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How to transform your volunteering woes to wins

How to transform your volunteering woes into wins

The Biggest Challenges You Might Face While Volunteering and How You Can Overcome Them

When we think of volunteering, the first thoughts that come to mind are noble, gratifying and fulfilling. We also hear of some professionals describe it as compassion in action and a powerful tool with the ability to mitigate social issues that face our society, be it poverty, hunger, lack of awareness and education, gender inequality or climate change.
Volunteers are generally perceived to be energised and empathetic citizens who work tirelessly to drive change and the benefits of volunteering are well- acknowledged. However, it is equally true that it takes more than energy and passion to be a consistent volunteer. There are several challenges that come in the path of volunteering and every volunteer faces some of these at different points of their journey.
They encounter obstacles and difficulties while giving their time and addressing them can also help in overcoming them, which in turn will make the volunteering experience fulfilling and smooth. So let’s dive right in to some of the common challenges we volunteers face:

1. Time commitment: Balancing volunteer work with other personal and professional commitments can be challenging. Volunteers may find it difficult to dedicate sufficient time to their chosen cause which is why you must always clarify the time required, ensure that the volunteering fits into your schedule in terms of time and distance, not causing any imbalance or stress.
2. Burnout: Unfortunately, volunteer burnout is a common challenge that volunteers face. Overcommitting or working long hours as a volunteer can result in fatigue, reduced motive and even health issues. It’s always wiser to start slow, ease into the volunteering schedule and then amp it up.
3. Skills and Training: Some volunteer positions may require specific skills or training. Volunteers may need to invest time in acquiring these skills before they can be effective in their roles. Always take up a volunteering task that matches your skill set and ask to be oriented to the volunteering opportunity.
4. Resource Constraints: Many volunteer organizations operate on limited budgets and resources. Volunteers may have to work with limited supplies, equipment and funding. This is the reality of our sector and it should be known to every volunteer.
5. Emotional Toll: Depending on the nature of volunteering, dealing with emotionally challenging situations, such as working with vulnerable persons or in disaster relief, can take a toll on volunteers’ mental and emotional well-being. It is important to understand your mental strengths and limitations and then opt for volunteering projects. If being around very grim or vulnerable people makes you feel low, opt for volunteering like teaching, animal welfare, environment related activities in the open and more.
6. Lack of Recognition: As volunteers, sometimes you may not receive the appreciation you deserve for their hard work, which can make you feel undervalued and demotivated. Join an organisation that values and appreciates your efforts, expresses it through recognition and the occasional celebration.
7. Safety Concerns: Depending on the nature of the volunteer work, there may be safety concerns or risks involved. Volunteers may need to take precautions or undergo safety training before they start on any such projects. Its best to work with an organisation that follows structure and has safety norms in place.
8. Inadequate Support: Some volunteer organizations may not provide sufficient support or supervision for volunteers, leaving them feeling isolated or unsure of their roles. In such a case, reach out to the volunteer coordinator and clarify all doubts as well as ask for some form of presence from the NGO or the volunteering organisation.
9. Logistics and Transportation: Getting to and from volunteer locations can be a logistical challenge, especially for volunteers who rely on public transportation or have mobility issues. It’s important to plan your volunteering around places that are not very inconvenient for you to reach.
10. Language and Cultural Barriers: In multicultural settings, volunteers may face language and cultural barriers that can make communication and integration challenging. However, it is also a good opportunity to learn a new language and till then, hang on to someone who speaks the language of the place.
11. Sustainability: Maintaining long-term commitment to volunteering can be challenging. Volunteers may struggle to sustain their enthusiasm and engagement over time. This can be prevented if you choose volunteering according to the availability and convenience of your time and discuss the same with the volunteering organisation. It’s always possible to take a short break and get back to volunteering as well.
12. Legal and Liability Issues: Some causes and communities are vulnerable and working with them can have some legal dos and don’ts. Always familiarize yourself with volunteering protocol and understand if there are any legal or liability concerns.
    Overall, volunteering can be rewarding as well as challenging. It is important for volunteers to be prepared and seek the support they need to navigate the challenges they face. Once overcome, volunteering can be immensely rewarding and can lead to personal growth, acquiring new skills, and a strong sense of purpose. Many volunteers find that the positive impact they make on their chosen cause or community outweighs the difficulties they encounter along the way and volunteer organizations can also help mitigate these challenges by providing proper training, support, and recognition to their volunteers. As once said, “those who don’t want to face their challenges shall always face challenges.”