It was in the final stage of my schooling that I joined this group. They had wanted me to take a photo of them, but I ended up joining and even being an active member after they shared their vision with me.
I thought, why don't I try it out since I haven't done this before?At first I didn't know what volunteering was all about, the sacrifice that has to be done, but then I loved their initiative, and I was drawn to participate.I went on with the every Sunday meeting, showing up with everyone and discussing the planning of an upcoming conference.
In my own little way, I brought so many ideas, like handling our various social media postings for people to see what we are doing and the initiative behind our young and loaded unknown.
My little suggestions were going to be handed to me.I just can't imagine being an SMM (Social Media Manager) without pay, just doing it for the good of the group. It takes a lot to achieve, and I knew I wasn't ready for that.
I was going to detail from the load pack of work. Mentally thinking of it was overwhelming. I pointed out the loads of work involved in handling social media; it wasn't as simple as saying it.
Luckily someone suggested taking up video editing and graphic design since he was a graphic designer; another person suggested posting the content, and I was left to come up with a write-up. We formed a team, and at least working with three people reduced the workload, and I could go about other parts of my life.
I did lots of research going through other organizations that have the aim to touch other younger generations' lives to know how their write-ups are made and how their pages are being handled. My research went from Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.I got the idea to know what to write using our own vision. Every day I have to drop a write-up to the graphic designer while he makes a design out of it, sometimes video, but the video wasn't coming frequently.
We got a follow-up, and we encouraged our volunteers to tell their friends about it. We went for outreach for the upcoming conference, though it was stressful, but it was fun.This went on, and every Sunday we had to gather for meetings to know the progress of everyone's tasks. Things went smoothly until I was done with school, and there was no need to stay in school any longer.
I have to go back home, but then I have to sacrifice to still come to our Sunday meetings.That was my first and the last of being a volunteer. I knew what being a volunteer was all about: the time and the resources put in for another person's goals.Notwithstanding, I got the opportunity to network and connect with others with prominent skills.
For me it was a great opportunity, and I felt excited doing it and it's something I will like to try again if the opportunity comes up.