Things Your Parent thought you about Gap Year in India.

India is a country that most people have never visited, but most of us think we know something about what the country is like. Thanks to various types of media exposure, it’s easy to have an idea of what we think that India is– but it’s also easy for a few myths to creep in there, too.

When you raise the idea of a gap year in India to your parents, it’s more than likely you will hear a few of these conceptions about what travelling in India entails.

There’s a good chance that your parents will tell you a few things about to expect, whether or not you should visit, and what to look out for.

If your parents have travelled in India for themselves, then this could be valuable advice that you’re going to want to take note of.

However, there’s always the risk that your parents have a few misconceptions about India too, based on media and news information about the country.

So before you finalize your plans, it’s worth taking the time to think through some of these myths, beliefs, and reported experiences about travelling in India and figuring out which you can actually rely upon.

Below are nine things your parents might have taught you about the idea of a gap year in India, so read on to find out which points have some merit… also visit volunteerindiaispiice.com for more information.

#1 – The food is very different to what you might expect.

If you have been told that India is not all about curry, then you can be rest assured this is 100% accurate. India is a country of many different cuisines; curry is just another dish that you may want to try during your stay there.

Many people expect that India will offer curry, more curry, and not much else, but no country can exist on such a limited diet.

India has a wide range of different foods, many of which are vegetarian, that you will be able to sample. It’s more than possible to visit India and not eat a single dish of curry if you prefer!

So while you can get a great curry in India, if you’re not a fan, don’t worry: there’s plenty of other options you’re going to be able to enjoy.

#2 – Don’t drink the water.

This is another fact you may have been told that is, once again, absolutely accurate. The water sanitation situation in India is very different to that with which your western body has become familiar; as a result, you’ll likely experience health issues, such as stomach upsets, if you drink water directly from the tap. It is therefore advisable to follow this advice to the letter.

You will still be able to keep yourself hydrated by taking advantage of the many options for bottled water.

If you’re going to be travelling in a rural area where stores may be few and far between, then taking along a few water purification tablets is an excellent decision that you’ll be very thankful you made.

#3 – Your worldview will be forever changed.

If your parents have travelled in India, they will likely have described it as “life-changing” or as an experience that “put everything into perspective”.

While these views are, obviously, subjective, for the most part it seems that India truly is a life-changing country to visit.

It’s easy to see why this is the case. The culture is vastly different from the one you grew up in; you will be exposed to poverty on a huge scale; and will see the world differently if you choose to volunteer with those less fortunate than yourself.

One thing you can be sure of is that the change to your worldview will ultimately be for the better, allowing you to see the global situation with a new clarity.

#4 – You’ll be a better person for spending time in India.

 As mentioned above, the way that your perspective changes having visited India is predominantly a positive one. As a result, many tourists to the country find that they feel they are a better person thanks to the time they spent in the country.

It’s impossible to predict whether this will be the case for you, but there’s no doubt it’s likely on the balance of probability.

When you see a country so very different from your own, you gain a wealth of experience and understanding that can ultimately make you a kinder, more engaged, and more compassionate person when you return to your home country.

#5 – It’s a very spiritual country.

Many people expect a hugely spiritual experience when they travel to India. After all, India is the home of yoga, Buddhism, and spirituality on a grand scale; the media portrayal of the country makes it easy to assume that every Indian citizen is a yoga master and lives with an endless supply of peace, love, and tolerance.

There’s no denying that India is a spiritual country, so that part of the myth is accurate.

However, it’s far from the defining reality of life in India. Spirituality may be more common in India than in other countries, but it is not a necessity, and you will only find your time in the country spiritual if you directly seek out spiritual retreats and practices during your visit.

#6 – You’ll be welcomed by the locals.

India is often described as a very welcoming country that is friendly to tourists. For the most part, this is entirely accurate. Tourism is a vital part of the Indian economy, and many major cities go out of their way to ensure they are an attractive destination for overseas visitors.

In more rural areas, you can also expect a warm welcome. Rural areas may have less exposure to non-native citizens, meaning you may attain a kind of “alien” interest that makes people want to know more about you. Embrace this and any hospitality that is offered to you; it’s all friendly and good-spirited, and will help you feel right at home.

#7 – The weather is always hot.

 India is indeed a hot country, at least on average, but it’s vital to know the climate of the specific area you are visiting. The closer you get to the Himalayas, for example, the more likely it is you’ll need winter-specific clothing rather than the expected summer outfits.

There is no “Indian climate” that applies to the entire country; the country is vast, so the climates change depending on the geographical location.

It’s also worth remembering that India suffers a monsoon season; a period during which rainfall is greatly increased..

You might think that this helps to lower the temperature, but monsoon temperatures tend to remain high due to the humidity the extra water creates.

So while India is generally considered to be a hot country, don’t expect non-stop heat! Check the forecast for the area you are visiting, and take particular care if you’re planning to travel during the monsoon season of July through to September.

#8 – India is overpopulated and busy.

 The western image of India tends to be based around the cities and, especially, Delhi. The images we see are crowded streets packed with people and almost no room to move– so you may have been told to expect the same if you’re planning a visit to the country.

The truth is that India does have a large population — over 1.2 billion people in fact — but a large population only causes an issue if the population is dense. India does quite well in this regard; it is the 33rd in the list of population density, so the country is nowhere near as overcrowded as you might be expecting.

India does have a large population, but this population is spread throughout a huge country, so overcrowding is not a problem you are likely to experience.

The cities are busy, but this is true of anywhere in the world of course!

#9 – You’ll see snake charmers.

 You are most likely to hear this from your parents if they have never visited India, or only taken short tourist trips.

Most people tend to associate India with snake charmers; while this isn’t strictly untrue, it’s also unlikely.

Snake charming in modern India is primarily a show put on for the tourists. You’ll see plenty of snake charmers around major landmarks and in big cities with a high number of tourists, but in the rest of the country… not so much.

You are more likely to need to seek out a snake charmer than stumble across one, so if you’re afraid of snakes, you don’t have to worry about encountering one at every turn!

In conclusion.

India is a vast, diverse country that has plenty to offer a gap year traveller. While you cannot guarantee what you will experience or feel, reading through the above should provide some insight into what you can truly expect from your time spent in the country.

Enjoy your travels, and see what other tidbits of information you pick up during your visit.

Visit iSpiice for More Information for your next Gap Year India Trip.

 Volunteering is So Famous But Why?

As the seventh largest country in the world, India attracts millions of visitors every year. In fact, 8.9 million people visited India last year which was a massive increase of 97 percent. Many of these individuals were likely volunteers, particularly when one considers that approximately 1.6 million people volunteer abroad internationally annually, according to the latest statistics.

India is one of the most popular places in the world for volunteers who are looking to give something back and to help others.

Volunteering in India has actually become so popular that it’s quite famous. But why is this? Is it due to what people have to say when they return after visiting the country? Is it the reputation of the culture in this beautiful paradise or the experiences that people know await them? Perhaps it’s due to the focus the entertainment media has placed on the idea of volunteering in India in film and television.

When exploring the trend of volunteering in this country, it seems that all these factors play a part as well as a few more that are certain to make people India a top consideration when choosing a new international location for volunteers.

A Culture That’s Hard To Resist. Volunteering in India So Famous But Why?

There is actually a saying in India that is quite well known which, loosely translated, means that the guest is your god. This idea has almost definitely lead to the fame of volunteering in India. When you volunteer in a new international location, as well as help people, you are also dependent on the kindness of others yourself.

You might be staying in someone else’s home, or you may have to rely on translators who can help you purchase basic goods. Rather than staying in a hostel, you might decide to live with a family and rely on their support and hospitality.

In India, there is a culture of giving to strangers, and the volunteers who arrive in this country always find they have a place to stay. In fact, by individuals and general society volunteers in India are welcomed with open arms. Volunteers who choose not to stay in a stranger’s home will still notice the culture for welcoming strangers when they are wandering the streets, shopping for goods or just meeting a new group of people.

The hospitality of India is somewhat legendary, and it no doubt sticks in the minds of people long after they return home from volunteering.

Of course, there is another part of Indian culture that has probably helped make India famous for volunteering, and this is the spirituality of the country. In India, there is a spiritual belief that everyone’s purpose in the world is to be compassionate and to care for those around them.

Many people visit India purely in the hope of experiencing this spirituality or to connect with it themselves, perhaps by practicing yoga under the guidance of true experts. But this idea also makes India the perfect place to volunteer. People might arrive in India to benefit their own life, but they soon discover that helping others is far more fulfilling.

An Eclectic Range Of Possibilities.

There is no doubt that India is incredibly popular with a diverse population of volunteers. One of the reasons for this is that there isn’t just one choice of how to volunteer here. There are various options that will suit different types of people. Since India opens its arms to volunteers, people can work in community schools teaching English or help in hospitals and clinics to provide a better level of healthcare for the locals.

As well as this, volunteers can work to help the many children on the streets of India. According to statistics, there are 78 million homeless people on the streets of India including 11 million street children. These children live on the streets with no homes or families, but volunteers who come to India can help them in a number of key ways. It is one of the issues that attracts so many volunteers to the country every year.

There are plenty of countries where there is a need for volunteers but very few organizations set up to help individuals find their way. In India, this is not the case at all. There are a wealth of NFPs and NGOs that have been set up to help volunteers find a place in India and reach their maximum potential helping other people.

It’s difficult to work as a volunteer without a solid structure to rely on and work with. In India, that’s exactly what people find, and the huge level of support from organizations is just one other reason why volunteering here has become so famous.

Media Attention.

It’s not just nonprofit organizations that have taken notice of the need for volunteers in India. The media has also been paying attention, and there are a number of well-known films that have certainly helped increase the level of support.

One example of a film like this would be The Darjeeling Limited. Chosen to open the New York Film Festival in 2007, the film is described as a birds eye look at India that explores more than just volunteering possibilities in the country.

It’s breathtaking scope has surely encouraged a number of young volunteers to head over and explore what the country has to offer while experiencing the culture showcased in the film.

Another film that popularized the idea of volunteering in India is The Swades. In this movie, an Indian returns home after working for NASA, meeting his relatives and learning about the needs of the local people where his family resides. It greatly reflects the contrasting lifestyles that people experience when volunteering and highlights the importance and rewards of philanthropy in India.

Aside from this, there are many more films that have embedded India into pop culture including the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire that highlighted the serious poverty levels present in the country.

Or, there’s ‘the best exotic Marigold Hotel.’ While showcasing the lifestyles of India, films like this also encourage tourists and volunteers to visit the location and experience the culture they have witnessed on the silver screen.

As well as artistic interpretations of Hollywood and documentaries celebrities have also made volunteering in India famous. It’s well known that celebrities volunteering in a location encourage others to do the same, and many celebrities have endeavored to volunteer in India including Hilary Swank.

The ‘Million Dollar Baby’ star working in a Children’s orphanage through two months in 2016. As well as this, she spent two weeks as a teaching assistant in the country.

Feedback From Previous Volunteers.

One of the things that people are looking for when volunteering internationally is a fresh experience. They want to discover a brand new world, a different lifestyle, a contrasting culture and that’s exactly what people find when they volunteer in India.

This is clearly shown from the feedback of volunteers who have already been and are often eager to return.

Most of the people who volunteer in India have no idea what to expect, particularly if it’s their first time travelling outside of their home country. But, once they arrive there, they are soon swept up in an intoxicating world with people who are friendly and an entire authentic Indian culture to appreciate in their spare time.

When these volunteers return to their home country, they are eager to pass on what they have learned and discovered to others, and this encourages more to investigate volunteering in a place like India.

One of the other things that makes volunteering in India so popular and thus famous is that it’s safe. There are plenty of places to volunteer in the world where life can be dangerous for visitors, but that’s not the case in India. Volunteers back from India always express who safe they felt, particularly when working with one of the top volunteering programs.

A Whole New World.

It’s easy to forget that when people volunteer they don’t spend their entire time helping people day in and day out, 24/7.

Volunteers always have time to experience the country they are visiting, and this is another reason why volunteering in India has become so famous.

There such a wealth of possibilities from seeing the sites like the Taj Mahal Palace to attending festivals such as the festival of Diwali or the vibrant festival of Holi.

As well as the festivals, there’s also a fresh world of cuisine to explore. Volunteers in India soon discover that authentic Indian cuisine offers no comparison to the Indian food that they may have dined on in their own country.

It seems then that there are a number of reasons why volunteering in India has become so famous. With so many different possibilities and opportunities, people are encouraged to journey to this beautiful land.

Their stories have attracted the attention of the media, and when people do visit, they find a culture of giving like no other in the world today. As such Volunteering in India has become idea that is attractive to people from all over the world, eager to explore this fascinating country and help its people.

Am I Eligible to Volunteer?

India is one of the world’s most beautiful countries; it is an incredible place and somewhere that many travelers dream of visiting their whole lives. There are few places as organically beautiful as India in the world, which is what makes it such a popular place for volunteering. While a beautiful country, India is also somewhere that is full of hardship and poverty.

For many people living and working in India, life is not easy. For this reason, there are various charities and aid organizations across the country that are doing all that they can to help make life in India easier. However, they cannot achieve their goals without the help of volunteers.

The good news is that today, there are more people wanting to volunteer than ever before, which means that there is plenty of help available to poorer countries like India. However, just because there are more people wanting to volunteer, that doesn’t mean that everyone who wants to is able to volunteer.

You see, to be able to volunteer in India, just like in many other countries, you must be eligible to do so. To learn how to determine if you are eligible to travel to India and work as a volunteer, read on – everything that you need to know is discussed below.

Am I Eligible to Volunteer in India? Who can and cannot travel to India?

Like every country in the world, India does have certain requirements in terms of who can and cannot enter the country. However, there are very few groups of people who cannot enter India, as the laws here are much less strict than nations such as Canada and Australia, for instance.

Of course, that being said, you may still need a visa to visit this amazing country. India has a range of entry requirements for its visitors, with these varying depending on the person and their nationality. Some visitors to India require a pre-arranged visa, others are eligible for a visa on arrival, while others are exempt from needing a visa altogether.

Anyone who is a citizen of Nepal, Bhutan, or the Maldives, do not require a visa to enter the country unless they are coming via mainland China, that is. It is also important to note that while citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can stay as long as they like without visas, people from the Maldives can only stay for 90 days or will require a visa to remain in the country legally.

People who have a Persons of Indian Origin card are able to enter India without a visa, as long as they do not come from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka.

India is able to grant visas on arrival for any visitors from Cambodia, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. Visas on arrival are only granted for 30 days and are only suitable for people entering the country as tourists only, not to work.

Citizens from every other country, from the US and the UK to France and Spain, are required to apply for visas in advance of their trip. So if you are from a country that does not qualify for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry, it is crucial that you get your visa sorted in advance of your volunteering trip.

Where in India can I volunteer?

Once you have been granted entry to India, you are able to go to anywhere within the country’s borders. From the larger cities to the more rural areas, once you have been granted entry, you are free to work anywhere within the country as a volunteer. It’s just a case of determining where the most suitable volunteering project for your skills and experience are located.

If there is one area of India that you have always dreamed of seeing, don’t put off of going there in case there is not a suitable volunteering position. Because the fact is that across the country there are various charities and aid organizations that are offering all manner of help and support, so wherever you choose to go, you should be able to find a suitable project to get involved in.

Dharamsala is one of the most popular places for volunteers to visit in India, as there is such a vast range of projects on offer here. However, while the projects here have a lot to offer, it is important to realize that this is just one area within India that needs help – there are hundreds of others to choose from.

What do charity organizations require from their volunteers?

Of course, that being said, when it comes to selecting an organization to volunteer for, you have to ensure that you are able to meet their requirements. The fact is that each organization has its own set of requirements for its volunteers, which depend on a range of different factors, from the type of work that is required to how skilled the roles are.

One thing that all organizations require is their volunteers to be 16 years old with parental permission or 18 years old without it. Age is vital when it comes to securing a volunteering position for a charity or aid organization, which is why it is so important to take your age into account when applying for a position at a certain organization or charity.

Then there is the question of experience and knowledge. Many charities and aid organizations require their volunteers to have a range of appropriate experience for the position that they are applying for.

For example, for a volunteer position in a medical facility, most charities would expect volunteers to have a medical background, whether that’s a career in medicine or currently being at college studying it, it doesn’t matter, just as long as you have adequate experience in the field.

The same goes for volunteer teachers, nursery nurses, care workers, and construction engineers – having certain skills and experience is vital when it comes to successfully applying for a place as a volunteer.

Many charities and organizations also require that their volunteers and aid workers submit a letter of recommendation from someone notable within their field of work or study, to help back up their application. That is why having the adequate experience and skill is vital before applying, as you may need to provide proof of your experience and knowledge via a recommendation letter.

When it comes to selecting suitable volunteers, most organizations look for people who are kind, caring and loving. The work that volunteers tend to undertake can be difficult and upsetting at times and can require some incredible people skills, which is why volunteers who have a gentle and kind nature tend to be favorites with many organizations.

Volunteers should also be open-minded, enthusiastic and eager to learn. The entire volunteering process is meant to be a learning curve and a way to develop self-learning. It doesn’t matter how long you have been a nurse or a teacher for, spending a few months volunteering in India will open your eyes to things that you could never have imagined dealing with in your home country. You will learn so much by spending a few months practicing in another country, but in order to be able to learn, you need to be open-minded and eager to learn about new methods of doing things, as not all of the technology available at home will be available in India.

Organizations also look for volunteers who have the ability to adjust easily. Life as a volunteer in India is always going to offer air workers and volunteers a culture shock, from how they will live to what they will eat, but some people adjust better to this change of lifestyle than others. Most volunteer accommodation and facilities are shared ones, which means that volunteers will need to get used to sharing their space with other volunteers and living in close proximity to each other.

Often, volunteers are chosen because they are positive people. All of the best volunteers are people who are able to see the good in every situation and work hard to keep themselves and their workmates positive. In situations such as when volunteering and dealing with sad and upsetting circumstances, having a positive outlook on life can be highly beneficial and can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy your time in India volunteering, which is why aid organizations always prefer to take on volunteers with a cherry disposition.

The fact is that volunteering is not as simple as signing up and showing up, there is actually a lot more to it than that. Aid organizations look for volunteers with a range of specific skills, to ensure that they are taking on people who have the knowledge and experience to deal with the task at hand. They also look for people with certain characteristics, to ensure that their volunteers are able to get on well with their work and thrive while doing it, which is what volunteering is all about – thriving in a new environment and honing your skills in ways that you could never imagine.

HOW TO MOTIVATE VOLUNTEERS SEASON AFTER SEASON?

Researchers have identified six key motives for volunteering:

• Values – expressing humanitarian ideals; Example: a person who loves gardening and is concerned about city beautification may volunteer for a tree-planting organisation.
• Understanding – learning or practising skills; Example: a person who wishes to learn more about the hearing impaired community may volunteer her time to tutor children with cochlear implants. The volunteer will gain an understanding of the challenges and triumphs children in this community experience
• Social – engaging in volunteer work to be with friends; Example: volunteering to hand out water together at a charity run. The primary goal is to be with friends while working for the cause.
• Career – furthering professional opportunities; Example: an event planner who volunteers his services to plan a charity auction will meet key business contacts and vendors in the process of preparing the event.
• Protection – counterbalancing conflicting feelings or sadness; Example: A mother who lost a child in a drunk driving accident may volunteer her time to Mothers’ Against Drunk Driving.
• Enhancement – augmenting self-image or personal growth; Example: A person who feels better about themselves as a result of their volunteer work.

Research varies on which motivations are the best practices, however many people cite a combination of several factors in their reasons to volunteer.

Volunteering and Serious Leisure.

A variety of volunteer opportunities in India and in another parts of world are available to people in their leisure time. Often, one chooses a particular volunteer activity based on their interests or the interests of a family member.

What may start as a couple of hours of assisting with the check-in table at a child’s hockey tournament can blossom into organizing registration for 30 hockey teams the following year.

Volunteer activities can become so involved that they consume a person’s leisure time. This type of experience is known as severe leisure, meaning the organised, long-lasting pursuit of an activity or skill set in which the participant is thoroughly engrossed. Serious volunteers may take their volunteer activities as work.

For instance, the person who volunteers in a community gift shop or feeds animals at the shelter may call this action her job.

In serious leisure pursuits, volunteers share similar values that form a collective identity among the group. Not only do the volunteers have an enthusiasm for the activity, but also they are bonded together by their interests and feel a sense of belonging to the social circle.

Retirees who meet every Tuesday to play bridge at the community centre may volunteer to teach the youth group how to play the game in their spare time. They share excitement for the activity, keep track of their scores and master-rating points, and are motivated to share their knowledge with others.

Volunteer Recruitment.

Most managers look internally for volunteers including parents and participants, as these people have knowledge of the sport and are trusted, based on personal relationships. For instance, the older soccer teams can assist the younger soccer teams through a junior coaching program. Not only will teenagers gain experience on coaching and mentoring skills, but they will also provide free, much-needed labor to the program.

A junior coaching program is a win-win for managers and students. However, managers must consider the coaching requirements, noting that national organisations may require coaching staff to carry accreditation, insurance, and clear a background screening. Further, parents of the younger children may be concerned if a professional coach does not teach their child. For this reason, junior coaches should work alongside professional staff, not as replacements.

Another option for recruiting volunteers is looking outside the traditional framework of an organisation by bridging out to the surrounding community. For instance, a baseball team looking to build a new member website may ask a collegiate computer department or a local web design company to create the site.

The volunteers could see this as an opportunity to build skills and help the community, and the baseball commissioner sees bridging out as a way to complete a needed task. One of the issues that could arise from bridging out is lack of trust. Volunteers who do not have a personal relationship or investment in the activity may be seen as outsiders who have questionable motives.

Creating a student internship program is also a great way to recruit new volunteers. Not only can a manager provide vocational training to students, s/he can also receive much-needed assistance that does not impact the budget. Student volunteers can help with filing, answering phones, organizing the office, and staffing check-in tables.

Learning how to use office equipment such as the copier, fax machine, scanner, and lamina tor are not covered in class but are essential in the day-to-day office setting. Internships are an excellent way for students to learn how to use this equipment, as well as build programming and customer service experience.

A word of caution: recreation leaders must be cautious of volunteers’ behaviour, especially those working with children. A screening process that includes a background check and fingerprinting should be in place before the volunteers interact with kids.

Volunteer Retention & Motivation.

Volunteers must feel welcome when joining a new group. To facilitate the process of getting acquainted, managers can organised an informal meet-and-greet coffee, team building meeting, or host a family potluck picnic. Volunteer groups can function like a clique, where new members are seen as outsiders trying to take over the leadership of the organisation.

Returning members of the group can feel as though they are a small number of people bearing the brunt of the work. Many times, they do not acknowledge their unwelcoming behavior. When this happens, new volunteers feel unaccepted and do not return to help in the future. Part of the goal of the manager is to bridge the gap between returning and new volunteers.

Staff must provide accurate information about the organisational structure and the volunteers’ duties. The outline of responsibilities and expectations will give volunteers a clear picture of their role in the organisation. This will help people choose wisely whether they have the time to volunteer and if the position will satisfy their needs. When a mutually beneficial situation is reached, the volunteer will feel empowered in their volunteer effort and keep returning for more hours.

In working with volunteers, managers must keep the channel of communication open. Interactions can include hearing the volunteers’ concerns and questions and providing positive feedback on a regular basis. Verbal expressions of appreciation for a job well done can accompany formal rewards and recognition. Rewards can be in the form of plaques, certificates, a volunteer recognition breakfast, free program registration, a thank you gift, or particularattention in print. Extrinsic rewards can influence volunteer attendance and effort.

Managers should strive to keep the experience enjoyable for volunteers. Enjoyment of the activity is a great motivator to return and even to take on additional responsibilities. When hiring new staff, a manager can focus on choosing people who are committed to fostering volunteerism. If possible, new team should have experience working effectively with volunteers and have a positive attitude toward having volunteers around the centre.

In contrast, a manager who has little experience or may not know how to communicate with their volunteers efficiently may be faced with a low retention rate. A volunteer who is left alone for too long on a task without feedback will feel unappreciated and may stop showing up altogether.

Research demonstrates that insufficient fulfillment drives volunteers to quit. If one does not feel they are getting a level satisfaction from experience, equal to the time they are investing, often they leave the group.

The opportunity alone for volunteers to voice their dissatisfaction is linked to positive outcomes. Once volunteers feel pride and respect from their experience, they will continue to volunteer.

Managers can retain and motivate volunteers to the season after season by asking for feedback through end-of-year surveys and informal debriefing sessions.

WHY DO PEOPLE VOLUNTEER? A KEY TO MOTIVATING VOLUNTEERS.

Motivating volunteers can be a challenge, but may not be if one understands the reasons people volunteer.

Volunteering means different things to many people; however, it usually comes down to a couple of fundamental reasons. Before we discuss those, let’s consider some of the possibilities.

A. They May Have a Special Reason for Supporting the Cause.

It is possible that they have had a relative or friend that contracted a disease or some physical or mental defect. They see the struggles that their relative or friend has had to go through and they feel that they must do something. It could be possible to assist in some way to find a cure or improvement in their situation or, if not, to help someone else in the future that experiences a similar situation. It becomes personal because the impact is so close to them. It will have a direct effect on the volunteer’s organisations they choose.

B. They May Have a Gut Feel for a Cause Due Its Impact on the Nation or the World.

They have had experiences in life that made them who they are. Motivating volunteers come easier through those experiences when they see their life and the lives of others in a particular perspective. That perspective can lead them to act for the greater good. Some examples of needs that they feel must be met could be the famine in Ethiopia or Aids in Africa. Or it might be closer to home in their desire to raise money for a cure for breast cancer. They know they don’t have the resources to make a dramatic impact immediately, but with their help and the help of others, progress will be made, and success will come.

C. They Like the Compounding Results.

When people get together to work for the benefit of others, there is this strange compounding effect that goes on. First, they see that some group or organisation is already working to meet a goal. Then, they volunteer and are given an assignment. As they work on their part and complete the task, they find that their efforts and the efforts of others total up to more than just their sum. It results in “2 + 2 = 5”. There is such a great feeling of participating in that compounding to know that they are adding more than just their part.

D. They Enjoy the Interaction with Others and Friendships Developed.

The process of working with others that are all on the same page, working for the same goal brings people closer together. One can find great friends with some of the kindest people who are associated with volunteers organisations. These are the types of friends that are usually the strongest and longest lasting. Also, there are the new friends they develop in the group that they are working to support. They truly appreciate their effort and time.

E. They Love Making a Difference.

The results are what they enjoy. They can see that they can impact others, whether it is providing a repaired or new house for a family, the right medical apparatus to allow someone to function on their own, or a new facility to save a protect homeless animals. They know that they are changing the lives of people and animals for the better. The impact may be small, or it could be great, but it is an impact that they helped produce.

F. They Want the Amazing Feeling that Comes.

There is something deep down that we feel when we can provide something to a person that needs it. That item could be any number of things, such as a meal for a day, a house for the rest of their life or the chance to learn how to improve their own lives. When they do something unselfish for someone else, they are rewarded with a fantastic feeling of satisfaction. The next time they perform some charitable task, they get that same feeling again. It is addictive.

Some of they may be able to add more reasons why people volunteer. These are six that are at the top of my list. When pressed, I believe most people do volunteer for the last two reasons, i.e., they want to make a difference, and they enjoy the feeling of satisfaction. Understanding these can help in motivating volunteers.

Let me throw out some volunteer ideas for consideration.

1. Community Activities.

a. The Veterans Administration Hospitals – care for service personnel

b. Red Cross – disaster relief.

c. Meals on Wheels – for those in need.

d. Generations United – improves lives of children and youth.

e. Experience Corps – helps disadvantaged youths.

f. Executive Services Corps Affiliate Network. – services to schools and agencies.

g. Volunteers-In-Parks Program – help National Parks Service.

h. iSpiice – Interagrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education.

http://www.volunteerindiaispiice.com

2. Business Area.

a. SCORE

b. Small Business Incubators

3. International Opportunities.

a. Orphanage Outreach – orphaned children in the Dominican Republic

b. Global Citizens Network. – preserves indigenous cultures, traditions and ecologies.

c. ServiceLeader.org – working via the internet as a virtual volunteer.

Whatever reason we may have, it is worth it to give it a shot and start volunteering. We will enjoy it.

Get Giving in Return! Benefits of Volunteering

Despite the recent economic recession, the number of national volunteers has continued to grow at a record high in past years, with about a third of the population, compared with 27% in 2009. This trend, dubbed “the boom of compassion” by media, shows that more people have discovered the personal and intrinsic rewards of volunteering.
While baseball was historically considered the national pastime, one could argue that volunteering allows it to make money. In fact, a report published by the Bureau of Labor of the US Department of Labor shows that 63.4 million people, or 26.8% of the population, volunteered at least once between September 2008 and September 2010. (In 2008, the rate was 24.6% of the population. That year, there was about 8.1 billion volunteer hours’ worth an estimated $ 169 billion.

Who’s Volunteering Their Time?

According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to volunteer than those with lower levels of education. Among those aged 25 and over, 42.8% of college graduates volunteer, compared to 18.8% of high school graduates and 8.6% of those who did not complete high school. Recent studies also show that women spend more time volunteering than men.
Volunteering can bring motivation and a sense of accomplishment
Volunteering is about giving your time, your energy and your skills. Volunteers express a sense of accomplishment and motivation, and this is ultimately generated by your desire and your enthusiasm to help. I have been a volunteer with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) for eight years. This experience provided the opportunity to develop professionally and to network informally with other members of the section.
My best volunteer experience took place at this year’s annual Human Resources Conference held in my hometown, Ashley Down, Bristol. A comment from a colleague HR Blogger and colleague “Our volunteers SHRM-Bristol shook the house Our volunteers were friendly, efficient and competent Our SHRM-Bristol team also provided great hospitality: they worked for billions of hours and had the bulbs on their feet, proves it! It was indeed a sense of accomplishment to welcome more than 13,000 people, for four days, in a big city, without significant problems.

Volunteering can allow you to meet a diverse group of people.

Volunteering brings together a wide range of people from all walks of life and backgrounds. The recipients of your volunteer efforts and your colleagues can be a rich source of inspiration and a great way to develop your interpersonal skills. Volunteering also offers an incredible networking opportunity.

Not only will you improve lasting personal and professional relationships, but it’s also a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments and new industries. Networking is an exciting benefit of volunteering and can have a positive impact on your life in the lives of those you help or serve.

What people said about the decision to volunteer?

“I think it’s important to help others.”
“I can do something for a job or a cause that is important to me.”
“Volunteering gives me a new perspective on things.”
“I can explore my strengths.”
“I can learn new skills.”
“Volunteering makes me feel needed.”
“I can make new contacts that could help my business or career.”
“Volunteering looks good on my resume.”
“Volunteering helps me solve some of my problems.”
Get involved!
It begins with one’s self. You have to be compassionate especially for the underprivileged and the under served in our society. If you see these persons as your fellow humans, then there is every tendency that you will be moved to volunteer for their cause.

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Philosophies of the Ant – Selfless Service.

When you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want! I would like to say that it is an idea, but I think it is much more than that. It’s a principle or a rule that occurs when it’s applied. For every action, there is a reaction. Act by bringing value and gain to someone else, and the response of blessings, fortune, kindness, all that you seek to achieve will come true in your life.
Take for example the ant. What are the main concerns of ants in life? Shelter? Food? Protection? An ant does not care about the size of its appearance or shape. There is no selfishness in the colony.

They all work together to support their queen, and in return, they get the colony for protection, food, and shelter. I guess you could say they work for a more significant cause than themselves. There is a much higher purpose in their area of existence, and sometimes I wish we could be more like them in the aspect of teamwork and altruism.
What would our world look like if we all worked together for a more prominent cause? How would it affect your life to be part of something higher than you, and here’s the clue: know it! How would that change your point of view on what is essential? I know that when I’m going through difficult times in my life, all I have to do is serve someone else who needs more help than me. Guess what’s going on?

My problems suddenly do not seem as important or as bad as they appeared earlier. I understand better how to get out of the situation in which I find myself. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I can see that it is much closer than I thought.
So ask yourself: When was the last time you made a difference in the day, the life or even the business of someone else? What did you do this week or month to serve those around you?
My challenge is to take time this week and give it away to a neighbor, a colleague, a friend, a family member or a complete stranger, offering a simple gesture of service. Sometimes it can be as simple as a friendly smile!
Remember, there is always someone worse than you.

So take some time or your life to make a difference in someone else’s home. It will come back to you ALWAYS tenfold. Be part of a more significant cause than you, and I promise you, you will have more prosperity and happiness than you could imagine.

The Negative Side of Altruism.

Many people condemn themselves to the service of others; to make them happy and happy. I call it a sentence because it is a judgment that many people are unable to leave.

Sometimes we forget that we also have needs that are not yet met. It becomes a problem when you realize that it may be too late to go after your dreams instead of helping others get theirs.
However, many people start their search when they are ancient. Even if it’s never too late, it becomes a lot more tiring and less rewarding.
To be able to live their dreams, they must first have ideas. If you do not have a vision, then you will see that following someone else will increase considerably and you will eventually follow the footsteps of someone who is very different from you; just because they have dreams and whether they have achieved them or not becomes a matter of taste from one person to another.

This is something you should avoid as much as possible. You should not copy another’s dream and make it yours. You should find your goals.

But while helping a person with their dream, one could say that they will receive the same kind of help when it comes to their ideas. But it almost never works. There is no way that someone will help you in your thoughts. Otherwise, you will not be credited with everything you do. You must keep this in mind when trying to help someone else because it will not give you the credit you deserve either. You must be humble when you think, but still, have that sense of pride that would not allow you to follow something that is not entirely yours.

Instead of helping others achieve their dreams, you should pay a little more attention to yourself. You should know that you are the most critical person in your life, even if you think that you love others a little more than yourself. Many people are humble enough to think of their love as narcissism, but that is not quite right. For you to love and help and encourage others, you preach a lot what you practice. If you do not do it, then you work in vain.
It’s not always about being selfless. In fact, fair people get almost nothing if they strictly follow the rule that nothing is for them. I mean, the vehicle you drive serves you. Have you ever seen this car run without fuel? That’s what it’s all about. Your dreams become the fuel that helps you serve others; the only thing you need to inspire others.

OTHER POPULAR RESOURCES:

• Plan Best Gap Year in India with 25 surprising facts – iSpiice.
• Working Abroad Opportunities Volunteering India.
• Truth about Volunteering in India.

Take a look at this link http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Volunteer-Opportunities for more information.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERING IN TODAY’S SOCIETY.

A major problem affecting local communities is the lack of motivation of people to go out of their way to volunteer. There are so many ways to spend your time helping people in every community, but for whatever reason, the majority of people in this world do not do it.
The importance of volunteering in India should start at a young age. Each school must have a community service requirement that not only imposes a minimum number of hours of service but also encourages students to want to volunteer more than this amount.
As people age, they must continue to participate in programs that allow them to give back. The problem is that work, family, and other personal issues can prevent adults from donating.
However, everyone from investment bankers to graduate students can find a few hours a month to teach a student or work in a soup kitchen. Once individuals tend to do this usually, it becomes a part of their life as something they do not even think about.
Helping less fortunate people or those who just need help with something is beneficial not only for them, but you are too. Many are surprised how good they feel after volunteering, and most often they like to do it.
When you see that smile on someone else’s face or you receive a “thank you” from them, you know that you have made a difference in someone else’s life. It does not matter whether it’s big or small, as long as you’ve taken the time and done it, whatever it is.

Another benefit of volunteering that most do not think is that by giving a positive example, your friends and family can follow you and dedicate their time to their cause. By giving up two hours a month and bringing three friends, you have given six hours of help to other people in need.
Today’s society allows so many people to help each other and there must be ways to facilitate this process. Once these mechanisms are put in place, our communities will be much better off, both for the people we help and for the volunteers.

REWARDS OF VOLUNTEER.

Volunteering does not only work for those who receive help, but also for those who do different types of volunteer work in India. In fact, face the question of why volunteering is essential; there are many reasons why this benefits everyone.

First, when we give our time for a good cause; the rewards we receive are far superior to any promotion we could get from work; or good grades that we get from school.

People who volunteer cannot help but feel a little more positive about life. When we see the strait of others; we felt lucky and blessed to have a better experience.

Another reason for Why Is Volunteering Important is that we imbibe in others the spirit of generosity – to give to others; even strangers, all the good things we have received in life. It pays because volunteers often say to people who ask Why volunteering is vital to them?

Perhaps to others, when asked why volunteering is essential; we say that its importance is to show those who need help that the world is always a beautiful place to live. It’s validating that, no matter what kind of tragedy strikes; there would still be a ray of hope in every cloud of rain.

Volunteering also gives hope to those who have lost the confidence in living, who may have lost their trust in humanity. We can even help inspire others to get back to life and start over; and perhaps also encourage others to donate their time, talent, and resources.

WH WHAT CAN WE ENJOY?

If we want to volunteer but do not know where to start; We can always consult different organizations on the Internet where they could use all the volunteer help, they can get. These could help save animals; to make older people feel loved and happy again, or we can just check our community and see where we can help.

We must not start big when we consider Why Is Volunteering Important and where we can share everything we have for the less fortunate. Volunteer to help a friend a family member; give our time to school activities, and even just helping someone at random are already good acts of volunteering.

There are endless ways to volunteer; we must only be open to our environment and genuinely observe what is happening around us. Before we know it, we could already be in the middle of fundraisers; or help those who have been struck by natural calamities to rebuild their lives. Volunteering is a real channel that makes the world a happier place for everyone.

OTHER POPULAR RESOURCES:

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• Truth about Volunteering in India.

9 Steps to Executing Your Dream Volunteer Program.

9 steps to Executing your Dream Volunteer Programs in India.

You want to impact the world in a way that is important to you. You want to make your cause be known and recognized enough to be worked upon. But how exactly will you do that? Below is a list of points that will help you with not just the planning part but also the execution part of a meaningful volunteer cause. While also painting a clearer picture for you, it will also help you attract investors and keep them interested.

Create a plan.

Before involving others into your cause, you need to answer some questions for yourself. For instance, what is it that you want your organization to achieve? Why do you wish to do it? How will you do it? When should you begin your work? How much will the execution of it all cost? Who will benefit from our work? These are questions that you need to answer first, and then proceed with the rest of the steps.

Determine what you plan to do in details.

You developed a rough idea of the purpose of your organization in the planner, but now it is time to think over it in details. What do you want the scope of your organization to be?  Which sector do you wish to serve?

Prepare a brief for the other people that you will meet with to introduce your organization to, and do not leave anything ambiguous. Try to stay away from either programs that huge and reputable organizations are already conducting, or the regions that they are conducting them in.

Why do you wish to do it?

It is time to answer the second question in detail now. Your cause may have grabbed the attention of potential investors, but now they are curious to know the real reason behind why you wish to do it. Be truthful and do not leave any misunderstandings behind, for it could cost a loss in investment.

Your want and need to help others should come from a place of compassion towards others. The more emotionally invested you are in the project, the more effort you will put in, and the greater the outcomes will be.

How will you achieve your goals?

Establish how you will achieve your organizations goals. Write down an action plan, and make it as realistic and applicable as possible. Keep all factors that could possibly alter your course of plan in mind and then determine the right one. Do some research on the methods that have helped others achieve the same goal as you, set benchmarks, and then develop your course of action accordingly.

When will you get started?

After determining what you need to accomplish and you plan to do so, it is time to think of the time frame that you will be giving yourself to achieve said goals. When determining this step of the process, keep in mind the methodology that you will use to execute this plan and be realistic towards the amount of time that it will take. Do not keep your hopes too high, but do not keep them so low that investors find it too time consuming and think that their money will go to waste.

How much will it cost?

You should not get yourself involved in a volunteer program that will leave you bankrupt. That not only does not make sense, but it will also end with leaving you the one in need of help of others instead of you helping others. While sometimes a good investment is required for the execution of the right plan, keep in mind that it does not have to drain your pockets. State your financial status clearly to those willing to invest, so that a realistic picture of the needs can be drawn. This will also give you an idea of how much to ask for. Not a single penny should go to waste, and every cash inflow should be purposeful.

Who will it affect?

Think about who your plan will affect. In a broader sense of things, will it affect the nature? The wildlife? Or the humans? After deciding on a category, it is time to jump into the details. For instance, if you are wishing to preserve trees, who will it affect? Essentially, of course, it will affect us humans, Volunteering Benefits the Community. But it will also help various ecosystems and habitats of some creatures. Prepare a detailed list of cause and effect that will help the investors see your way and make them want to invest wholeheartedly.

Assessing your efforts fairly.

Determine what outcomes you wish to see, and upon the visibility of which outcomes will you finally decide that your job is done. Define in either quantitative or qualitative methods what you desire to achieve at the end of your program, and once all those results are seen, you will know that it is time to stop.

There are some tips to plan your volunteer vacation during your gap year in India.

OTHER POPULAR RESOURCES:

• Plan Best Gap Year in India with 25 surprising facts – iSpiice.
• Working Abroad Opportunities Volunteering India.
• Truth about Volunteering in India.