For the past two years, my involvement in the annual Ramadan fundraiser with Islamic Relief has not only been a volunteer experience but also a profound reflection on volunteering experience. This organization dedicates its efforts to support the marginalized and vulnerable, giving them a voice and addressing the root causes of poverty among other critical issues. Throughout this period, I’ve engaged in numerous activities aiming to raise funds that are vital for the organization to reach its objectives. Throughout my volunteering experience, I’ve assisted to set up stalls with those who had no one to help them, participated in non-profitable auctions to raise donations, and played a part in a fashion show to entertain the audience at the fundraiser. In addition to this, I had also dedicated my free time to hand out brochures with information to raise awareness of the organization and help needed for issues around the world. Furthermore, I contributed to creating food rations for those underprivileged.
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'A Reflection on My Volunteering Experience'
During my volunteer experience I was able to lend a hand to the organization by joining my mum every year she planned to attend an Islamic Relief event. My engagement has been optional, as I’ve voluntarily invested my time during busy school terms, or holidays to take part in the organization.
Having the opportunity to volunteer has been an extremely rewarding experience. As I’ve exposed myself to an environment dependent on communication and listening, I’ve strengthened these skills and developed additional personal and professional skills. These include decision making when in a situation of pressure, problem-solving when deciding on where materials are situated (when building the stalls) and leadership when a member of the organization delegates a task for me to complete (preparing snacks for the food rations). I’ve broadened my knowledge as well as develop greater empathy towards others, through interacting with those in poverty and staff helping to make changes. I’ve learnt how to give back to the general community through hearing life experiences that the members have had. By getting involved with Islamic Relief, I’ve developed valuable knowledge and experience that’ll assist me through school, university and my everyday life.
As I’ve met many different individuals along the way of my volunteering experience, I’ve formed valuable friendships with those who say I’ve made them feel accepted, and welcomed due to the way I had presented myself and treated them. Overall this has encouraged me to do more good as knowing I can have an effect on someone’s life in a positive way, is rewarding and wholeheartedly inspiring.
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To conclude the essay, I’ve truly cherished sharing the experience with others, and aim to continue volunteering all through my life.
Works Cited
- Islamic Relief USA. (n.d.). Our Work. https://irusa.org/our-work/
- Islamic Relief USA. (n.d.). Ramadan. https://irusa.org/ramadan/
- Islam, N., & Noor, S. S. M. (2019). The Relationship between Volunteerism and Life Satisfaction among University Students. The Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 4(2), 26-37.
- Kassam, S. (2017, June 3). Ramadan: A time for giving, charity and empathy. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/03/ramadan-a-time-for-giving-charity-and-empathy
- Muhammad, S. S., & Abdullah, S. (2017). Impact of volunteering on students' self-efficacy and civic engagement: Evidence from Pakistan. Journal of Social Service Research, 43(1), 77-89.
- National Council of Nonprofits. (n.d.). The Value of Volunteer Time.
- Penner, L. A., Dovidio, J. F., Piliavin, J. A., & Schroeder, D. A. (2005). Prosocial behavior: Multilevel perspectives. Annual review of psychology, 56(1), 365-392.
- Schneider, R. H., Sledge, W., & Beard, J. R. (2017). Volunteer work and well-being. Journal of Religion and Health, 56(2), 457-467.
- Snyder, M., & Omoto, A. M. (2008). Volunteerism: Social issues perspectives and social policy implications. Social Issues and Policy Review, 2(1), 1-36.
- VolunteerMatch. (n.d.). What is Volunteering?
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