Volunteering Amongst Economic Collapse: Some Troubling Observations

The news, whether it be broadcast or print media have focused so much on the failing of banks, the auto industry, and the general distress of the stock market, that one simple fact has escaped their notice. While nearly 9% of the population are unemployed and looking for work, there is a population actively searching for any type of work, most notably volunteerism. Ironically this is one of President Obama’s pledges to America—that volunteering is one of the greatest things an American citizen can do for his/her country. With that in mind, why is it so hard to find a volunteer position that caters to those people who continue to look for work…say programs requiring 3 months of service?

Volunteerism is great but you can’t make a living off it; it has to be one component of a person’s life, a companion to everything else in order to really matter.

I’ve been searching for a volunteer position for nearly 6 months. I have a BA in Social Work and a MS in Journalism plus a resume that should count for something. Instead I am brushed aside. The most notable case involved a veterans’ care center in central Connecticut. I had contacted them, sent them my resume and was greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm. Of course that was back in January and despite numerous attempts to reach the organization, my efforts have failed. And for those of you unfamiliar with the current situation with returning soldiers, the need for volunteers is only growing. One notion here that was handed down to me was that these types of clinics prefer ex-veterans, regardless of qualifications. of course that is their perogative and I impose no judgment on them.

I have a very logical theory as to why my situation is really anything but unique. It’s not meant as an indictment on non-profit organizations, but it should serve as a wakeup call.

With so many individuals out of work some non-profits may feel as if they are being used as a stepping stone, a way for people to bolster their resumes as they search for full-time work. Another theory is that some agencies are afraid that by bringing someone on as a volunteer may result in the expectation that it should turn into a permanent job. Unfortunately in both these scenarios it is the people in need that suffer. Individual care should always take priority.

Another thing I’ve noticed while searching the internet for potential volunteer opportunities is that they often stipulate that any volunteer must commit to at least 1 year of service. In another economy I would whole-heartedly endorse this idea: it is a way to make sure volunteers are committed and sincere in regards to their desire to make a meaningful contribution to that particular organization. However, as I pointed out earlier in this piece, the very notion of volunteering has changed. In the wake of losing one’s job a person may seek contentment in helping others and in the process feeling less helpless and isolated. But these men and women are still looking for work so non-profits would benefit by being more flexible in their requirements for bringing on volunteers.

In addition to being a constructive critique of the volunteer system, this article should present another, very distinct message, perhaps lost in my discussion. By limiting the types of people who can volunteer, say as a Big Brother or Sister, non-profits may be doing a disservice to both parties involved.

Social Work and all forms of social service are based on the notion that the community and welfare of others is paramount to all else.

It’s time for all community organizations to recognize that times have changed and to accept their responsibilities as stewards of the greater good. If they act fast enough, perhaps fewer children will be left alone, elderly men and women will be more properly cared for, and society can begin to really re-balance itself. I know I would be very grateful to be part of it and others would too.