Building a Culture of Service

A Gentle Invitation

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14.3 per cent contributing through informal means. The need for regular and structured volunteer support is a challenge not just locally, but worldwide. Sometimes, that means helping someone fill out an overwhelming application form. Sometimes it means reading to a child whose parent is working two jobs. Sometimes, it just means showing up and listening.

What I've come to appreciate is that you don't need a background in social work or counselling to make a meaningful contribution. Many charities urgently need volunteers, not only to work directly with beneficiaries, but also to help behind the scenes, with finance, administration, operations and corporate secretarial work. These functions are just as vital.

When volunteers step in to support these areas, it frees up trained counsellors and social workers to spend more time with those in need, rather than getting pulled into paperwork and logistics. In other words, by helping to carry the internal load, you create the space for others to do the deep, specialised work that changes lives.