To say that volunteerism is an avenue to pay it forward sounds more like a cliché than an viewpoint. Committing to do good for others gives one a sense of fulfillment and happiness, regardless of the energy, time and other resources put in.
What's in it for volunteers? Let's accept it that many veteran volunteers act within the purview of their social influence. That's good! The action guarantees an immense and sincere sense of purpose: To help.
For those who have lots of time to share and spare, volunteering adds more to life, physically and mentally. "It has lowered my stress level," as the rationale of my late friend, Rotarian Tessie Tumangan, who spent the whole of her retired life being of service to others. Volunteerism was her way of life.
Volunteering on my Mind
The Canadian Government is considerably conscious of the physical and psychological condition and general welfare of its citizens, giving very high regard to military/war veterans, senior citizens and the less fortunate.
When I arrived here to visit my two children, they briefed me on what my day could be like since everyone is employed and my grandchildren are in school during the day. They suggested gym or club membership and gave me a list of places I can drive to while away time.
Getting bored is not very likely to happen as I am profoundly loaded with a book editing project and in writing my column contributions to this space.
In my mind, there should be something else I should "do around here!"
Unequivocal Call
Since I am not keen in working here, indeed, "volunteering" was my target. In the Philippines, I make myself available when there are calls for volunteers or where there are community engagements to help a greater majority in need.
Anyways, the unequivocal urge to be of service persists. I get fired up with volunteer activities. The added plus is gaining new friends.
Even if I practically have a full calendar of activities as a writer, I yearn to always give time to serve the community.
So, in my first few weeks, I scoured the Net for organizations or Filipino communities to network with, like Volunteer Canada, Scarborough Center for Healthy Communities and the Filipino Community Center.
Stringent Requirements
In my online search, I was overwhelmed with the buffet of volunteer opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) alone. I would have wanted to be part of the information bulletin, assist in food banks and in youth counseling services.
Food banks — that distribute food packages and clothes to the needy and serve hot meals — are exceptionally busy during wintertime.
In exploring options, I realized that one cannot just walk in to lend a hand and say "I volunteer!"
In the Philippines, I have a circle of friends who make themselves available when volunteering opportunities open. In Ontario, trainings or formal briefings prior to qualifying as "a volunteer" are required.
I attended several zoom meetings for volunteers, as a matter of fact, where commitment is determined, volunteers sign up for availability and fields of interest, and, most importantly, police clearance is required, in this order.
After training, the sponsoring organization issues a volunteer certification form essential in applying with the Canadian Police Information Centre for "volunteer clearance".
I Do Not Qualify
Frustrating to a point! The realization is, as a temporary visitor to Canada, I do not qualify.
The police clearance isn't just an online application to fill up. There should be a "community background" to check. This is similar to our Barangay or Police Clearance back home.
My entry documents speak for itself. Besides, I have no permanent residency status which is also a requisite if one is not a Canadian citizen.
As if to placate this frustration, my daughter Brenda jested, "therefore, Mom, next time, carry with you clearances from the Barangay, Police and National Bureau of Investigation".
(email opinyon.luchieA@gmail.com)
#EqualSpace #LuchieAclanArguelles #TheArtOfVolunteerism #Volunteers #OpinYonColumn #OpinYon #WeTakeAStand