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| About
Volunteerism |
Volunteerism,
in its conceptual form, includes the individual or collective efforts
of willing individuals, known as volunteers, to act in ways which
work toward the betterment of oneself, other individuals, communities,
and/or society. This definition remains subjective in its ambiguity
regarding the meaning of betterment, as well as in the sense that
the means to bettering oneself may be in direct opposition to the
means necessary to better another individual or society. |
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| What
is Volunteering? |
Volunteering
is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our
society. It is offering time, energy and skills of one's own free
will.
It is an extension of being a good neighbour, transforming a collection
of houses into a community, as people become involved in the improvement
of their surroundings and choose to help others.
By caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering
and disparity, while they gain skills, self-esteem, and change their
lives. People work to improve the lives of their neighbours and,
in return, enhance their own.
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| What
is the difference between Volunteer work and unpaid work? |
Volunteer
service is offered by choice - it is not mandated or coerced. It
contributes to the well-being of an individual or the community,
and is usually coordinated by a nonprofit or public sector organization,
and pays no salary or wages. Other forms of unpaid work include
activities such as Community Service Orders and service placements
required by schools. Although these offer support to the community,
they have been ordered by an authority.
Volunteer work is often equated with unpaid work, and people who
contribute their time and energy freely to build a better community
don't necessarily get the support systems and recognition they deserve.
The community needs to protect and nurture the volunteer ethic. |
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| Who
Volunteer? |
Volunteers
come from all walks of life, representing all ages and demographics.
They volunteer for many different reasons and offer vastly different
types of skills and services.
They include accountants who sit on boards, someone who is visually
impaired may work by phone, another person who is developmentally
challenged may tend gardens, and a new Pakistani may program computers.
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| What
is the importance of volunteer activity in Pakistan? |
Pakistan
had a strong tradition of volunteering, as evidenced by its large
voluntary part in October 2005 Earthquake.
Pakistan considers volunteerism to be one of the important tools
for addressing the problem of exclusion. It provides a vehicle for
empowering excluded population groups to gain access to opportunities.
Pakistan believes Volunteerism as a valuable asset, which needed
to be strategically factored into development policies and programmes.
Local voluntary involvement is always a valuable and indispensable
contribution to the improvement of social conditions, promotion
of economic development and empowerment of people to take charge.
It reinforces a sense of collective responsibility and brings about
a tangible difference to the lives of many |
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| What
Islam says about volunteerism? |
In
Islam there is a strong ethic of volunteerism. This does not simply
extend to running study circles or fundraising for the masjid. As
Muslims, we see our role as world citizens. The idea of working
for a better society or community shouldn't be limited to the Muslim
community but should extend to the broader non-Muslim community
as well. Because we live in that community too, whatever weaknesses
are present affect us also.
Dawah, the idea of inviting others to Islam, takes on myriad forms.
The obvious one is educating people specifically about Islam and
the principles enshrined therein. But the less obvious form is through
doing good works and setting an example. This is where volunteerism
plays a role.
As a community, Muslims need to cultivate a culture of volunteerism.
There is a persistent notion that volunteers are essentially free
labour. Their efforts are not appreciated and, indeed, are often
criticized. We need to shift our perception and see that it is because
of volunteers that so many of the services we need are available.
Entire mosques have been built through the efforts of volunteers,
conferences are run by volunteers, Eid prayers are organized by
volunteers, and schools are run, in large part, by volunteers, Muslim
newspapers and magazines are written for and published by volunteers,
and so on. |
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| Advantages
of taking part in Muslim Aid activities |
We
may certify your participation as practical training.
You are able to help and to solve urgent problems in the region
of Pakistan. In the social field, we care especially for Health,
microfinance, watsan, emergency relief, education, orphan care and
skill development. Young people who plan to work in a social profession
can find valuable experience here.
You will meet other young people and take part in real team work,
which leaves lasting impressions. That is why many volunteers like
to come again.
Last but not least you are given the chance to experience different
regions, people, and traditions.
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Join
Muslim Aid as Volunteer |
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