Start Volunteering Today!

We are 5 days into December already!! This month will end before we fully realise it is with us. A lot is happening for me today. First, I’m celebrating a full year since I set up this blog. This baby is an year old (Literally screams!!) I was at my father’s workplace on the fateful day of conception and I used the computer there to set up my site.

 

As I always say, Kay is to thank for pushing me to open this blog. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have managed to have my 60+ articles published here. It has been a journey of learning and growing. I thank Allah for giving me the strength to keep writing (sometimes procrastination wants to take over me) and not giving up back when I was only getting a like or two on my posts.

 

Another thing going down today is my period is here! I started keeping a calendar last month, I was advised to keep track of my cycle. Honestly though, I like the surprise aspect of it, my menstruation just catching me off guard (please don’t follow this, it might not work for you). I’m praying hard not to get Dysmenorrhea this time although I already feel the signs..

 

I’m really grateful for everyone who takes their time to read and like my pieces, my followers, comment-ers and my sponsors (bundles-wise, credit, motivation and Wi-Fi). Let’s keep doing this!

 

Today marks the International Volunteer’s Day. The National Volunteer Week ends today. Volunteers Act First Here. Everywhere.

 

We should make each day a good deeds day where we only do good. This will go along way in supporting our volunteers as they work selflessly to better our environment. It is a good day, so do good.

 

Yesterday, I attended a symposium where we discussed the challenges young people might face while volunteering. It was centred mainly on Sexual Harassment.

 

As you might have seen or heard in recent months, the youth amongst them celebrities have admitted to have been sexually harassed by their prospective employers. The case is no different for the volunteer.

 

While offering your services or skills to a certain organisation, you might be approached by the boss or one of the senior persons. What do you do? Do you say No to avoid losing the chance? Or do you say Yes then later on claim you were used?

 

Consent is key when it comes to this situation. If you are one to play by the book though, you will know that it is ‘forbidden’ to date the boss. Communicate your stand on the matter.

 

More often than not, once the volunteering work is over, your so called lover will drop you like its hot! Appreciating being treated kimayai will cost you a job you might have landed after the contractual volunteering.

 

This is why it is important to consider why you are volunteering towards a certain cause. Negotiate on your terms. No one can define this for you.

 

Besides the moment you let someone become your one-stop shop service, you become imprisoned as you never have anything of your own. Everything is owned by them.

 

Worship independence!

 

You can press charges if you are truly harassed. Don’t make the person on the other end feel like it is okay for them to escort your particulars with their eyes or spank you. Tell them straight away that you don’t like it. If they prove resistant, involve other people. For when it gets out of hand, you will need witnesses.

 

It is important as a person to know your boundaries and keep them. Avoid those work dates that turn into one night stands. Once you stay true to your values, many cases of harassment will reduce. Unless of course, you are forced.

 

A heated debate ensued on the issue of looking with intent. How can you really know that a person is looking at you with something extra than the casual look? Is it when they smack their lips, wink or clasp their hands, biting their lip while staring at you?

 

As a volunteer ensure you are aware of the HR policy wherever you are working. This way it becomes easier to deal with such cases of sexual harassment.

 

The Kenyan government has taken steps to cover the rights of volunteers. The Volunteer Policy is already in place. It is up to every volunteer to read and know it’s content.

 

The bill is currently in Parliament awaiting to be passed. There will be no more taking advantage of the volunteer. A volunteer deserves an enabling setting for improved results.

 

Volunteer organizations under the Volunteer Involving Organisation Society will be meeting today to celebrate themselves. A Volunteer Of The Year Award (VOYA) will be presented to the most outstanding volunteer 2017.

 

Young people have discovered the power of satisfaction derived from volunteering. It is not a time to claim the government is not doing anything. Do something to make that very government ashamed. Let’s step into action and cut out complaining.

 

Strive to volunteer to a positive activity in honour of today. Happy Volunteer’s Day. Go out and change the world by offering your services freely!