SPS’ Post

Let's weave a vibrant volunteering culture into our everyday rhythm – where giving back is not just a choice, but a way of life!💕 🙋🤝🙋🏻♀️#CultureOfCaring There are 15 million white-collar employees in India, contributing to a total of over 150 million volunteering hours annually. These hours can contribute to the social and economic development of our country. This would represent a significant socio-economic contribution of over Rs 7,500 crore, which can be unlocked by promoting volunteering in Indian corporates (30% of the overall CSR spending in India) The India Welfare Trust, in its report, emphasized how volunteering can serve as an effective learning and development program. According to the report, it helps individuals gain professional and collaborative skills. A 2019 survey in India titled ‘The Impact of Volunteering’, conducted by CRY - Child Rights and You - noted that volunteers improved their soft and business skills like empathy (94%), respect (91%), creativity (85%), teamwork (85%), communication skills (77%) and leadership skills (77%). Let's unite to cultivate a culture of volunteering in India, unlocking its vast potential. #VolunteerTogether Please read my selected voluntary work for iVolunteer #YouthChampionAward2023 https://lnkd.in/gbDYMRij 👉Note:- My profile is visible under Youth Champion Category. If you would like to appreciate my work please visit https://lnkd.in/gXKFiDhW United Nations Volunteers Volcon - India's Flagship Volunteering Conference Volunteer Orientation Program Volunteer Ireland IVolunteer International Karthee Vidya Volunteer Social Impact Award Gautham Ravindran Ramalingam Natarajan Ayyanar Elumalai Shalabh Sahai #iVolunteerAwards #iVolunteer #VolunteerRecognition #Support #SocialCause #welfare #youthleaders #leadership #education #employment #jobs

Why is it that when we think of volunteering that we end up thinking in terms of beneficiaries in a uni-directional manner? Doesn't volunteering help the inner capacity development of the person volunteering? If so, why shouldn't the narrative transcend the giver/receiver or saviour mindset? Last week, I was in conversation with Vijaya Balaji, CEO, toolbox INDIA Foundation and CEO & Founding Partner Social Lens along with Ikuma Saga, CEO & Founder Service Grant Japan. We discussed several topics which included the motivation for volunteering, the role of Gen-Z; the linkage between volunteering and inner capacity development; the need for NGOs to manage volunteers in the same way they do for fund-raising and the imperative for corporate sector employees to ‘connect’ with the social sector while undertaking social sabbatical projects. If you would like to watch the webinar recording please click here https://lnkd.in/dTMCR_7g #volunteering #ProBono #Covid19 #GenZ #environment #sustainability #NGOs #InnerCapacityDevelopment #VolunteerManagement #SocialSector #CorporateSector SHAKTIFY

Namaskar Everyone, Yesterday while having a discussion (during my Tripura Visit) with our (Sewa international) Karyakartas and later with the volunteers as well, I realised that people are actually treating volunteerism as vary pious activity. In fact the gesture of Volunteerism and it's importance is emphasized through a shloka in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita: --- Embracing the Spirit of Seva: The Importance of Volunteering In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the timeless wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita reminds us of the profound value of selfless service, or "Seva". As Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 19): तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर । असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः ॥ _"Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme."_ Volunteering is a beautiful expression of this principle of selfless action. Here’s why it’s so important: 1. Personal Growth: Volunteering helps us cultivate empathy, patience, and resilience. 2. Community Building: It strengthens the fabric of our communities, fostering unity and mutual support. 3. Mental Well-being: Serving others provides a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose, enhancing our overall well-being. 4. Skill Development: Volunteering offers opportunities to learn new skills and gain experiences that are valuable both personally and professionally. Let’s draw inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita and commit to serving others selflessly. Together, we can create a positive impact and drive meaningful change. #Volunteering #Seva #BhagavadGita #CommunityService #PersonalGrowth #SelflessService #sewainternational #sukalpfoundation

# Throwback to the Jal Sewa Initiative by SUM India Helping to #BeatTheHeat During the scorching summer months, SUM India launched the Jal Sewa initiative, a heartwarming and much-needed campaign aimed at distributing water (jal) to people to help them #BeatTheHeat. This initiative was a testament to SUM India's commitment to community service and public welfare. Highlights of the Jal Sewa Initiative: 1. **Widespread Distribution**: Volunteers from SUM India set up water distribution points across various parts of the city, ensuring that clean and cool drinking water was accessible to everyone. 2. **Community Involvement**: The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from community members who joined hands with SUM India, either by volunteering or by contributing resources. 3. **Awareness Campaigns**: Alongside distributing water, the initiative also focused on educating the public about the importance of staying hydrated and the dangers of heat strokes. 4. **Support for Vulnerable Populations**: Special attention was given to areas with a high population of vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, children, and outdoor workers, ensuring they had ample access to drinking water. Impact: The Jal Sewa initiative had a significant positive impact, providing relief to countless individuals during the intense heatwave. It highlighted the power of community action and the importance of caring for one another in times of need. Let’s continue to support such noble causes and spread the message of compassion and care. Cheers to SUM India for their incredible effort!

Dear Volunteers, Have you ever wondered how volunteering can change your life and the world around you? If yes, then you are not alone. Millions of Indians are volunteering every day, making a positive impact on themselves and their communities. But what does the future hold for volunteering in India? How will it evolve in the 21st century? Check out our recent blog, 'The Future of Volunteering in India' where we will explore the promising trends and emerging opportunities that could transform the volunteering landscape in India. Click here to read it - https://bit.ly/47YR2cx #ConnectFor #Volunteeringinindia #futureofvolunteering #volunteeringtrends #csrvolunteering #covid19 #digitalvolunteering #volunteerfromhome #remotevolunteering #virtualvolunteering #blogpost #blog #sundayreads #weekendreads #insightful

Dear Friends, My "Saturday Date" with HHH Wasn't What I Expected (But Totally Worth It!) This past Saturday, I found myself with mixed feelings about attending a workshop for Head Held High (HHH) NGO. After a long week, the idea of another commitment wasn't exactly thrilling. But then, my boss offered a brilliant perspective. He said, "Sure, there might be reasons to skip it, but what about just one reason to attend?" That question struck a chord. I'm fortunate for the many blessings in my life, and giving back to those in need felt like the perfect way to share my good fortune. So, I decided to ditch the usual Saturday plans and head out for a date with HHH! The Power of Empathy and Collaboration The HHH team was incredible. They emphasized the power of empathy, not just for others, but for our own emotional well-being. They shared inspiring stories of lives transformed by selfless volunteers, and it truly left a mark. Why Volunteer? It's a Win-Win! Let's be honest, volunteering isn't always about convenience. But the rewards are undeniable. Here's what I discovered: ●     Strengthens Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the needs of others fosters compassion and builds your ability to navigate social situations effectively. ●     Boosts Happiness & Well-being: Studies show volunteering reduces stress, combats feelings of isolation, and leads to a greater sense of purpose. ●     Develops New Skills & Knowledge: Volunteering opportunities often allow you to learn new things, gain valuable experience, and expand your professional network. ●     The Power of Teamwork: Working together towards a shared goal can be incredibly motivating and fosters a sense of community. ●     Become more sensitive to others and environment ●     Embracing New Challenges: Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences lie just beyond our comfort zone. Beyond the Workshop: A Peaceful Sanctuary The venue itself was amazing! The Hearfulness Ashram in Manapakam offered a stunning and peaceful escape. I highly recommend checking it out! This experience reminded me that even small acts of service can make a big difference. #DexianIndia #Heartfulness #HHH #MakingADifference #voulnteer

5) 🌟 Making a Difference: My Journey in Social Work 🌟 Reflecting on my journey as a caring citizen dedicated to social wellbeing, I'm proud to share how I've been able to contribute and give back to society in meaningful ways. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, a friend and I took initiative and started an Instagram account called @covidleads_. Our goal was simple yet impactful: to provide vital insights and news about essential supplies like Remdesivir injections, oxygen cylinders, PP kits, steroids, and medication to those in need. It was our mission to connect people with the resources they urgently needed. We focused on helping individuals and hospitals gain access to products that were facing shortages, offering regular updates and information that could potentially save lives. This not only saved lives but also alleviated the stress and anxiety of individuals and families struggling to access these critical supplies. The reach we gained on our account was inspiring, and knowing that we were able to assist numerous people during such trying times was incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirms the incredible potential of social media as a tool for good, uniting us in our efforts to make a difference and uplift those in need. Additionally, I dedicated a month of my time to a social internship at Karmdhara Trust, an NGO committed to various social causes. During my internship, I engaged in a wide range of activities that touched the lives of many: 1. Teaching Poor and Underprivileged Kids: Providing education and mentorship to children in need, empowering them for a brighter future. 2. Helping Injured Animals: Extending compassion and care to our furry friends, promoting animal welfare and advocacy. 3. Running Tobacco Addiction Campaigns: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and supporting individuals in their journey towards quitting. 4. Helping Stray Dogs: Providing food, shelter, and medical care to stray dogs, advocating for their rights and wellbeing. 5. Arranging Games in an Old Age Home: Bringing joy and companionship to seniors, fostering a sense of community and happiness. 6. Charity Work: Contributing to fundraising initiatives and charitable projects, making a positive impact on vulnerable populations. 7. Collaboration with Formal NGOs: Partnering with established organizations to amplify our impact and reach a broader audience. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, collaboration, and empathy in overcoming challenges and creating sustainable change. I realized the power of collective efforts and the need for continuous learning and improvement in the realm of social work. As I continue on this journey, I remain committed to making a difference and uplifting those in need, one step at a time. Let's collaborate and work together towards a brighter and more inclusive future! 🌍 #SocialImpact #CommunityEngagement #EmpathyInAction #LinkedInConnections

REIMAGINING VOLUNTEERING Some of the key takeaways from the conversation between Shaktify Founder, Shakti Saran and Ikuma Saga, CEO & Founder Service Grant Japan along with Vijaya Balaji, CEO, toolbox INDIA Foundation and CEO & Founding Partner Social Lens. 1.    The search for purpose is a key motivator for volunteering and helps in building compassion 2.    Covid-19 was a watershed and heightened Gen-Z’s sensitivity towards environmental and sustainability issues 3.    The linkage between volunteering and inner capacity development needs to be brought out clearly 4.    NGOs should recognise volunteer effort and have dedicated resources for volunteer management/retention 5.    It is imperative for corporate sector employees to ‘connect’ with the social sector while undertaking social sabbatical projects 6.    Volunteering programs should become a repeatable activity rather than being one-off 7.    Glimpses of some of the emerging volunteering models were shared To watch the webinar recording please click here https://lnkd.in/dTMCR_7g #volunteering #ProBono #Covid19 #GenZ #environment #sustainability #NGOs #InnerCapacityDevelopment #VolunteerManagement #SocialSector #CorporateSector

To the youth of Kashmir and anyone! Don't let idle time go to waste—your efforts can lead to meaningful change in our community. Consider Volunteering for causes you care about. Although it's a bit late to share my own volunteering experience, I believe it’s worth sharing. I started my volunteering with Human welfare Voluntary Organization back in 2022. I was eager to contribute to my community and wanted to focus on environmental issues, as the degradation of our environment deeply concerns me. I showed my interest to work with them however, I was informed that they work under a project related to gender. I researched about the topic and realised how little I knew about it. I was initially disheartened but my love to explore different things encouraged me to give it a try. I was assigned report-making tasks for the first few weeks, as I had experience writing for newspapers. Through this work, I gained insights into the organization's activities. After a month, I started going for the field work with other team members. We used to go to the remote villages to conduct workshops for psycho social counselling. During these workshops, I came across many women who were suffering from mental health issues. The saddest part of which was that many of them were unaware about it. During these workshops, I not only gained a firsthand exposure to the prevalence of the mental health issues especially among women of remote areas in Kashmir but this experience also heightened the importance of awareness campaigns in communities. Although, this volunteering had been challenging for me as it took an emotional toll on me while working with the vulnerable communities but in the long run it made me a better human. Volunteering not only transformed my perspectives, it also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to causes I care about, which gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. To anyone considering volunteering: don't hesitate. The experience may take you in unexpected directions, but it will always make you a better version of yourself. #Volunteering #Bepartofchange

𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒏! Today, I wanted to share how volunteerism can benefit our social and mental health. Volunteering isn't just about giving out rations to the needy or taking care of others. You can volunteer at Active Ageing Centres to support the elderly around Singapore in various ways. Look out for Social Service Agencies such as Allkin Singapore that provide such opportunities! Teaching basic English or training a sport can be incredibly rewarding. Even pottery, if you're skilled and enjoy it, can make a huge difference to the active seniors. Share what you love to do at the capacity of a volunteer! Volunteering offers a chance to connect with others and build a sense of community. It helps reduce stress and combats depression by providing a sense of purpose. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝟑 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦: 🤝 Build Connections: Volunteering helps you meet new people and expand your social network. 🧠 Improve Mental Health: Helping others can boost your mood and reduce stress levels. 💪 Develop Skills: Volunteering allows you to gain new skills and experiences, enhancing personal growth. Volunteering is a powerful way to give back and enrich your own life. Let's embrace the spirit of volunteerism and make a positive impact together 😁 I'm Darren Lim, I help individuals to build their Teenage Awareness, thrive with the AMAS Framework, and hone their Invincible Resilience! Follow me to find out more! To find your nearest Active Ageing Centre visit: https://lnkd.in/gV8UddmZ #InvincibleResilience #TeenageAwareness #TeenageResilience