NSTP - CWTS 1 GROUP 4 HANDOUT

Lesson 19: Volunteerism and Social Responsibility

I. Content
A. Concepts of Volunteerism

1. Volunteerism

Volunteerism is the act of freely giving time and resources to help others and improve society.
Volunteers are driven by a sense of purpose, community, and personal growth, not financial gain.

2. Volunteer

Individuals or groups who choose to dedicate their time and efforts to causes they believe in, without
the primary motivation of financial reward. They contribute to the betterment of society and experience
personal fulfillment in the process.

B. Components of Volunteering

1. Structure

A. Formal

Formal volunteering programs are structured and supervised these are long term programs that
also involve long term, regular attendance from the volunteers

These programs have a strong emphasis on policies, procedures, and quality management of
services being delivered.

B. Informal

Non-formal volunteer work typically occurs in local communities in unfunded and unstructured
settings.

Informal volunteer work, on the other hand, involves voluntary acts of helping and kindness, such
as buying groceries for an elderly neighbor or babysitting for a friend.

2. Site

A. On-site

Onsite volunteering requires the volunteer to be physically present at the location of the
activity.

This traditional form of volunteering offers direct engagement with beneficiaries and the
community.
 B. Online

Online Volunteering leverages technology to enable individuals to contribute remotely,

without needing to be physically present.

This opens up a world of opportunities for people who may have limitations in terms of
mobility, geographic location, or time constraints.

3. Intensity

A. Regular

Involves an ongoing commitment to a specific organization or cause.

Characterized by a consistent schedule, often with set days and times for volunteering.

B. Episodic

Involves participation in occasional or project-based activities.

Commitment levels are typically shorter-term and may vary depending on the specific project
or event.

4. Aspiration

A. Self-Building

Self-building volunteering is a type of volunteering focused on personal growth. Volunteers

engage in activities that help them learn new skills, gain experience, and broaden their
perspectives. They are motivated by a desire for self-improvement and fulfillment.

B. Community Building

Community-building volunteering centers on addressing community needs and contributing to the

well-being of others. This type of volunteering is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on
society, support those in need, and contribute to a better world.

5. Categories of Volunteering

A. Mutual Aid
 Mutual aid is the wealth of informal, person-to-person helping activities embedded in
community. and cultural practices. People gather and volunteer together as a response to a shared
need or issue

B. Service

Service volunteering is where volunteers respond to perceived needs of another person or

community

C. Campaigning

Campaigning usually involves the collective action of a group or an individual to amplify

“marginalized” voices and to change the status quo

D. Participation

Participation in where volunteers give time and effort to engage with governance and
decision-making mechanisms at different levels

E. Leisure

Volunteering as leisure, volunteer activities that express personal interests or passions

such as arts, culture, and sports. They still contribute to wider well being and cohesion.

A. FORMAL - Formal volunteering programs are structured and supervised these are long term
programs that also involve long term, regular attendance from the volunteers. Formal volunteering
programs usually have managers or coordinators that recruit, train, supervise, and check volunteers' work
outcomes. These programs have a strong emphasis on policies, procedures, and quality management of
services being delivered.

Example positions: Tour guide or docent, hospital volunteer, or Fundraiser for large charities

Sample activities: Greeting visitors, giving directions, serving meals to patients, printing out and mailing
letters.

B. GOVERNANCE Volunteers provide leadership and direction to organizations. They

contribute to planning and decision-making in various aspects of an organization’s operations. These
volunteers typically have career experience or advocacy related to the organization’s focus.

Example positions: Member of the Board of Directors of a not-for-profit member of a parish

administration board, treasurer for the PTA.

Sample activities: attending regular meetings, taking minutes of the meeting basic accounting.
 C. NON-FORMAL Volunteer work differs from informal volunteer work. Non-formal volunteer
work typically occurs in local communities in unfunded and unstructured settings. Informal volunteer work,
on the other hand, involves voluntary acts of helping and kindness, such as buying groceries for an elderly
neighbor or babysitting for a friend.

D. MICRO-VOLUNTEERING Micro volunteering consists of small actions done online that

support a cause. Examples are donating through crowdfunding sites (Kickstarter, GoFundMe, etc.) or
joining campaigns by providing your digital signature (example: Open Letters to the government on various
issues) via email.

3. Universal Principles of Volunteerism

A. Actions are carried out freely and without coercion.

B. Financial gain is not the main motivating principle.

C. There is a beneficiary other than the volunteer.

C. The Role of Youth in Strengthening Volunteerism

1. Spread the Good- Most of the country’s population comprises of youth communities can tap into
this substantial part of the population and significantly increase their volunteer pool. With their
vast social networks and technological savviness, youth make for great volunteer recruiters.
Encourage teenagers and young helpers to invite their friends, and be amazed at what they can
accomplish together.
2. Introduce Fresher Perspectives- By welcoming youth volunteerism, your organization invites
energetic perspectives and new ideas. Generally, involving a cross-section of volunteers can help
your programs move forward. Between the ages of 12 and 25, when their brains are fast and
sophisticated, teenagers and young adults are especially wired to seek new experiences and take
risks. They can adjust easily, are naturally inquisitive, and are more likely to discover creative
solutions. Hint: they’re more willing to listen to their peers than older adults, so give your young
volunteers the space to communicate- and innovate with each other.
3. Foster Lifelong Engagement- Those who volunteer when they're young are more likely to
become philanthropic adults invested in their communities. Participation in volunteer and civic
opportunities from an early age instills empathy, inspires a sense of citizenship, and helps youth
find pathways to meaningful education and work. In fact, young people who volunteer help to
improve the present, while ensuring healthy, secure futures for themselves and their communities.

D. The Importance of Voluntary Actions

1. Volunteering Connects You to Others- One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the
impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better
 place. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost
your social skills.

A. Make new friends and contacts: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you
are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you
to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfiling activities.

B. Increase your social and relationship skills: While some people are naturally outgoing, others are
shy and have a hard time meeting new people volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop
your social skills since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have
momentum, it's easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

C. Volunteering as a family: Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community,
you'll show them first-hand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and
animals and enact change. It's also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and
find resources and activities for your children and family.

2. Volunteering is Good for Your Mind and Body - Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and
physical health.

A. Counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety: The social contact aspect of helping and
working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves
stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been
shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

B. Combat depression: Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a
solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.

C. Volunteering is linked to happiness: By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have
discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to
others. The more we give, the happier we feel.

D. Increase self-confidence: You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a
natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And
the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

E. Provide a sense of purpose: Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can
find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation,
volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to
your life.
 F. Help you stay physically healthy: Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower
mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday
tasks, are less.

VOLUNTEERISM

Volunteerism is the act, or principle of contributing one’s time, talents, and resources freely to
worthwhile purposes without tangible compensation. It is considered the most fundamental act in the society. It
is geared toward good causes that help alleviate the suffering of others. It promotes peace, solidarity, and trust
among citizens.

Volunteerism can serve in various areas ranging from medical, environmental, and educational support groups
to child protection and human rights advocacies, poll or election work, peacekeeping missions, and relief
operations, to name a few.

Some people consider volunteerism as pastime; others see it as a vocation. Some volunteers have high-paying
jobs and stable careers; others are well known in their fields. Volunteers could be teachers, doctors, lawyers, or
celebrities. They could also be housewives, students or retirees.

Regardless of age, economic status, sex, and educational attainment, volunteers work together toward a
common cause for which they commit their time, know-how and expertise, and sometimes even their own
money.

However, one does not become a volunteer by simply raising his/her hand. A volunteer has to undergo training
and attend seminars for specific functions or task/s that he/she volunteers for.

Moore (2002) describes a volunteer as follows:

“A volunteer is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the
task at hand, namely, being aware of another ‘s need and doing something about it.

“A volunteer is a person who strives to make other people happy, who takes the loneliness out of the alone by
talking to them, who is concerned when others are unconcerned, who has the courage to be a blessing and to ay
the things that have to be said for the good of all”

“A volunteer is a person whose charity is fidelity, who is faithful in an unfaithful world, grateful in an ungrateful
world, giving when all are grasping, listening when others need to tell about their fears and problems”.

Volunteers are people from all walks of life, all ages and stages, having a common desire to make a difference in
their community and their own life by giving of their time and expertise. For young people, volunteering brings
a new sense of confidence and self-gratification. It is a good way to interact.

Benefits of Volunteers

Volunteers yields the following benefits:

 1. Community Development

2. Development of the skills of volunteers

3. Peace, solidarity, and trust among citizens

4. Career opportunities for volunteers

5. Friendship among citizens

6. Experience and self-esteem gained by volunteers

Values Expected of Volunteers

Here are some core values expected of volunteers:

1. Commitment- Volunteers are attached to, identified with, and involved with community service,

2. Professionalism – Volunteers observe work ethics in performing their responsibilities with socially and
morally accepted behavior.

3. Creativity – Volunteers search constantly for new strategies and methods of doing task for improved
results

4. Unity- A volunteer supports teamwork to achieve the common goal.

Lesson 20: Analyzing Community Needs Assessment

A. Definition of Community Needs Assessment

Is a process used to identify problems, issues, and concerns within a community. It involves using
various tools to gather information and encourages active participation from community members, who are the
stakeholders in the assessment. This process is also known as social analysis or community diagnosis.

B. Importance of Needs Assessment

1. Understanding Community Priorities: It helps determine what issues are most important to
community members and how they rank these issues in terms of urgency.

2. Giving Voice to Citizens: It provides a platform for citizens to express their opinions and influence
policy decisions, goals, and priorities.

3. Evaluating Existing Programs: It helps assess the effectiveness of current programs and policies
by gathering feedback from the community.

4. Gaining Insights into Community Desires: It provides valuable information about what people
want and what they believe is needed to improve their community.
 C. Importance to be included in assessing community needs

1. Historical Development: Understanding the community’s past helps to identify factors that have
shaped its current situation and provides insights into the resources available.

2. Geographical and Transportation Information: This includes data on the community's layout,
population distribution, and transportation patterns.

3. Political and Legal Functions: This area explores the community's political structures, decision-
making processes, and legal frameworks.

4. Demographic Data: This includes information about the community’s population size, age
distribution, gender balance, racial composition, and migration patterns.

5. Economic Data: This covers the community's economic base, including employment opportunities,
income levels, and access to resources. It also includes data on social, cultural, educational, and recreational
organizations.

D. Methods in collecting data for Community Needs Assessment

1. Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with Key Informants: FGDs involve discussions with
individuals who hold influential positions within the community, such as educators, public officials, clergy, and
business leaders. These individuals can provide valuable insights into historical issues and community needs.

2. Community Forums/Assemblies: These are large gatherings that bring together the entire
community to discuss issues and concerns. They provide a platform for collective voice and immediate
validation of ideas.

3. Public Records: Public records, such as national census data, provide information on social and
demographic indicators, including age, gender, education level, and location.

4. Surveys and Questionnaires: Surveys involve asking individuals in the community about their
needs and experiences. This can be done through mailed questionnaires, telephone surveys, or online surveys.

E. Steps in Conducting Needs Assessment

1. Establish a Working Committee: Form a committee with diverse representation from the
community to guide the process and ensure community involvement.

2. Identify Key Areas of Focus: Determine the specific areas that need to be assessed based on the
community’s needs and the committee’s expertise.
 3. Identify the Target Population: Define the specific group of people who will be surveyed or
interviewed.

4. Gather Information: Collect data using the chosen methods, such as FGDs, surveys, or public
records.

5. Analyze the Data: Analyze the collected data to identify patterns, trends, and key issues.

6. Validate the Findings: Present the findings to the community for feedback and validation.

7. Develop Recommendations: Based on the analysis, formulate recommendations for addressing the
identified needs.

E. Methods in collecting data for Community Needs Assessment

1. Identify Community Groups and Individuals: Help identify community groups and individuals to
participate in the working committee.

2. Facilitate Group Discussions: Lead discussions to identify important issues and prioritize them.

3. Select and Identify Respondents: Assist in selecting a representative sample of individuals to be

surveyed and design a system for identifying respondents.

4. Select and Identify Respondents: Assist in selecting a representative sample of individuals to be

surveyed and design a system for identifying respondents.

5. Provide Survey Questions: Offer tested survey questions from which the working committee can
choose questions relevant to the identified issues.

6. Design Data Collection and Analysis: Help design a process for distributing and collecting
surveys, coding, entering, and analyzing data.

7. Provide Summary Reports: Prepare summary reports of the data analysis.

8. Suggest Programs and Strategies: Propose programs and strategies to address the identified needs
and involve the community in their implementation.

F. Conclusion

Community needs assessment Is a fundamental step in community organizing and development

work. By understanding the needs and priorities of the community, we can develop effective programs and
interventions that address those needs and empower communities to create positive change.

Lesson 21: Social Mobilization

A. Definition of Social Mobilization

 Is a powerful approach to development that hinges on active community
participation. It's about bringing people together to work towards shared goals, tackling
challenges, and creating positive change within their communities.

B. Components of Social Mobilization

Is a multi-faceted approach that involves a series of interconnected components.

These components work together to create an environment where marginalized individuals
can actively participate in their own development and achieve lasting positive change.

1. Growth: Refers to the overall progress and development of the community, including
economic growth, population increase, and improved living standards.

2. Empowerment: Focuses on giving individuals and communities the power and

resources to make decisions that affect their lives, promoting self-reliance and agency.

3. Transformation of social institution: Involves changing the structures and practices

of existing institutions within the community to better serve the needs of its members.
This could include reforming government agencies, strengthening community
organizations, or promoting new forms of social interaction.

4. Enhancement of the ecological resource: Emphasizes the sustainable management

and protection of natural resources within the community, ensuring their long-term
availability and benefiting the environment.

5. Dynamic cultural innovation: Encourages the development and adoption of new

ideas, practices, and technologies that are relevant to the community’s unique context,
fostering creativity and adaptability.

C. Community Action Cycle for community mobilization

Is a roadmap for successful community mobilization. It's a structured, step-by-step

process that helps communities identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement actions
to achieve positive change. Think of it as a framework for empowering communities to take
ownership of their own development.

1. Organize: Involves bringing together community members, identifying leaders, and

establishing a clear purpose and goals for the mobilization effort.
 2. Prepare: Focuses on gathering information about the community’s needs, challenges,
and resources, as well as developing a plan of action.

3. Plan: Outlines the specific strategies, activities, and timelines for the mobilization
effort, ensuring a clear roadmap for implementation.

4. Explore: Involves researching and understanding the root causes of the issues facing
the community, identifying potential solutions, and exploring best practices from other
communities.

5. Act Together: Involves implementing the planned activities, engaging community

members in the process, and taking concrete steps to address the identified challenges.

6. Evaluate Together: Regularly assesses the progress of the mobilization effort,

measuring its impact, identifying areas for improvement, and making adjustments as
needed.

D. Steps in Social Mobilization

1. Should visit the community: This emphasizes the importance of direct engagement
with the community, understanding their specific needs and perspectives, and building
relationships with local residents.

2. Determine physical boundaries: Involves identifying the geographic scope of the

mobilization effort, defining the specific area or community that will be targeted.

3. Assist the community: Provides support and resources to the community, helping
them to implement their own solutions and achieve their goals. This could include
providing training, funding, or technical assistance.

4. Groups should meet daily: Encourages regular meetings and communication among
community members, fostering collaboration, sharing information, and building
consensus.

5. Groups would be around 20: Suggests that the size of the mobilization groups should
be manageable, allowing for effective participation and interaction among members.

E. Benefits of Social Mobilization

 1. Poverty Alleviation: It alleviates poverty. The people are trained for self-sufficiency
through the guidance of the NSTP students.
2. Promoting Democratic Environment: Social Mobilization encourages participation
in decision-making, builds capacity for participatory planning in the community.

3. Environment: It helps people to manage better their natural resources and fight
against practices and organizations that degrade the environment.
4. Conflict Prevention: It organizes people to address common problems and to
collectively improve their socio-economic condition in an equitable democratic and
transparent manner.

F. Advantages of community mobilization

Is a powerful tool for positive change, and its benefits extend far beyond simply
motivating people. It's about empowering communities to take ownership of their own
development and create lasting impact.

The common needs:

1. Security: Refers to the safety and well-being of community members, including

protection from violence, crime, and other threats.

2. Livelihood: Focuses on providing opportunities for individuals to earn a living and

support themselves and their families, including access to employment, education, and skills
training.

3. Literacy: Emphasizes the importance of education and the ability to read and write,
enabling individuals to participate fully in society and access information.

4. Housing Construction: Addresses the need for safe and affordable housing for all
community members, ensuring access to basic shelter and a decent living environment.

5. Social Infrastructure: Includes the institutions, organizations, and networks that support
social interaction and community life, such as schools, hospitals, community centers, and
public spaces.
 6. Physical Infrastructure: Involves the physical structures and systems that support the
community, such as roads, bridges, water systems, electricity grids, and communication
networks.

7. Street light resources: Provides lighting for public spaces, improving safety and security,
especially at night.

8. Health, Hygiene: Focuses on promoting health and well-being through access to

healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene education.

9. Education: Encourages access to quality education for all community members, including
primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

10. Land: Addresses the need for secure access to land for housing, agriculture, and other
economic activities.

11. Water: Ensures access to clean and safe drinking water for all community members.

12. Social and Culture: Promotes the preservation and celebration of the community’s
cultural heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

13. Electricity: Provides access to reliable electricity for homes, businesses, and public
services.

14. Environment sources: Focuses on protecting and managing the environment, ensuring
sustainable use of natural resources and mitigating environmental degradation.

G. Several Key Steps in community mobilization

1. Create awareness on the issue: Involves educating community members about the
challenges they face, raising their understanding of the issues, and mobilizing them to take
action.

2. Motivate the community through community preparation: Encourages community

members to actively participate in the mobilization effort, providing them with the necessary
skills, knowledge, and resources to contribute effectively.
 3. Share information and communication: Facilitates the flow of information within the
community, ensuring that all members are aware of the mobilization effort, its goals, and the
progress being made.

4. Support them, provide incentives and look some sources: Provides ongoing support to
community members, including financial assistance, technical expertise, and other resources,
to help them achieve their goals.

H. Conclusion

Social Mobilization Is a process that encourages community members to actively

participate in development initiatives, often led by National Service Training Program
(NSTP) students. It's about empowering people to take ownership of their own development
and work together to achieve common goals.