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1. This is a safe space for everyone to share their unique volunteering stories, be it the good ones, the bad ones, the interesting ones, or even the ones that unexpectedly left a bigger impact on you than you realised. Through this, we aim to create a supportive environment for all volunteers.

2. This board is moderated; all content will be filtered for profanity and malicious comments before being published.

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1. By sharing your story on the board, you agree to VOLUME using it for future marketing content.

2. If you're here to browse, you can show support to the stories and posters by reacting to them!

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helo :) I'd just like to share about my volunteering experience thus far which has been really really life-changing~

I've mainly volunteered to run projects as of now, not so much of the physical stuff like soup kitchens or shelters, so I've gained tons of experiences that have been transferrable to other aspects of my life. It's really these projects/people that keep me going, especially during the pandemic zz

But besides all the fluff of volunteering, it really does take a toll on me from time to time with the stress that comes from running projects/organisations. But I hope that doesn't scare anyone away from volunteering! I'm slowly learning to understand how sometimes our wellbeing should come first before we serve others so I try to remind my teammates the same thing too!

Kudos to all volunteers out there who are making an impact in their own unique ways! Every small action counts :)

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Things you get in return through volunteering

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Things you get in return through volunteering

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I was a volunteer in my high school where we had weekly volunteering sessions to different beneficiariies. Ngl it was taxing as I had to organise human resources and planned out the activities for different homes every Sat and Sun *cries*. However, when I actually did the visit, the kids were so cute and lovely! We did arts and crafts and the kids will actually draw/make something for you with your name, or even your favourite colour or items mentioned AHH 😆

Besides that, the visit to old folks' home were eye opening too, they were sharing their life experiences in world war 2, which was really interesting to us hehe. We met them weekly and brought them games, fed them and listened to them. During our last visit, we had a photography session. We were really glad because the caretakers told us that it is very rare for the elders willingly step out of the premise and take pictures with anyone. 🥺💖 Things like these makes me enjoy volunteering much much much more!

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My volunteering journey so far has simply been great. Although there were inevitable ups and downs, it was overall a really good experience and I would say it moulded me into who I am now. Because of the nature of my volunteering there were many many points of contact with other people, and that meant I would have to talk to them, one way or another. Being the introverted that I am, this started off as an extremely difficult task, but through time, it became easier, largely because the people that I work with share the same vision and goals that I have, and that made communication a lot easier -- because we're all working towards a common goal. I must say that it being online helped quite a bit, because it feels less awkward through the screen, and no matter what happens, it stays in the meeting room HAHAHAHA But yea, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer and work with like-minded people and I look forward to what happens next! 🤩

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Volunteering wasn’t always my cup of tea. I guess at 15, it doesn’t really hit you yet. However after volunteering for about 3 years, I’ve come to see that the best things in life isn’t usually about you but it’s about others. One of my “magical” moments that I still treasure today, is when talking to a lonely, sad elderly. Throughout our convo, seeing how she gradually opened up and became livelier (she even sang to us) really touched my heart. Volunteering is a time when everyone comes together putting aside the competitiveness and hustle in the world, to just give back to society. It reminds me that there is kindness in the world, despite the many gruesome news that shower us everyday.

Give back, because u have been given a lot :)

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Hi guys, did you know that volunteerism is now available virtually? It is not necessary for you to go outside and do some rigorous activities such as helping the underprivileged people, sending aid such as food or financial assistance, or saving the lives of one another. They can vary in many forms, especially in these unfortunate years since the pandemic Covid-19. Nevertheless, let me share one of my sweetest and most unforgettable moments during my active years in volunteering.

It is been nearly 2 years until now when I was involved in one of the NGOs (Non-Government Organisation) which was established in 2016. It was called YDKMM until 2018 when they rebranded themselves as Myfundaction. That time, I was involved in a sharing session held online by a public university in Pahang (The name of the IPT remains confidential).

There was a sister, young and good-looking, giving me a bright poster about their program. The simple and short story about the event, she invited me to a sharing session with the alumni. Imagine, 17 years old me, who was unable to decide which university after SPM, invited into a grand premiere circle with other IPT students? It was a total bright future to me as well.

Then, the news came out of the blue. The CEO Afiq Nazary presented a video about the refugees in Syria and Yemen, who were known for the "underrated country that suffers from war" getting more highlights from the media as well. From this, it motivates me to join them as one of their virtual volunteers by spreading the media about the conditions of Syrian and Yemen's children.

My NGO distributes its niches into some categories; business, volunteerism, academics, spirituality, and leadership. These niches have the same objective; to develop youth. Mine is volunteerism and academics, yet I can join in business or other niches, too. They have a strict rule, you have to join a sharing that starts from 9 until 5 am. Wow, totally exhausted but fruitful.

Besides many flaws and commitments that I endure during this reckless era, I found it bit by bit that it develops me better. I am able to communicate well in public speaking, join extracurricular programs, and many more. Now, I am slowly discovering my potential to the fullest.

To all volunteers, never ever give up in your life, remember, you only live once, in this world and the hereafter.

"FOR THE BEST FUTURE"

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I went on a mission trip to Cambodia two years ago. One of my responsibilities as a volunteer was to build the base (platform) of a water well for families who needed it for water supply. I was surprised to see that there were still people who depended on wells for water; some families had to share wells because they couldn't afford to have one on their own. In comparison, I grew up taking bubble baths as a child. Whenever in Genting, I would stand in the shower and let the hot water flow to just warm myself for as long as possible.

Taking a step out of my community and into others opened my eyes. Ignorance caused me to assume that everyone else in the world lives the same way as I do.

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helo everyone! dropping my thoughts here and hopefully it'll 'enlighten' you to join all volunteering initiatives out there ✌ (PS VOLUME's Educate to Elevate most importantly teehee)

since young, i was taught that i should be grateful to be able to grow up with good living standards there are so many people out there, of the same age as me who aren't able to share the same privilege. therefore, volunteering would be the best way to give back to those who are in need.

throughout the years, my participation in volunteering has stacked up, ranging from animal welfare, education, to poverty alleviation and many more! however, from there i realized volunteering isnt just about making a difference for the less privileged, it's also the perfect platform to upskill myself and meet like-minded individuals, who have evolved to become my chingus 🤗 despite the hellish p*ndemic, i had picked up various soft skills like leadership and flexibility that i believe will help me transition into the working society effectively.

overall, volunteering has been an unforgettable experience that i'll forever cherish, and to all active volunteers out there, THANK YOU for contributing to making the community a better place to live in, and i hope yall will continue doing so 🎊

lastly kudos to VOLUME for setting up this cute lil padlet 😙

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(yingruii_02)
I started volunteering in November 2020 and would say that volunteering is definitely very fulfilling and helped me learn a lot.

I first volunteered as a translation department assistant head of an inaugural youth forum. The forum was fully online due to the pandemic. Despite being unable to meet each other in person, I got to know many like-minded friends and spent quality time together while organizing the forum. This fun experience had given me a sense of accomplishment, which sparked my interest to volunteer and led me to be interested in other opportunities after that.

Another best experience I had was volunteering as the Program team member of the 1st YECAP Climate Hackathon. As this was the first Hackathon held by the organization, we had to start all events planning from scratch. It was very challenging but also a steep learning curve for me. I really learn a lot from my fellow members and the team leader. Also, through this experience, I got the chance to work in an international team, which consists of volunteers from different countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It was a valuable experience for me to have the opportunity to gain exposure to different cultures and perspectives.

I am still actively volunteering now and will also do in the future. "You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Kudos and respect to all volunteers out there!

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Olaa peeps, thought I would just share my thoughts and volunteering experience at E2E.

Joining E2E was one of the best choices (I would say) I made. Before joining, there were a lot of thoughts that crossed my mind, of course. Eg. coping on studies, interaction with the kids and team, time management and etc. However, I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to join E2E.

I was in for two version and couldn't emphasise how much I had learnt from the experience. I've discovered which role I was more suitable for and experienced so much growth throughout the two version that I had joined.

Learning to shoulder responsibilities and manage the classes were something that were not taught. Being able to work with like-minded and cool peoples from different background were extraordinary. Meeting the kids themselves indeed were amazing. When you see they had learnt something from classes and being excited as well as appreciative for you, it was motivating and touching at the same time.

Not forgetting the amazing team behind E2E working hard to ensure that the project keeps going and the kids are receiving the best education that they could have, and the volunteers as well. Ya'll are talented and amazing peeps. The little knowledge that you deliver will accumulate and makes a difference in their life !

Looking at how E2E has grown so much from the first version, I couldn't help but be so happy and proud that I was once a volunteer ! :)

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I have been a volunteer since I was 15 but I've only discovered the joy in it around last year? I guess the volunteering I took up back in high school is more like job volunteering: volunteer to be the emcee, help out with festive events to managing events for school.  This truly makes me wonder why am I doing those in the first place, thinking back am I forced into doing all those things? I think it's true to be honest. The expectations of helping out with club activities just because you were once part of the club. Going back to help out just because they asked and expect you to do it's just not simply a JOY. It's TIRING; waking up at 3am to help set up the stalls and going back at 7pm after cleaning up  :"(

Then I stopped. Stop helping out for about a year until 2020, I decided to try out volunteering for another organisation aimed at providing teaching supports to students under B40 category. From there I've discovered the joy of volunteering. And I've realised volunteering is not something you force yourself upon, you'll need to open your eyes wide in order to find the true meaning of being a "volunteer"