Vacationing with a sense of purpose
April 14, 2003 | 12:00am
We are in the thick of summer. And with it comes the allure of beachcombing, mountain climbing, rain forest hiking, deep-sea diving, picnicking, sidewalk café chitchatting, museum hopping, food bingeing, and other traditional vacation and travel fares.
Summer also rekindles the desire to get a tan, shed off unwanted pounds, get fit, try something we have never done before, learn a new craft, or simply spark new relationships, renew ties with long, lost friends and relatives, and develop productive attachments with people, places and events that provide the desired fun and enjoyment.
For sure, we will continue to see these conventional ways of relishing the freshness and brightness of summer. But looking at the trends in an increasing number of countries, it can be accurately predicted that more and more of us will find new ways to make our vacations more meaningful. We will be looking for holiday trips that can give us more than leisure and escape from the everyday grind.
More than sitting by the pool sipping tropical shakes, or trekking unhurriedly in the lush greeneries in our hometowns, we will be seeking for mission adventures that can make a difference. We will be provoked to make our heads spin, stretch the limit of our comforts and security, and push us to another place within ourselves.
This phenomenon is called volunteer vacation. It is going on an expedition with a noble quest. It is working voluntarily while on vacation revolving around a catchy formula of escapade, fascination, and a sense of purpose. It is a way to experience riveting cultures, meet new people, give something back to a chosen community, and toil for a preferred cause.
Combining physical pleasure and spiritual enrichment, volunteer vacation could take various shapes and forms – environmental care; education for the challenged and less privileged; promotion of peace, justice, tolerance, cultural understanding, community cooperation, and preservation of heritage; and the enhancement of the quality of life of people whose lives we touch.
The concept of volunteer vacation is easy to appreciate. But the questions that we are wont to ask cover: How do we start? What do we want to do? How do we do it? Where do we go? Are there organizations, foundations or volunteer groups that we can connect with to initiate a program?
We can start by researching on the causes or issues important to us. Link up with a group that works with advocacy programs that we feel strongly about, and if we cannot find one, initiate one ourselves – rally for a cleanliness drive in our neighborhoods, teach adult technophobes the basics of computer operations, take a catechism assignment in public schools, or a soup kitchen post in depressed areas.
Consider singling out an undertaking that fits our skills or area of expertise. A medical mission in a remote barrio is a natural choice for nurses and doctors. Engineers and architects can serve the purpose of the Habitat for Humanity initiative. Communications specialists can align with literacy programs. Even if we believe that our skills do not translate well to volunteering, there are many groups that welcome smart, committed volunteers to do a number of tasks.
Volunteering can inject new exposures or simply alter our routine existence. If we do a daily eight-to-five office grind, we may opt to get involved in an active volunteerism activity that can shake us off from the boredom it brings. Many non-profits would like to partner with people or groups that are willing to share their time and knowledge. We just have to review the membership rosters of the League of Corporate Foundations, non-government organizations, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and other similarly driven groups, to pick specific advocacies that we can align with.
While we are at it, think about searching for a volunteer opportunity appropriate for parents and children to do together, for a husband and wife to execute as a team, or for a barkada to carry out. Completing a virtuous project with close family members and friends breeds closeness, and packs wonderful memories of shared experiences.
Our flesh and bones may get tired from volunteerism, but it surely gives a soothing voice to our hearts, and a refreshing lift to our souls. These are priceless gifts indeed, and they bring immeasurable results.
Time is a major factor in the decision to do missionary work. We could ponder on what Just & Give, a US-based volunteer group has to say to make the resolve – "If we have 5 minutes, we could place a friendly phone call to an elderly shut in; If we have one hour, we could donate blood; If we have 5 hours, we could help clean up a city park; if we have 5 days, we could build homes for a housing group; If we have 1 month, we could join a clean water project by digging a new well; If we have 1 year, we could join a theater group or a church choir."
One of the hardest aspects of volunteering is finding an opportunity that fits our individual or collective goal, desire and personality. Here’s a laundry list of personal favorites, and they could certainly offer you and me a perfect match:
• Children’s Wishes – Thousands of children have enjoyed the magical experience of having a cherished wish fulfilled through the Make A Wish Foundation. Bring joy and hope to seriously ill kids and their families by helping them realize their fondest dreams.
• Literacy and Learning – Reading is one of the most vital skills young and adults alike can have. We could act as tutors, or collect used books and other reading materials to donate to public libraries, prisons, and halfway homes – or give them to street children or out-of-school youths. Maybe Pfizer could open its doors to volunteers who may be interested to help in its Read to Lead initiative and cover more areas.
• Wall Art – Help brighten a public playground or street posts and walls by lending our painting talents to do colorful and enlivening murals. Or, partner with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and lend an artistic hand in doing graphic overlays on graffiti all over the mega metropolis.
• Environmental Stewardship – There are numerous environmental programs that encourage volunteer support. One such drive is Mirant Phils.’ "Carbon Sink" project in Pagbilao, Quezon, which will undertake the reforestation of 150 hectares of upland forests and turn them into an ecotourism destination. As we now know, mangroves absorb and store carbon dioxide which, if left in the air, will deplete the ozone layer and effect climate change. A carbon sink renders the compound harmless. It is a cost-effective way of countering the effects of global warming. Environmentalists could be encouraged to do continuous research and contribute, in their own way, in the effort to protect Mother Earth.
• Other possibilities include day-care centers, preservation of museums, art galleries and monuments, historical restorations, homeless shelters, tutoring and mentoring in public schools, Special Olympics, disaster relief brigades, senior citizen homes. The list can go on and on. We can even start our own volunteering ideas.
Volunteer vacation begets psychic rewards. After each generously offered adventure, we almost always come away with a tremendous pride and great satisfaction inherent to such acts of selflessness. When planning for our next vacation schedule, seriously consider spending such break "doing some good as we have some good time."
Right now, we might already be giving money to charity groups, and that is a good place to begin our volunteer lifestyle. Mother Teresa, however, offered a better proposition aptly captured in these inspiring words: "Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough; money can be got; but they need our hearts to love them."
E-mail bongo@vasia.com or bongo@campaign sandgrey.net for comments and/or questions
Summer also rekindles the desire to get a tan, shed off unwanted pounds, get fit, try something we have never done before, learn a new craft, or simply spark new relationships, renew ties with long, lost friends and relatives, and develop productive attachments with people, places and events that provide the desired fun and enjoyment.
For sure, we will continue to see these conventional ways of relishing the freshness and brightness of summer. But looking at the trends in an increasing number of countries, it can be accurately predicted that more and more of us will find new ways to make our vacations more meaningful. We will be looking for holiday trips that can give us more than leisure and escape from the everyday grind.
This phenomenon is called volunteer vacation. It is going on an expedition with a noble quest. It is working voluntarily while on vacation revolving around a catchy formula of escapade, fascination, and a sense of purpose. It is a way to experience riveting cultures, meet new people, give something back to a chosen community, and toil for a preferred cause.
Combining physical pleasure and spiritual enrichment, volunteer vacation could take various shapes and forms – environmental care; education for the challenged and less privileged; promotion of peace, justice, tolerance, cultural understanding, community cooperation, and preservation of heritage; and the enhancement of the quality of life of people whose lives we touch.
The concept of volunteer vacation is easy to appreciate. But the questions that we are wont to ask cover: How do we start? What do we want to do? How do we do it? Where do we go? Are there organizations, foundations or volunteer groups that we can connect with to initiate a program?
Consider singling out an undertaking that fits our skills or area of expertise. A medical mission in a remote barrio is a natural choice for nurses and doctors. Engineers and architects can serve the purpose of the Habitat for Humanity initiative. Communications specialists can align with literacy programs. Even if we believe that our skills do not translate well to volunteering, there are many groups that welcome smart, committed volunteers to do a number of tasks.
Volunteering can inject new exposures or simply alter our routine existence. If we do a daily eight-to-five office grind, we may opt to get involved in an active volunteerism activity that can shake us off from the boredom it brings. Many non-profits would like to partner with people or groups that are willing to share their time and knowledge. We just have to review the membership rosters of the League of Corporate Foundations, non-government organizations, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and other similarly driven groups, to pick specific advocacies that we can align with.
While we are at it, think about searching for a volunteer opportunity appropriate for parents and children to do together, for a husband and wife to execute as a team, or for a barkada to carry out. Completing a virtuous project with close family members and friends breeds closeness, and packs wonderful memories of shared experiences.
Our flesh and bones may get tired from volunteerism, but it surely gives a soothing voice to our hearts, and a refreshing lift to our souls. These are priceless gifts indeed, and they bring immeasurable results.
Time is a major factor in the decision to do missionary work. We could ponder on what Just & Give, a US-based volunteer group has to say to make the resolve – "If we have 5 minutes, we could place a friendly phone call to an elderly shut in; If we have one hour, we could donate blood; If we have 5 hours, we could help clean up a city park; if we have 5 days, we could build homes for a housing group; If we have 1 month, we could join a clean water project by digging a new well; If we have 1 year, we could join a theater group or a church choir."
• Children’s Wishes – Thousands of children have enjoyed the magical experience of having a cherished wish fulfilled through the Make A Wish Foundation. Bring joy and hope to seriously ill kids and their families by helping them realize their fondest dreams.
• Literacy and Learning – Reading is one of the most vital skills young and adults alike can have. We could act as tutors, or collect used books and other reading materials to donate to public libraries, prisons, and halfway homes – or give them to street children or out-of-school youths. Maybe Pfizer could open its doors to volunteers who may be interested to help in its Read to Lead initiative and cover more areas.
• Wall Art – Help brighten a public playground or street posts and walls by lending our painting talents to do colorful and enlivening murals. Or, partner with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and lend an artistic hand in doing graphic overlays on graffiti all over the mega metropolis.
• Environmental Stewardship – There are numerous environmental programs that encourage volunteer support. One such drive is Mirant Phils.’ "Carbon Sink" project in Pagbilao, Quezon, which will undertake the reforestation of 150 hectares of upland forests and turn them into an ecotourism destination. As we now know, mangroves absorb and store carbon dioxide which, if left in the air, will deplete the ozone layer and effect climate change. A carbon sink renders the compound harmless. It is a cost-effective way of countering the effects of global warming. Environmentalists could be encouraged to do continuous research and contribute, in their own way, in the effort to protect Mother Earth.
• Other possibilities include day-care centers, preservation of museums, art galleries and monuments, historical restorations, homeless shelters, tutoring and mentoring in public schools, Special Olympics, disaster relief brigades, senior citizen homes. The list can go on and on. We can even start our own volunteering ideas.
Volunteer vacation begets psychic rewards. After each generously offered adventure, we almost always come away with a tremendous pride and great satisfaction inherent to such acts of selflessness. When planning for our next vacation schedule, seriously consider spending such break "doing some good as we have some good time."
Right now, we might already be giving money to charity groups, and that is a good place to begin our volunteer lifestyle. Mother Teresa, however, offered a better proposition aptly captured in these inspiring words: "Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough; money can be got; but they need our hearts to love them."
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