Volunteers
Webmasters April 20, 2021 5 Comments

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL VOLUNTEERS

TEN BASIC EXPECTATIONS THAT ALL VOLUNTEERS HAVE WHEN THEY GIVE THEIR TIME TO AN ORGANISATION, AND THAT THE ORGANISATION SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET

 

                                                                      EXPECTATIONS

  1. Volunteers should not be expected to undertake tasks that they are uncomfortable with, or are physically incapable of performing to an adequate standard.
  2. Volunteers should be given tasks that match their personal goals, skills, and motivation as far as is possible within the organization.
  3. They should be recruited only where all staff agrees to the arrangement and welcome.
  4. volunteers – paid staff need to have a clear understanding of the role of the volunteer.
  5. Volunteers should never be used to perform tasks that are or have previously been done by paid workers.
  6. They should not be charged anything to give their time, except for traveling and accommodation expenses, and in cases where the project requires a once-off volunteering fee.
  7. Volunteer organizations should be committed to operating an equal opportunities policy, and work within it about their volunteers.
  8. Volunteers should understand the lines of supervision by the staff at the organization. Formal supervision should exist and this should provide volunteers with the opportunity to develop their skills.
  9. Volunteers who are not accepted when applying to an organization have a right to know the reasons why.
  10. They should receive other support and training if necessary.
  11. Volunteers should rely on organizations for ensuring that all health and safety procedures are in place at the project.

Expectations of an organization from volunteers

  1. They should rely on organizations for ensuring that all health and safety procedures are in place at the project.
  2. Volunteers should be reliable, and if they commit to performing certain tasks at certain times, they should be expected to meet this commitment. Volunteers need time off work just like paid employees, but it’s fair to expect them to give some notice if the time off doesn’t fall over an agreed-upon rest period, like a weekend.
  3. They must always work within the aims, objectives, and ethos of the organization.
  4. Volunteers encountering problems with their tasks or the organization should be honest about it with the staff.
  5. Volunteers must respect confidentiality at the organization at all times.
  6. Right person, right role – a volunteer interview is an ideal opportunity for both sides to find out about each other. Both the volunteer and the organization need to know that they can work happily together. Be honest and upfront with your expectations.

 

RIGHTS

  1. Volunteers should be given role descriptions and written outlines of tasks they may be expected to perform. The more clarity there is about expectations before a commitment is made, the better for all parties.
  2. You’re allowed to say “No”. Both volunteers and organizations have the right to state if they don’t think the relationship will work out. However, it’s right for parties to expect explanations for such a decision.
  3. Good preparation is essential to help new volunteers settle into their roles. There might be a lot to take in at the beginning (especially if there is an added element of culture shock!). A new volunteer at a project should have access to all the information and support they need.
  4. A trial period for new volunteers is a good idea for both organization and volunteers. As it allows an opportunity to review any problems, and to decide if the arrangement won’t work out. If a trial period is going to be used, this must be made clear from the outset, and feedback should be given if everything goes well. Trial periods should be applied to ALL new volunteers.

In conclusion, Volunteers need ongoing support and supervision to ensure that they are happy with their role. Developing their skills, and achieving their full potential within the organization. Appropriate support ensures that volunteers remain motivated to continue with their voluntary role and helps them to feel valued.

 

 

 

 

Volunteering in Uganda
Webmasters February 15, 2021 4 Comments

THE MOTIVE TO VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering either through individual or group action is away in which: human values of community,
caring and serving can be sustained and strengthened it is a fundamental building block of civil society. It
brings to life the noble aspirations of human kind, the pursuit of peace, freedom, opportunity, safety.
For every reason a person volunteers, there is a need associated and to effectively convey gratitude, it is
necessary to determine what everyone’s distinct need is. Everyone has a button that can be pushed and the
issue is intriguing each potential volunteer so they will become ebullient in a distinct way. These
necessities include, an agency that has a stimulating mission has a good reputation, is effective at what it
does, is financially secure, and makes them feel needed and valuable. A program that successfully attracts
and retains volunteers reduces the number of people entering and exiting through a revolving door, saves
volunteer leaders from the incessant undertaking of filling roles, and offers gratifying and enduring
volunteer experiences.Volunteering in Uganda

There are several factors relating to peoples’ motives for volunteering, which included the following:

a) Serves as a groundwork for employment
b) Presents a reward for displeasing employment
c) Offers opportunities to meet people and build relationships
d) Provides opportunity for personal growth, development, and recognition
Maxwell (1993) addressed factors associated with the motivation of volunteers. When people are
involved in creating something, they will support it because they have an investment in the issue, which
can be referred to as goal participation. Displeased volunteers are eager or inspired to make an immediate
change; also known as positive dissatisfaction.

“Potential board members, volunteers, and staff who feel their skills and passion will be put to good use
will be inclined to contribute their efforts to a successful non-profit, advancing their active participation in
the community while benefiting your non-profit and its mission” (LaPiana & Hayes, 2005, p. 42). These
authors also discussed that some competitive challenges distinctive to these organizations include the
following: community involvement, mission, and public perception. It is essential to keep these elements
in mind regarding attracting, motivating, and retaining volunteers.

Significant contributions, goal participation, positive dissatisfaction, recognition, and clear expectations
also motivate people to engage in volunteer work. People may be interested in volunteering based on
altruistic or instrumental motives. Furthermore, some people are inspired to engage in volunteer roles
because of ethical motives such as a desire to help others, religious beliefs, believe it is a social duty, or
help themselves feel better. Others with influential reasons may want to prepare for employment
opportunities, better use free time, interact with others, gain experience in a field, or help with displeasing
employment issues. They also explained that when volunteers work in an encouraging environment,
recognize efforts, and work to maintain positive relationships, they are more likely to remain engaged.

Other reasons that motivate people to engage in volunteer capacities include significant contributions,
goal participation, positive dissatisfaction, recognition, and clear expectations.

When it is appropriate for volunteers to assist in recruiting other volunteers, Retention can be positively impacted. Furthermore,
when volunteers represent an organization, this indicates trust, a confident organizational culture, and
assurance that the agency offers a worthwhile experience for the volunteers. Fisher and Cole (1993)
explained that psychological needs can impact a person’ interest and decision to volunteer. An
environment can influence the choice to continue volunteering. Hager and Brudney (2004) explained that
age can be a factor in volunteer engagement and commitment. They continued to discuss that people
under age 24 are known to have lower retention rates and are less likely to sustain relationships compared
to older volunteers. Due to the substantial preparation and consideration associated with a person’s
decision to volunteer suggests that individual needs are essential foundations of volunteer motivation
(Dwyer, et al., 2013).

This involves determining where people fit, how their abilities can be put to proper use, and then provides
them with the tools needed to adequately perform their roles. Volunteers are more likely to remain
engaged when they have the resources needed to successfully perform their position, have a clear
understanding of expectations, are interviewed, and reasonably placed in their appointment.
In conclusion People engage in volunteer capacities because they care; therefore, it is essential to provide
them with opportunities to contribute as much as they can.

volunteer-in-africa
Webmasters October 18, 2018 No Comments

WHY YOU SHOULD VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA.

Why you should volunteer in Africa

Most people think that in Africa, poverty and diseases are widespread. But the media tends to exaggerate stories and this scares away potential volunteers from coming to Africa. The Media and journalists often focus on reporting the problems in Africa. But they don’t report the positive things in Africa.

If every person judged a location based upon the news, they would probably never travel. The truth is very little media coverage is given to positive stories. Leaving the general public to know less about the realities of a given region. However, it is very important to get the right information concerning any region that one wishes to volunteer in.

There are many reasons why one should not be afraid to volunteer in Africa. And if you have a plan to volunteer in Africa, just start planning your trip today.

The African continent is facing an economic boom that is lowering the rate of poverty. The increasing GDP is contributing to huge strides in education and healthcare. The continent has already seen its per capita income double since the year 2000. And the life expectancy has increased by one year every three years in the last decades. The HIV/AIDS infection rates and malaria deaths are down to 23% and 27% respectively.

The world can help to improve Africa in two ways; either by buying the African products and other is volunteering in Africa and spreading diverse skills. The volunteering programs in Africa are a two-for-one deal; volunteers get to directly support local communities while also helping the overall economy.

The African continent is full of friendly people. And volunteering in Africa will enable you to meet with genuine smiles, diverse cultures, hospitable beings, and a multiplicity of languages.

It is a myth that everywhere in Africa is dangerous and violent and this is one of the top misconceptions about volunteering in Africa. The media plays a big role in spreading this idea. Because often most volunteers are only exposed to Africa through news, social media, and printed materials.

Journalists tend to focus on the top problems and bad news rather than on the positivity. The truth is that violent crimes against Travelers and volunteers in Africa are rare. And cities like Kampala are rated as having the lowest crime rates than more popular tourist cities like Rio de Jeneiro in Brazil.

This is one of the reasons Uganda is an ideal location for volunteering and travel. Especially well known for volunteer opportunities working with children and the underprivileged.

Africa is a big continent and the second largest on earth. And it is as big as China, India, the United States and some parts of Europe put together; it is ideally too big to generalize, so when you do read about dangers or epidemics in Africa; it is important to check out where it is occurring on the map.

For instance, the Ebola outbreak and other epidemics are so rare in East Africa. Yet the distance from Uganda to Botswana in the South of Africa is further than the distance from California to New York.

Lots of people think that the only way to travel through Africa is on a budget-breaking flight and an Uber-Luxurious safari. This could not be more wrong! Flight costs to and from Africa greatly vary and there are several countries that you can explore on your own instead of participating in a guided tour. Many people find that the best way to experience the culture and people of this beautiful continent is to stay, travel and eat locally. The good news is that this is also very affordable.

Africa is one of the most extraordinary and diverse continents in the world! It is an enormous continent and diverse place that is full of wonder. And a volunteer program in Africa is sure to be filled with captivating cultures, dramatic scenery, and astonishing wildlife. Africa is made up of 54 countries and offers every kind of landscape a volunteer could desire. Hot deserts like the Kalahari and Sahara Deserts, Savannah grassland, Majestic Rivers, lakes and waterfalls, incredible coastlines, and mountains, among others.

Therefore, the reason why you have to volunteer in Africa is that most parts of Africa for decades have been at peace. Filled with friendly people, affordable, inspiring, and diverse continent. Choosing to volunteer in Africa will make your stay more amazing and unique. Because each day is a learning opportunity and as well a chance to share skills with the locals.