Today, I had the honor of being interviewed on the radio to talk about how being a graduate of the University of the West Indies has helped shape my life. The University is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a series of events on the campuses spread out over the Caribbean and among its alums through the various alumni associations within and outside of the region. One of the things the host asked me about was what was the driving force behind my heavy involvement in volunteerism.
Currently, I am president of a Rotary Club here in the USA, a vice-president of the Florida Chapter of the University of the West Indies Alumni Association, vice-president of the Jamaican Diaspora en France (a group of Jamaican diasporans in France), and am working with a group of my high school alums to reestablish a Florida chapter of the Morant Bay High School Alumni Association. I am actively working on a school renovation project in Jamaica through my Rotary club and sponsoring a student at the Lister Mair/Gilby School for the Deaf in Jamaica through the diaspora group in France. In addition, I participate in an international program where I mentor new university graduates, one-on-one, who are entering the world of work, and I financially support a feeding program for indigents and other people in need in the community I am from in Jamaica. Sometimes I wonder where I find the time and the energy, but I keep going. And this is all between the time I spend on my business, teaching university, focusing on my family, and fishing with friends in the Florida Keys.
So, why do I volunteer? To me, volunteerism, the act of offering one's time, skills, and resources for the betterment of others, plays a critical role in human, social, and national development. It is an essential aspect of community involvement and a valuable way to contribute to society. Here are some of the strategic reasons why I embrace it:
Personal Development: In my early days of volunteering, I found it gave me a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and personal growth. Why? It allowed me to gain new skills, meet new people, and learn from different experiences. Through volunteering, I honed my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. This, in turn, has helped boost my self-confidence and self-esteem, which continues to impact my personal and professional life positively.
Social Development: Volunteerism strengthens the bonds of communities by fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. It creates opportunities for us to work together towards a common goal, which helps to build trust, empathy, and understanding. Volunteerism also promotes social inclusion by bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses, breaking down barriers, and promoting diversity.
National Development: Volunteerism is crucial for the development of any nation. It can help to address social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Volunteers can support the government and non-governmental organizations in implementing projects, programs, and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people. Volunteerism can also contribute to economic development by providing a skilled workforce, creating job opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, a critical element of volunteerism, for me, is “giving back!” I have benefited so much from the volunteerism of people in my life. Many of the benefits came throughout my time at the University of the West Indies and have been pivotal in establishing my background. I recommend that you consider volunteering as a way to make a positive impact on society and to help build a better future for all.
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