What is volunteering?

Volunteering is defined as any activity done out of freewill, without financial motivation, and for the benefit of others. Volunteering forms part of the tripod of development that includes the private sector and government. Volunteering therefore plays a pivotal role in the development process of any country.

Volunteering underpins all of United Way Ghana’s activities and strategies. Local voluntary involvement is an indispensable part of our community partnership response to address the needs of the less privileged. UWG has in place a volunteer board that supervises volunteer program of activities throughout the year. Interestingly, both the Volunteer and Events Coordinators are volunteers

UWG engages corporate leaders, community activists, and concerned individuals through volunteer opportunities. We believe that a volunteer encounter provides a simple way to introduce a concept that develops into a deeper individual commitment to participating in a community’s efforts to meet the needs of its vulnerable and less privileged. With a solid strategy, good management, and thoughtful volunteer cultivation UWG harnesses the impact that countless numbers of ordinary citizens can make on the development of their own communities when they are mobilized and properly supported.

Although there are several formal and informal organizations doing meaningful volunteer work in Ghana, volunteering remains a barely recognized aspect of community caring. Ghanaians are extremely generous in their support of their extended family and they are charitable in their dealings with the indigent of their communities, but volunteering their time is yet to become a recognized part of community citizenship.

UWG offers a carefully designed and structured program to facilitate volunteer work throughout the year. Through volunteer engagement we provide opportunities for businesses and corporate institutions seeking to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities effectively. It also provides an avenue for people to offer their time and skills to address felt community needs at their convenience.

Benefits of Volunteering

You can have brains in your head, feet in your shoes, and a diploma in hand, but volunteering offers wonderful opportunities for professional development and personal growth. If you are looking for ways to enhance your career, or ways to attract volunteers, consider the following benefits:

Volunteering offers incredible networking opportunities.

Volunteering helps you retain and sharpen old skills.

Volunteering offers unlimited opportunities to cultivate new skills that can enhance your resume.

Volunteering offers opportunities to practice skills in a relatively risk free environment.

Volunteering can help you expand your horizons and explore new career options

Volunteering gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are doing good and being involved in your community.

Volunteering gives you visibility.

Volunteering creates leaders.

 Dr. Seuss once said, “Life is a wonderful journey and you never know where it will take you. Volunteering can help you be more than a passive traveler. You can make a plan and actively build skills to enhance your professional lives. No fees and no tuition. A commitment of time and energy and you are on your way” Volunteering needs a commitment of time and energy and you are on your way to enjoy