Volunteering
Volunteering
Volunteering (/vɒlənˈtɪərɪŋ/) is a selfless activity where individuals or groups provide services for no financial gain. Volunteering is renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment or for a variety of other reasons.
Etymology
The term "volunteer" comes from the Latin word voluntarius, which means "willing" or "of one's free will". The concept of volunteering has existed in various forms throughout history, but the specific term "volunteer" came into use in the 18th century and has been used to describe those who voluntarily offer themselves for a service or undertaking.
Types of Volunteering
There are several types of volunteering, including:
- Formal Volunteering: This involves a commitment to a set number of hours a week for a specific period, usually working within an organization or on a specific project.
- Informal Volunteering: This is less structured and could involve helping out friends or neighbors on an ad hoc basis.
- Social Action: This involves campaigning or fundraising for a specific cause or community issue.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering offers numerous benefits for both the individual and the community. These include:
- Skill Development: Volunteering allows individuals to develop new skills and gain valuable experience and insights that can be applied to their personal and professional lives.
- Socialization: Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people and build relationships, which can lead to increased socialization and a sense of community.
- Personal Satisfaction: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction, knowing that one's efforts are contributing to the betterment of the community.
Related Terms
- Altruism: The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Philanthropy: The desire to promote the welfare of others, typically through the donation of money, property, or work to needy persons.
- Community Service: A non-paying job performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of their community or its institutions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Volunteering
- Wikipedia's article - Volunteering
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski