Community Service Project

a. What does community service/ volunteerism mean to you? I define volunteerism as the act of willingly and voluntarily doing things to help others when you get nothing tangible in return for efforts. This may be done for a number of reasons which should not include gaining publicity for the individual initiating the activity. It is humbling and rewarding to serve others. I believe one can benefit from volunteerism by growing their knowledge base about the activity in which they are participating in. Volunteering gives a sense of peace and enforces belief that we survive together as a community and not as individuals. It reminds me that we need each other more than we think and that without the kindness of others there would be no hope.

Community service is the foundation of societies and cultures. Doing community service brings me joy, gives me purpose, and connects me with those in need. Volunteering usually brings people together who are working from various backgrounds. In working with these people, one may learn about a culture that they would perhaps never get a chance to experience. Volunteerism, because it brings people together for one cause, to help others, usually involve many people working in a group setting to complete specific tasks and this may teach group dynamics, which is essential to develop especially for the school and work environment because one will learn how different personalities may contribute to the desired end result. Of course, we do not have the power to make life better for all, but we can make it better for at least one person and with such thought, we can make that one less person feel deprived of basic necessities of life that we all have the right to enjoy.

b. Which 2 of the 4 goals of Vision 2030 do you think is most closely linked to community service/ volunteerism and why? Of the four goals of Vision 2030, I think that the first goal which states that “Jamaicans are empowered to achieve their fullest potential” would closely linked to community service/volunteerism. This is because volunteers will gain full potential by giving themselves tasks that will not only benefit themselves but also the society. The other goal I think is closely linked to volunteerism is the fourth goal which states that Jamaica has a natural healthy environment. As a volunteer, cleaning the environment and communities on a regular basis will bring forth not only a healthy but also a comfortable environment for themselves and the society. c. Select 1 of the 2 goals discussed in (b) and suggests ways you can contribute to achieving this goal through your community service.

Goal – Jamaica has a natural healthy environment.
Ways in which I can contribute to this goal are:
Proper disposal of garbage in my area of service.
Conduct clean up sessions where individuals are told to pick up any litter that surrounds them. Support environmentally friendly legislation and actions.