When was the last time you volunteered, and where?

The last time I volunteered was in 1997 in Karanataka, India. It was after my two-year contract as a health worker in Middle East. This volunteer work was offered to me by a friend who organizes volunteer programs to other countries. It was a response to a call for health worker in a village in one of the villages in Karnataka. SInce my inclination that time was in community service, I grabbed the opportunity to volunteer. But even prior to that, I was already into volunteering so it was not a new thing for me. There, I worked as a community health nurse, a teacher and a hospital staff. Since it is a volunteer program, I don't receive any compensation except for an allowance for my daily subsistence. There I was able to help differently -abled children, patients with special needs and train "balwadi" or kinder teachers. I learned their language in order to communicate with them though they know simple English. As a teacher, I taught simple English just for them to be able to read and write. I also taught embroidery as a livelihood skills training for mothers and teenagers who cannot go on to the university. I also learned to love their curried foods. :-) But during my first week, I had loose bowel movement because I can't tolerate the pungent taste. As part of the adjustment I have to go through different changes in my lifestyle like, riding a bicycle in going to the market because its our means of transportation or else I have to walk few kilometers in going to the market, the church, the terminal, the little market or shops they have, to get water from the well, to wear a plastic sandals called 'chappals' my first time :-), to eat with my hands using a big stainless plate.It was fun.:-) It was a very rich experience of inculturation and acculturation.I learn to be grateful for the things I have but most of all I learn to be simple and be happy with it.

The last time I volunteered at my temple where they kept a health fair. I was a runner which was basically taking patients to the doctors or physicians.

My last volunteering was done with the GED & adult education center. I helped adults learn to read, do basic (and advanced) arithmetic, and for others I helped them achieve their GED when they decided life would be better with a high school diploma. I started doing that the year my nephew was found to be dyslexic, and my one dtr was having trouble with reading. One of the reasons I chose to become a tutor was so that these kids would see how it pays to never give up with schooling no matter what, that there are more jobs when you have the minimum of a high school diploma. Although I never mentioned students names, they knew that I taught a 62 year old man how to read, just so he could read a nighttime storybook to his granddaughter, and an adult girl how to read out loud despite the speech difficulties she was born with. I cannot donate money, as I have no income, so this is the one way that I can make a positive difference. My kids? The dyslexic learned how to read (and now loves it) and the dtr found that she loves reading despite the rocky beginnings:-)

When I was in college, I did volunteer works during typhoon, feeding programs and medical mission. During typhoon, we go to churches and other center to help pack grocery items, clothes and other stuff needed for the typhoon victims. I did those because I know I cannot give monetary support for them. However, since I got a job and gave birth to my child, I stopped my volunteer works. I now only pray for there safety.

The last time that I did some voluntary work was during national elections. I was employed as a NAMFREL volunteer. No comp but the satisfaction it gave me was rewarding. It feels good knowing that you were able to help ensure the implementation of an honest election. It was very tiresome but rewarding. Currently though, I find it hard to participate at any voluntary work because of my work schedule. Still, I give donations such as old clothings and food to those who are affected.

The last time I had volunteered in any organization was last year I think. When we had our tree planting activity. I actually volunteered because I also want to experience it again since I only have few experiences about saving mother earth. Well, whenever I experience doing this kind of activity I really feel good. It is indeed nice to show our love, care and support to the things that are around us. It's at least, you have done such an amazing one.