once said that “loving means accepting.” To love oneself means to accept that you are not a perfect being, but behind the imperfections must lie a great ounce of courage to be able to discover ways on how to improve your repertoire to recover from our mistakes.
Genuine happiness also pertains to contentment. When you are contented with the job you have, the way you look, with your family, your friends, the place you live in, your car, and all the things you now have – truly, you know the answer to the question “how to be genuinely happy.”
When we discover a small start somewhere from within, that small start will eventually lead to something else, and to something else. But if you keep questioning life lit it has never done you any good, you will never be able to find genuine happiness.
I believe that life is about finding out about right and wrong, trying and failing, wining and losing. These are things that happen as often as you inhale and exhale. Failure, in a person’s life has become as abundant and necessary as air. But this should not hinder us from becoming happy.
How to be genuinely happy in spite all these? I tell you… every time you exert effort to improve the quality of life and your being, whether it is cleaning up your room, helping a friend, taking care of your sick dog, fail on board exams and trying again, life gives you equivalent points for that.
Imagine life as a big score board like those which are used in the NFLs. Every time you take a step forward, you make scoring points. Wouldn’t it be nice to look at that board at the end of each game and think to yourself “Whew! I got a point today. I’m glad I gave it a shot.”, instead of looking at it all blank and murmur “Geez, I didn’t even hit a score today. I wish I had the guts to try out. We could have won!” and then walk away.
Genuine happiness isn’t about driving the hottest Formula 1 car, nor getting the employee of the year award, earning the highest 13th month pay, or beating the sales quota. Sometimes, the most sought after prizes in life doesn’t always go to the fastest, the strongest, the bravest or not even the best. So, how do you become genuinely happy? Every one has his own definition of ‘happiness’. Happiness for a writer may mean launching as much best selling books as possible. Happiness for a basketball rookie may mean getting the rookie of the year award. Happiness for a beggar may mean a lot of money. Happiness for a business man may mean success. So, really now, how do we become genuinely happy? Simple. You don’t have to have the best things in this world. Its about doing and making the best out of every single thing. When you find yourself smiling at your own mistake and telling your self “Oh, I’ll do better next time”, you carry with you a flame of strong will power to persevere that may spread out like a brush fire. You possess a willingness to stand up again and try – that will make you a genuinely happy person.
When you learn to accept yourself and your own faults. You pass step 1 in the project “how to become genuinely happy”.For as long as you know how to accept others, you will also be accepted. For as long as you love and know how to love, you will receive love ten folds back.
Again, throw me that same question “how to become genuinely happy?”. I’ll refer you to a friend of mine who strongly quoted- “Most of us know that laughter is the best medicine to life’s aches and pain. But most of us don’t know that the best kind of laughter is laughter over self. Coz then you don’t just become happy… you become free.”
So, how does one become genuinely happy? Step 1 is to love yourself.
My theology professor once said that “loving means accepting.” To love oneself means to accept that you are not a perfect being, but behind the imperfections must lie a great ounce of courage to be able to discover ways on how to improve your repertoire to recover from our mistakes.
Genuine happiness also pertains to contentment. When you are contented with the job you have, the way you look, with your family, your friends, the place you live in, your car, and all the things you now have – truly, you know the answer to the question “how to be genuinely happy.”
When we discover a small start somewhere from within, that small start will eventually lead to something else, and to something else. But if you keep questioning life lit it has never done you any good, you will never be able to find genuine happiness.
I believe that life is about finding out about right and wrong, trying and failing, wining and losing. These are things that happen as often as you inhale and exhale. Failure, in a person’s life has become as abundant and necessary as air. But this should not hinder us from becoming happy.
How to be genuinely happy in spite all these? I tell you… every time you exert effort to improve the quality of life and your being, whether it is cleaning up your room, helping a friend, taking care of your sick dog, fail on board exams and trying again, life gives you equivalent points for that.
Imagine life as a big score board like those which are used in the NFLs. Every time you take a step forward, you make scoring points. Wouldn’t it be nice to look at that board at the end of each game and think to yourself “Whew! I got a point today. I’m glad I gave it a shot.”, instead of looking at it all blank and murmur “Geez, I didn’t even hit a score today. I wish I had the guts to try out. We could have won!” and then walk away.
Genuine happiness isn’t about driving the hottest Formula 1 car, nor getting the employee of the year award, earning the highest 13th month pay, or beating the sales quota. Sometimes, the most sought after prizes in life doesn’t always go to the fastest, the strongest, the bravest or not even the best. So, how do you become genuinely happy? Every one has his own definition of ‘happiness’. Happiness for a writer may mean launching as much best selling books as possible. Happiness for a basketball rookie may mean getting the rookie of the year award. Happiness for a beggar may mean a lot of money. Happiness for a business man may mean success. So, really now, how do we become genuinely happy? Simple. You don’t have to have the best things in this world. Its about doing and making the best out of every single thing. When you find yourself smiling at your own mistake and telling your self “Oh, I’ll do better next time”, you carry with you a flame of strong will power to persevere that may spread out like a brush fire. You possess a willingness to stand up again and try – that will make you a genuinely happy person.
When you learn to accept yourself and your own faults. You pass step 1 in the project “how to become genuinely happy”.For as long as you know how to accept others, you will also be accepted. For as long as you love and know how to love, you will receive love ten folds back.
Again, throw me that same question “how to become genuinely happy?”. I’ll refer you to a friend of mine who strongly quoted- “Most of us know that laughter is the best medicine to life’s aches and pain. But most of us don’t know that the best kind of laughter is laughter over self. Coz then you don’t just become happy… you become free.”
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