volunteer4

Part 4= Volunteering

Helping others is important and thought of by society as the right

thing to do.  But if you are told to help someone, or pressured to

help someone, is it good?  If your behavior is insincere, and your

help doesn't isn't really appreciated, then how can it be good?

Volunteering is important in many cultures.  It has been important for

generations in many parts of Asia and is sometimes connected with

religious beliefs.  In Buddhist Cambodia for example, the village

elders teach their children to help others with a sincere heart and

without any payment or benefit.

Also, in China, people feel their community is based on family and

those personal connections, which form through acts of kindness.

In Indonesia, at the village level, people help each other

automatically in a system of mutual aid.  If something needs doing,

the entire community takes part.

In Vietnam, where people rely heavily on traditional farming methods,

folk songs and stories talk about the necessity for volunteering to

survive the labor shortages and unpredictable weather conditions.

In many countries, volunteering is compulsory but many people find it

a rewarding experience and undertake it willingly.  But these

societies mentioned above are traditional societies and people feel

rewarded because they are appreciated. In other words, their contribution is

meaningful.  The people they help belong to their community.

Questions
-According to the article, what is one of the main problems with volunteering?

1.    According to the article, what is a traditional activity in some Asian cultures?

What do you think are the benefits of helping strangers?

2.     Do you feel a sense of belonging to your local community?

3.    Does your community encourage volunteering?

4.    If everyone volunteered, no one would get paid.