The pro bono work in favor of the community branches into numerous categories: there is volunteering in prisons, there are supportive souls who promote support programs for children with chronic illnesses, people who provide assistance in nursing homes, etc.
Volunteering is a path chosen by thousands of individuals of different ages and nationalities to, basically, provide assistance and learn. It is an activity that is born from social commitment , has a solidarity purpose and is deployed in a huge variety of areas.
These types of acts are not lucrative, they are usually done ad honorem and are part of projects linked to education , health , housing , human containment , wildlife conservation and the well-being of people and animals. The members of Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross , to cite two specific references, are living testimony of will, dedication and sacrifice to help individuals in vulnerable conditions.
Types of volunteering
Those who wish to undertake the challenge of investing time in causes of community interest can, according to their possibilities and preferences, join multiple types of volunteering .
They can collaborate at a local level, join volunteer programs abroad with the aim of adding experience on an international scale or work remotely through the virtual volunteering modality.
Depending on your preparation and strength, it is possible, in this framework, to apply for volunteer calls for emergency services . Spaces abound to offer help in a selfless manner, which is why opportunities always appear according to the profile of each one of those who want to collaborate, whether with their neighbors or with the planet as a whole.
Although when carrying out social work you do not always have to join the ranks of an entity or group, you must not lose sight of the fact that volunteering in non-profit organizations is very common and is consolidated worldwide by bridges. , the support and security that arise between those who help and the beneficiaries of said help.
Given the emotional deprivation, economic deprivation and academic or work limitations suffered by millions of babies, children, young people and older people, community activities in favor of inclusion and social progress continue to grow. Thus, kind-hearted souls who know how to read and write do not hesitate to put their knowledge at the disposal of adult literacy initiatives or to carry out volunteer work in libraries .
Provide assistance in soup kitchens, promote and safeguard nutrition support programs , demand from the authorities of each nation solid policies and measures associated with the fight against hunger and contribute financially to one or more NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) that seek the Well-being and the advancement of society are necessary actions to collectively build a better world.
There are many people who collaborate in shelters, sanctuaries and animal shelters to assist, care for and protect the animals that live in these types of places.
Voluntary work in favor of nature and animals
Although many resources, effort and time are allocated to solving or minimizing problems that affect the present and future of human beings, voluntary work in favor of nature and members of the animal kingdom in particular is enormous, valuable and fundamental. .
All creatures on Earth need and deserve to live in a pleasant, healthy and safe place. Therefore, those who frequent animal shelters are excited to collaborate with the care of the animals that are in the shelters being rehabilitated or, in the case of dogs or cats, waiting to be adopted to have the possibility of growing up surrounded by love. As work related to pets that are lost or in search of a home is more common, support in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals of different species that are victims of exploitation, trafficking and other atrocities is extremely necessary.
Also, fortunately, the number of animal activists working to protect wildlife is growing; organizes and/or disseminates awareness campaigns about the importance of respecting mammals, reptiles, etc.; and that, ultimately, manifests and acts in pursuit of the promotion of animal rights .
Simultaneously, it is vital to join efforts aimed at improving the environment and freeing it from the highest possible percentage of pollution. Participating and getting involved with tree planting programs , garbage collection and community cleanup days, and clean water projects translates into a positive change in both air quality and the state of rivers and oceans, for example.
Those who get involved with causes linked to children choose, for example, to volunteer in the protection of children's rights and provide help in hospitals, focusing on the area of pediatrics.
Volunteering in difficult contexts
Those who volunteer in difficult contexts require a combination of knowledge linked to psychology, optimal control of their own and other people's emotions, ability to resolve conflicts or emergency situations, and emotional strength.
Although this formula is also essential when offering assistance in orphanages and when getting involved in the development of mental health support programs , when volunteering in addiction recovery centers or when carrying out volunteer work in shelters for victims of violence Domestic education is not enough to have good will ; academic tools and both psychological and spiritual preparation are required.
It is not easy to volunteer in crisis centers or to be in the shoes of the tireless men and women who, despite adversity, do not give up and remain steadfast doing volunteer work in conflict zones . For this reason, it is an act of justice to recognize, respect and value them: them and each one of those who, in some corner of the planet, proudly raise the flag of volunteering .