By Modupe Laja
Commitment is an act, not a word.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Many times people volunteer for a non-profit organization, one trait is particularly lacking—commitment. Maybe, there is a misconception that interest and commitment are two peas in a pod. In that case, this quote by Kenneth Blanchard spells it out clearly;
There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.
To volunteer, it starts with your interest and desire to play a role in that organization. Now that your desire is in alignment with the goal of the organization, achieving positive results is possible only with your commitment.
“I love to volunteer, but it’s not easy. I have to face various obstacles like no data, bad power supply, sapa, and even stress from other obligations. What do you want me to do?”
If this is you to some extent, here’s what you can do:
- Having financial challenges? Talk to a friend. Or if your role is too data-consuming, request that you participate through another role.
- Doing too much? You don’t have to do everything (job, internship, family, school) at once. Kindly speak to someone in the organization saying that you’re too occupied at that moment. However, you’re still interested in the goals of the organization but would like to volunteer at a later time.
- Commitment is not complete without effective communication. If you will or will not be available for a meeting, task, program or event, text or call the coordinator. It is only fair that there is proper communication via text, mail or call to show your commitment to the organization.
Lastly, Andy Andrews says, “When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape.”
If you truly want to be a part of a project as a volunteer, ensure you communicate well, and find solutions where there are obstacles. I am sure you would have a story to tell that would inspire someone tomorrow.
