Is Change Always Good...?

By: Hira Sabzwari
Times are changing and so is society. Generation Y is unlike its predecessors and so the private and public sectors are experiencing a shift, and trying to adapt. Recent trends reveal that there is a growing shortage of long-term volunteers; with youth being especially underrepresented in this category. And so it goes without say that organizations have observed a sharp rise in short-term volunteering, especially in youth. Most youth aspire to achieve, accomplish, and triumph in all aspects of life. This can be especially difficult for young people as many are just starting their foray into independent lives. With limited experience, skills, and a small professional network many youth decide to volunteer for short durations with multiple organizations. This allows them to network, develop new skills, beef up a CV, and gain a competitive edge for the future.
So what is the difference between short- term and long-term volunteering?

Short-term volunteering is usually done for a couple of months, at a one-time event, or for a specific number of hours and is not necessarily tied into one organization. Alternatively, long-term volunteering, is more of an ongoing commitment lasting up to a few years.
Why does it matter if there is a shift from one to another? Shouldn't the rise in short-term volunteering make up for the decline in the long-term volunteering?

Although the above statement is logical, consider the viewpoint of the volunteer organization. These organizations rely heavily upon their volunteers and the support of their communities. With limited resources it is difficult to recruit, screen and train many volunteers for a short period of time. However, this is not to discount the value of short-term volunteers.

Some might argue long-term volunteers have a deeper level of dedication and vested interest. However, short-term volunteers should not be considered any less devoted or uninterested - it is not a “lazier” form of volunteering. Students especially are very dedicated to their causes and it fits better with the student schedule to have a volunteer who can commit themselves completely for a shorter period of time, than one who signs up for the long haul and then finds themselves unable to fulfill their original commitment.

Short-term opportunities or projects can also work well for long-term volunteers especially when life’s circumstances change. This offers an excellent alternative for continued contribution, when one can no longer uphold a long-term commitment. Short-term opportunities also offer those just starting out as volunteers, the chance to get their feet wet and determine a level of commitment that is manageable for them. A reduced time-commitment, may make volunteer seem less intimidating for some. This creates an excellent opportunity to attract new volunteers, and this initial participation may even lead some short-term volunteers to consider sticking with an organization over a longer period of time.

My preference between short and long-term volunteering is based on time and availability. As a student, short-term volunteer work has suited me well. It has provided me with the opportunity to remain involved, contribute, and incorporate volunteer service into my life as a manageable time commitment. When life has permitted me to do so, I have also enjoyed my time as a long-term volunteer. Long-term volunteering comes with so many wonderful experiences, and some favourites are:

- Making a positive impact that results in a feeling of accomplishment, happiness, and pride.
- Seeing a project through from start to finish
- Realizing long-term goals.
- Becoming comfortable, familiar, and knowledgeable about the organization, and its projects
- Building strong relationships and friendships.

Life changes very quickly for a young person. As a student I am about to foray into a world of career building and establishing myself, so I appreciate the opportunity to build a professional rapport with others that have a shared interest. This does not inhibit my dedication to the causes which I am passionate about, it seems to be an added bonus for most volunteers. When I consider my long-term goals, I cannot say with certainty what type of volunteering will suit my future life, but I can say is that I want to remain involved as a volunteer.

Another vantage point in this matter is the shortage of young people represented on Boards. There could be a few reasons for this, a lack of awareness about Boards in general, or the availability of Board positions for youth. Young people may not feel qualified for this type of specialized commitment and cannot with certainty take on a 1-2 year term. However, Board position may offer great practical experience for a student looking for professional volunteer experience. Furthermore, reducing the commitment time or introducing youth based committee groups may also increase youth representation at the senior level. Offering incentives such as mentorships will attract more young people and ensure that the next generation is ready to take on these roles.

How can the volunteer sector adjust to these changes? In my opinion, by doing what humans have done throughout time… adapting. Whether this is done by creating more short-term volunteer opportunities at various levels or by trying to appeal more to youth, it must be done to ensure a strong future for the volunteer sector. Introducing more online or virtual volunteer opportunities may also reignite interest amongst youth offering flexibility with availability and commitments. Promoting volunteerism through social networking or by partnering with educational institutes, volunteer organizations can reach a greater number of youth. Increasing incentives such as reference letters, mentorships, career building skills, networking events and so on will attract many volunteers. It is clear that things are no longer as they once were, and may no longer be considered ideal; however we must work with what we have and attract and retain volunteers. Lastly, another way to cope with the decline may be by appealing to different sections of the population such as new immigrants, older adults, and stay at home parents. Volunteering offers opportunities for skill building, socializing, and mastering of a different/new language, and thus may be very appealing to various other sectors of the population.

A strong volunteer sector is necessary for strong, healthy, and happy communities.