AN INSIGHT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMEMT.

A few days ago, I had the privilege to share some knowledge about volunteering with some young leaders. It was almost like an impromptu, but that's never a problem for me. I had to quickly pen some points I would be discussing. And I allowed the wisdom of God to lead as I speak. 

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As you all know, taking time out to serve a cause is a cause itself. And if you've chosen to do this, you must stay committed to it until you get the result you want. So, what result? 

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And that is YOUR WHY FOR VOLUNTEERING. 

The discussion was basically tagged "VOLUNTEERING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT"

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And this is just one of the reasons why many of us had chosen to be a volunteer with one organization or the other. 

Do you want me to tell you the truth? 

Okay! 

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Volunteering in this part of the world has different phases. And the very obvious one is that you won't necessarily be paid for the work you do. But this might help you build the skill needed for the work that you will be paid for in the future. Hammed does emphasize this more. 

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And another phase of it will afford you to be paid a stipend for your period of engagement. Probably to cater for some personal needs that will aid your work. And trust me, you won't want to live on stipend forever. But don't ever underestimate the experience and the platform given. 

So, don't always have the intention of being PAID for every sacrifice you've put forward. 

I have also seen young leaders who become volunteers with organizations and later achieved the success of working with such an organization. I've also experienced this. 

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If you have chosen to volunteer so that you can become a Public Speaker. Don't just be a public speaker. Build a skill or knowledge of the required services required by the world. For example, being a teacher, an accountant, a designer, a marketer, a manager, even a food seller or vendor. 

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And with public speaking, you can promote the work you do, improve your market strategy, and earn more sales. Not just this, we have "1001 WHYs" to this. 

Let me share some skills you should learn while volunteering. 

  - Content Writing 

  - Social Media Management

  - Grant Writing  

  - How to Prepare and Present a Pitch Deck 

  - Teamwork  

  - Servant Leadership 

  - Collaboration 

  - Strategic Planning 

  - Event Planning and Management. 

  - And lots more. 

You will get to know this better if you are intentional about volunteering for PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. With this, you will have the courage to take up opportunities that seem bigger than you in the first place. 

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Other reasons why people choose to volunteer are highlighted below. 

 - To reinstall sanity to the community. 

  - To build their self-esteem 

  - To find their purpose in life.

  - To develop new skills

  - To build a strong network of business partners. 

  -  To build a great CV/ Profile

  - To fight against an injustice 

  - To feel among 

  - To become a public figure. 

  - To seek for support 

  - To live the purpose of giving back to humanity

  - To feel the pains of others and proffer suitable or sustainable solutions. 

The list is endless. I mean, ENDLESS. 

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But anyone you've chosen for yourself, set goals for it. And when achieve any of those goals, celebrate yourself and move to the NEXT one. 

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Remember, the truth is that if you forget reminding yourself about your why you will become frustrated about the results you are getting. 

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You will face a lot of distractions and discouragement. And you might want to give up on yourself. 

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However, VOLUNTEERING to me is a NATURAL GIFT to HUMANITY. We all do that in one way or the order. While some have chosen to live by this NATURAL PRINCIPLE, some people perceive it to be a waste of time. 

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You are here to serve a purpose. And the world is made for every one of us to keep helping one another become better.

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Much love to all leaders who give their selves in the service of others. May you remain strengthened. And your silent prayers will always be answered. 

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I'm still your brother in Humanity, 

©Afeez Olalekan SAKA. 

📸During a visit to an orphanage in Abeokuta@YALI Ogun.