10 Minute Essay (4/8)

Why Volunteer?

As my presentation indicated, there are a many reasons to be an international volunteer, even in the short term. Shot term volunteerism allows an individual to experience a different culture and begin to work for change. Although it is tempting to say that the short term volunteer makes no difference within the community, it is vital to remember the story of the stone. If one person lays a stone on the ground, it is just a stone. However, if the next person puts another stone with it, and the next person after that follows the same patter, the pile grows. Soon, the creation is monumental, although each person only contributed one small rock to the effort. When viewed in this context, short term volunteerism makes more sense. Perhaps one volunteer cannot change the world, but it only takes one person to begin an effort that others may continue.

The second, but equally important aspect of short term volunteerism is that it allows the individual to participate in another culture for a brief time. Again, it is tempting to say that such a short visit could have no impact on the individual’s life. However, if the volunteer keeps an open mind and flexible perceptions, that person can be greatly changed by just a short period living amid another culture.

As a past volunteer and panel member, I would encourage people to try international volunteerism. This experience is certainly not for everyone, and definitely not for the inflexible or those just looking for a low-cost vacation. However, volunteerism, even for the two Spring break experiences that I was able to have, greatly changed the way I view both my society and the world around me. I think that if more people traveled abroad, not to rich and touristy areas that are so like a transplanted America, but into the improvised regions of nations, the country’s world view would change. It is true that relationships between people and especially nations are complex and difficult for any individual to shift. However, I think many people would benefit from an international volunteerism experience if only to build world solidarity and critical thinking about the problems of the global community in the minds a few more individuals.