What 12 Years of Volunteer Work has Taught Me

In a world, where it is easy to feel like you are on your own, it is important to remember the meaning of community. Our society values the contributions that we, as individuals, can make. We are individuals, but we are also a part of a common humanity. Something that tends to be forgotten, when one simply minds one's own business.

I have been doing volunteer work for more than 12 years. It is hard to explain exactly what it has given me. I have learned so much and grown in the process. Volunteer work has, in my perspective, always been a win-win situation. Especially, because it has made me able to contribute to society and at the same time expand my own horizon.

It is bigger than me

One of the greatest things about doing volunteer work is how rewarding it is to contribute to an outside world so much bigger than myself. I am a small dot in the universe and even though I can do a lot I cannot in any circumstances do it all. Throughout my volunteering I have learned how all people are different and these differences can work together and create something beautiful. It could be a space to talk about the hardships and joys in life or a fundraiser for people in different life circumstances than oneself.

All small dots in the universe can do something and together we can create amazing things. But in reality it is not only about what we create. It is also about the connections we have to each other. Both through those that we directly support, but also with those supporting our projects. In Denmark it is very clear how many people that want to support others. We have a strong civil society and organisations covering almost every need. That does not mean that we do not have problems. On the contrary. In my perspective, it is a healthy sign to have people ready to help, when others are struggling. 

I have through my volunteer work found strength and faith in communities. Perhaps we are small dots, but together we make up a starlit sky. Stars that are shining, if we learn how to turn on the light.

Last, but not least, I have learned that I am never alone. There will always be at least one person out there fighting for the same things that I am fighting for. It is truly amazing, when we shine together.

Helping is good

If we want everyone to shine it requires both ourselves and everyone else having their inner lights turned on. The work that has been the uttermost rewarding for me has been the kind where I’ve been sitting directly across from another person and supported them. These were the functions I had in Ventilen and The Danish Refugee Council. Human togetherness. Practicing seeing them as who they are and what it means to be them. I think that is an incredibly beautiful thing. When you meet many times and build confidence, you feel how that inner light starts to shine and how that person starts to blossom.

It has made my life richer to be able to help others. At the same time it is a task that I carry with humility. This type of volunteer work has not been the type that has taken up the most space in my volunteer experience. There are different reasons for that. However, my wish is that this type of work will follow me further down the path of my life. Whether it is professionally or on a volunteer basis.

Everyone is needed

I will be the first (or last) to admit that I have struggled to find my place in the world. What am I doing here? Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life?

I cannot with 100 % certainty say that I have found that place, but I am probably closer than I have been before. When I think back to what I have contributed to the world, I feel that I have done my part to impact the world in the direction I want it to go. It does not mean that I am done. Far from. I won’t stop until the day I take my last breath.

Because there is so much to do. That applies to volunteer work and paid work. I believe that there is a reason we are here. There is a reason we are all different. It is our responsibility to learn how to use those differences in ways that benefit our present and future. But none of us are superficial. We are like a big puzzle - only, no one is telling us how to assemble the puzzle. We have to figure that out ourselves. And we will figure it out.

Even the small things count

Volunteer work can be a lot of things. To me it is everything that creates value and is unpaid (except housework and child care, which does create value and is unpaid, but does not quite fit the understanding of volunteer work). A lot of us do volunteer work to some extent every day without being aware of it. Sometimes it just requires doing one small thing. It could be lending the neighbour your bicycle. Other times it requires big things. For instance arranging big events to put focus on an issue.

No matter what the small things still count. I believe that change happens when we become conscious of the value that each of us create for each other and society. That is how we become aware of ways to create more of that same value.

PS It is in no way my intention with this post to make myself appear better than others or as some kind of saviour of people. Because I am not. In my volunteer work we created spaces for support. Everyone can provide support for others, but it does require being extra good to oneself, if it is something that is done often.

If you are interested in making a difference for others and the world, you are welcome to check out my other blog, where that is a recurring theme.

Thank you for reading - I wish you a pleasant day!