South West Volunteer Guide by SouthWestCDC

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6316 7250

southwest_cdc@pa.gov.sg

This Is A South West Volunteer Corp Network Initiative By Supported by

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Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foreword

Where Can I Volunteer?

Some Reasons To Volunteer

How Do I Start Volunteering?

What are the Causes to Help?

Tips for All Volunteers

07 Important Things To Note

09 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

11 Notes

MAYOR’S FOREWORD Thank You For Joining Us In The Journey Of Giving. As an age-old saying goes, “For it is in giving that we receive”, and I believe you will be blessed with joy and richness that comes from volunteering. To help you get started on this meaningful journey, we have prepared this easy-to-understand starter kit for you. Its frequently asked questions and answers will give you a sense of what volunteering in the community is like. The world of volunteerism is an enriching one – whether it’s befriending a senior, delivering free meals, or mentoring young minds – you will find valuable opportunities out there to make a difference. Most of all, we cherish your partnership with us in creating an inclusive South West District, where a caring and compassionate community lives. I wish you a wonderful volunteering experience and may you find great delight in the lives you will touch.

Yours Sincerely, Low Yen Ling Mayor of South West District

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

SOME REASONS TO VOLUNTEER I want to make a difference.

You can make a difference and touch the lives of those you assist. You can give back to your community in many ways.

I want to learn or develop new skills.

You can develop a new skill or try something different. Volunteering gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. You may be surprised to discover your own innate talents through the various activities you volunteer in.

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

I want to live a meaningful and healthy life.

You can stay active and feel better physically as you are kept occupied through meaningful volunteering activities. Volunteering can also help to relieve stress and enrich your life as you know someone out there needs you.

I want to make new friends.

You will have opportunities to know like-minded people who may share the same interests as you. Volunteering brings together people from different walks of life and enlarges your social circle.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES TO HELP? Below are a few causes which you can explore:

Special Needs and Disability

Vulnerable Children and Youth

Environmental Protection

Vulnerable Seniors and Families

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

WHERE CAN I VOLUNTEER? 1. About South West Community Development Council (CDC) The South West CDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to build a caring and cohesive community: Assist the Needy, Bond the People and Connect the Community. We work closely with the 3Ps (Public, Private and People) to strengthen our social fabric. Through the CDC, residents can forge stronger community bonds and better assist the more vulnerable in the society.

You can volunteer at the CDC through community programmes that reach out to the vulnerable or at-risk, promote family bonding, or organise activities to promote community interaction, among many others. For individual volunteers and corporate organisations interested in volunteering, please email to

southwest_cdc@pa.gov.sg

2. About Grassroots Organisations (GROs)

The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association (PA) has a network of more than 1,800 grassroots organisations (GROs). They are managed by volunteers appointed by the PA. Through their involvement in the GROs, these volunteers help the PA achieve its mission of building and bridging communities to achieve one people, one Singapore. They bring people of different backgrounds together by organising a wide range of programmes for residents to meet and interact, encouraging community involvement, raising awareness about community issues, explaining government policies and gathering feedback, as well as helping those in need, so as to strengthen racial harmony and social cohesion in our community.

3. About Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs)

VWOs are non-profit organisations that provide welfare services that benefit the community at large. You can volunteer at VWOs in areas such as senior and disability care, shelters and welfare homes, or mentoring youth-at-risk. You can visit the websites of VWOs or visit www.giving.sg, a one-stop portal for giving to find out more about their causes and volunteering opportunities.

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

HOW DO I START VOLUNTEERING?

5 Easy Steps to Kickstart My Volunteer Journey (S.T.A.R.T)

S T A R T

tart by considering your commitments and skills. Think about what you have to offer. What causes are you passionate about and what professional skills or life skills do you possess?

ry to find out which organisation suits you and whether your skills will be suitable and relevant for the volunteering opportunities available.

ssess the average time that you can spare and how frequent you wish to volunteer. Try not to volunteer beyond your physical limitations. Pace yourself and take ample time to rest after volunteering. You will be able to contribute even more when you are well-rested.

ally your friends and family to volunteer together if you are shy to volunteer on your own. You can spend quality time with them and it is fun to volunteer together.

ouch base with the organisation to get a sense of what you are in for. Find out more about the opportunities that you are interested in and do not be afraid to ask questions.

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

TIPS FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS 1) Understand the volunteering roles thoroughly and find out which is the most suitable organisation for you. 2) Know your time and commitment. Plan ahead for day(s) to volunteer so that they do not clash with your family gatherings or outings. 3) You may wish to choose volunteering opportunities nearer to home for more convenience. 4) Try not to volunteer beyond your physical limitations. Pace yourself and take ample time to rest after volunteering. You will be able to contribute even more when you are well-rested. 5) Your experience and skills are important assets to the community. Share them with the organisation you are volunteering at. 6) Do not be judgmental, always keep an open mind. 7) Know your strengths, weaknesses and fears. It allows you to better manage your emotions. 8) Be sensitive with your words. Ask when in doubt, and listen when in touch. 9) Be confident and positive, and be willing to try new skills and be in a different environment. 10) Enjoy yourself. Volunteering is a journey where you set out to make a difference in someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE Do not give your personal contact number to the beneficiaries unless it is approved by the volunteering organisation which you render your services to. • This is to safeguard your personal space and boundaries. • Communication with the beneficiaries can be arranged through the volunteering organisation.

Do not lend / give money to the beneficiaries or people whom you are assisting.

Financial Assistance

• Financial assistance is being handled by the help agencies. Highlight to the help agencies if a beneficiary approaches you for financial assistance.

Exercise tact when sharing gifts with beneficiaries. You did well!

• Do not promise or offer gifts to the beneficiaries, even if he/she asks for them. • Occasional small rewards (e.g. at the end of a session, subject to approval by the volunteering organisation that you volunteer with) to affirm the child’s efforts are fine, but they need not be expensive.

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE Avoid fanciful attire and accessories. •

Dress appropriately at all times (e.g. do not wear expensive jewelleries or revealing attire that may cause unwanted attention).

Be sensitive with your language. • Be mindful of your language at all times (e.g. do not make rude or condescending comments that may hurt or embarrass the beneficiaries, do not use vulgarities).

Be a responsible volunteer. Thanks for for letting Thanks lettingus know in advance! us know in advance!

• Arrive on time for events you have signed up for. •

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

Do inform the organisation and beneficiary early if you are not able to show up so that a substitute can be found.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Q1: Why should I volunteer? Volunteering gives you a sense of achievement and it makes your experience meaningful when you are able to uplift the lives of the less fortunate or improve your community. You can consider volunteering for activities that you are passionate about, such as helping the needy or community gardening. Through volunteering, you may even get to learn more about the activities that you enjoy doing.

Q2: How does volunteering help me? Volunteering regularly helps to improve your physical and mental well-being through regular social interaction among individuals. If your family is worried about you, they can also join in and volunteer together as a family. It is a good way to bond with your family members. You can also pick up a new skill or learn new knowledge along the way.

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Q3: How do I find suitable volunteering opportunities? There are many volunteering opportunities that will suit your background and expertise. Instead of joining an organisation, you can also practise informal volunteerism e.g. visiting a neighbour in need regularly to provide social or emotional support. Find a cause that resonates with you or one you feel strongly about. You can also contact South West CDC by emailing south_west_assistance@pa.gov.sg to suggest or propose areas of volunteerism.

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Q4: As a volunteer, how can I help the vulnerable? Help to the vulnerable is administered through different help agencies and voluntary welfare organisations. As a volunteer to these agencies / organisations, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with people who are vulnerable. Through your interactions with them, you can keep them company, lend a helping hand on some of the more difficult or challenging tasks, and keep a lookout for their basic needs. For example, you can help to deliver meals to the immobile seniors / disabled at their homes.

Q5: How do I manage my time as a volunteer? You can choose volunteering opportunities nearer to work/home. Prioritise your time and tasks at hand. Plan ahead so that your volunteering day(s) will not clash with your family commitments.

Q6: Can I volunteer if I have limited skills? Volunteering is for everyone. You may want to start with befriending the elderly, to give a listening ear to them. This is a quick start to volunteering.

I can make new friends!

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

NOTES Causes I am passionate about in order of preference* Arts and Culture

Environment

Children and Youth

Health and Wellness

Senior and Family

Special Needs and Disability

*Rank in order of preference with â&#x20AC;&#x153;1â&#x20AC;? signaling the most preferred

Understanding my strengths and weaknesses My Strength(s):

My Weakness(es):

e.g. Good listening skills

e.g. Too many commitments

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

Volunteer Activities Scheduled?

Important Dates & Events

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

**Tick if volunteer activities have been scheduled

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

Volunteer Activities Scheduled?

Important Dates & Events

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

**Tick if volunteer activities have been scheduled

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

KEY NOTES ON VOLUNTEERING AGENCY AND OPPORTUNITIES

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

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Thanks for letting us 多谢您的 know in advance! 提前通知！

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做得好！

S T A R T

SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEER GUIDE

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6316 7250

6316 1616

southwest_cdc@pa.gov.sg

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