A Volunteer's Handbook.

1. WHAT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
Many people have asked these questions constantly, what is volunteering, why do I need to volunteer, where can I volunteer, what’s in it for me if I volunteer, would I get paid for volunteering? Volunteering in very simple terms is giving your time, resource and skill towards serving and adding value in the community and environment without expecting any financial gain in return; although some organizations may choose to give stipends. This may sound very strange to understand especially since you are not getting paid for your efforts. The benefits that come with volunteering are immense. The US secretary of labor Hilda Solis has this to say about volunteering “volunteerism can be a way to help unemployed workers expand their network of contacts, improve their résumés, and make a positive impression in a competitive job market.” I understand that the economic situation in the country makes volunteering very difficult, in all sincerity the pros that come with volunteering outweigh the cons. I also didn’t find it very easy when I started volunteering but passion kept me going. A lot of people want to volunteer but they need to see reasons why and they need to also understand what’s in it for them. The impact volunteers make in communities is so enormous that the international community celebrates volunteers with a special volunteer day on the 5th of December every year.

2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING?

• It creates opportunities

Thanks to volunteering you come in contact with lots of people in the community, many of them highly placed people. I tell you volunteering opens doors and creates opportunities. For instance thanks to my volunteering experience I have become a volunteer with the African Union (AU) under the African Union Youth Volunteer Corp (AU-YVC) awaiting deployment with the corp. The AY-YVC is a yearly volunteer program by the African Union where you work with the AU for a year as a volunteer in another part of Africa.
When applying for opportunities they usually request for community activity and these are things that count for community participation because you have taken up responsibility in your community.

• It is “work experience”

Many people graduate from school without the requisite work experience especially in our society where you need a minimum of 2 years work experience. Through volunteering you get to be under authority and work with other people in teams, handle assigned tasks and take up responsibility. These are the core attributes organizations want

• It is added value

Volunteering isn’t just about giving time, it is adding value. You not only give value, you also get value. You build capacity, you develop your skills.

• It creates a platform for networking

Thanks to volunteering you get to meet a lot of people from several spheres of life. Many of them professional people with excellent careers. Through volunteering you meet passionate young people who are change maker and development leaders

• You build friendships

This is one of the easiest ways to build friendships especially outside your circle of friends and community. You make friends from different backgrounds who share similar interests and goals

• You develop life skills

There is so much the classroom cannot teach you; especially life skills like the ability to work in teams, respect the opinions of others, make friends, handle pressure etc. through volunteering you build life skills that are essential for your personal and career development.

• It is fun

I remember the first time I got on a canoe to makoko with slum to school Africa, singing education education is my friend. That trip lasted maybe about an hour till we got to the floating school very close to third mainland bridge. It was an amazing experience I tell you. Volunteering is a lot of fun.

3. VOLUNTEERING DOS AND DONTS

•    Do not allow anyone take advantage of you because you are a volunteer

•   Do not go to volatile places where your safety is not guaranteed

•   Have a clear understanding and agreement of the volunteer agreement before embarking on the volunteer role

•   After your community also put yourself next because while you add value to the community you add value to yourself

•   Volunteering is not a platform for eye-service for the world to know you are serving it is a platform for community service

•   If you are going to volunteer think of sustainability

•   Value yourself, don’t let anyone treat you like you mean nothing

•   Socialize!!!! Don’t stay in your shell, come out and socialize

•   Develop new skills

 

4. HOW DO YOU SUSTAIN YOURSELF FINANCIALLY WHEN VOLUNTEERING? Sustaining yourself financially can be challenging sometimes. It is advisable to take on volunteering either as a part time role and not full time. There are also a few other organizations that provide stipends for volunteers. However, this is largely dependent on the policy of the organization. Before you choose to volunteer with any organization, please understand what the policy regarding volunteers in that organization is about.

5. HOW DO YOU WRITE GOOD APPLICATIONS?
Writing a good application requires time, patience, understanding and research. You need to understand the concept and context of the opening, job, role, conference etc. before applying. This would help guide your application. You do not start an application and finish it once. You will need to have several drafts that you can review severally. Research on the topic of discussion or program and apply your findings to your application. It would help greatly. Properly construct your sentences, avoid using a lot of “I” and “my”. Ask someone else to help you review your applications as well.

6. HOW AND WHERE DO YOU FIND OPPORTUNITIES?
 

• There are several sites that you can search for opportunities. These are a few of them

www.pro-volunteer.com
Www.opportunitydesk.org
Www.opportunitiesforafricans.com
Youthhubafrica.org
Mladiinfo.eu
Heysuccess.com
Youthop.com
Chances4.me
aisec.org
Officialchange.com
Peacechild.org
Idealist.org
Polscijobs.info
Tigweb.org
Voicesofyouth.org
Peacerevolution.net
Aeyco.com
Youthpolicy.org
Scholars4dev.com

• For free online courses

Usip.com
Edx.org
Coursera.org
Alison.com

• Examples of Organizations.

A. Mercy corp
B. VSO Nigeria
C. United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
D. Slum2School Africa
E. StayInSchoolNg
F. HOPE
G. One African Child
H. Dreams from the slum
I. Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AreaI)
J. Beyond The Classroom
K. Atlas corp
7. PLEASE RECOMMEND PLACES TO VOLUNTEER IN ABUJA
At the moment I don’t know any opportunity in Abuja, the options listed above may however, provide you with information as to volunteering opportunities in Abuja.
8. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY FOR?
Your interests would help to guide the kind of opportunities you apply for. The opportunities span through different areas of our lives, education, health, justice, information , technology and so on. Carefully study the available opportunities and pick based on your interest or willingness to try new things which is very important.
 9. ARE ALL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES UNPAID?Not necessarily. You can find some that are paid.


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DETAILS PROVIDED ABOVE ARE  BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND ARE NOT CAST IN STONE OR AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS LISTED ABOVE. PLEASE BE GUIDED. 

We look forward to seeing your volunteering testimonies on the blog. 
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COMRADE OR FOE

Partnership For the Goals

Much has been said about the global goals, a lot has been done and guess what? So much more can be done.

Many still do not understand the relevance of the goals or why the UN and its agencies expect everyone to take actions on these goals. I had an argument with someone this week who went on and on about how nobody has a duty to fulfill any of these mandates as the actions many take especially nations to this extent are purely political (to what extent is this true )? Before we get carried away with the political undertones and the ensuing shenanigans, it's important to take a careful look at the goals, the supporting facts and targets here. You will find out that they are clear representations of all the challenges we face as humans in our daily lives regardless of race, gender or geographical location. For this reason, it is important that we all,that is; everyone pays attention to these goals to get them to their promised land by the year 2030! Can I get an Amen?!

EVERYBODY? Now that's a big question? Who is everybody? Lol. The government ?✖️, Adults ?✖️, Youths?✖️Children ? ✖️Women?✖️, Men?✖️so who? A Combination of all these people? Absolutely ✔️💯. You inclusive! Yes YOU.

Your partnership for the goals needs not be expensive, you can simply take action related to any of the goals in your environment or on a large scale depending on your ability and understanding of the need to meet these goals. The world stands in a delicate position if these goals are not met. Our love for the environment and gratitude to the Creator of the world and the blessings we have received from the world should prompt us to take action! ( aww! Look who's getting all sentimental!).

The beauty of the trees, the oceans, the food (my best friend ❤️), money you've made in your years of existence (don't say you are broke please! Lol!), beautiful cities and scenery, beautiful people all around you! Family, friends and most importantly, unborn kids! Should propel you to act, to save the world no matter how little. The beauty of little actions is that they cause great change!

You can take these easy steps;

1. Find a goal that you are interested in or one through which you will like to make a change. (Example, Goal 4 on Quality Education).
2. Research the status quo as regards the goal in your local community. This will give you insight into the lacuna and what can be done. (Children hawking during school hours hence their absence in school).
3. Think of ways you can solve the problem. (Organise a talk on the imperative of education or a fun activity for the children on the need for education, or  Report to law enforcement agencies)
4. Can you do this alone? if yes! Brilliant! if no, talk to people around you who can work with you to create a change.
5. Be the change (Discourage hawking, do not buy commodities from children and discourage people from purchasing from children, create time during the week or weekends to teach the children without a fee).
6. See the change and do more.

All our previous posts highlight very easy ways to partner with the goals, please take some time out to go through the goals and the possible actions. You can do as little as pick up litter! How interesting.

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Hey! Water Waster!

Do you agree with me that there is no better feeling than having water in your life when you need it the most? What beats the feeling of a cold shower after a long day under the hot sun?! Or a nice hot bath when the weather is so cold you develop frozen teeth or better still cold water to quench a long term thirst! I need not go any further! You all get the feeling of bliss already.

Water is a basic need for every human being, it is so basic that many who have it fail to pay attention to the possibility of the lack of it. However, the embarrassing reality about water is revealed in a report by the United Nations published in commemoration of the World Water Day that "there are still over 3 billion people who lack basic access to clean water and proper sanitation – of those, 663 million people lack access to drinking water; 2.4 billion people lack access to improved sanitation and 1.1 billion still practice open defecation, spreading disease." I'm sure you agree with me that this is an embarrassing fact.

The need for everyone to take action no matter how little to reduce the embarrassing statistics as regards lack of water in the world can be met through collaborative efforts. Our efforts need not be too intense given our limitations as individuals to this extent we suggest 5 simple ways to reduce our water wasting habits.

1. Use no more than you need.
As soothing as that nice bath may be, do not leave the shower running while it's not  in use (figure it out, I can't teach you how to take a shower! Lol). If it's a bucket shower on the other hand, pour no more water than you need ( flee from the habit of carrying the bucket and pouring the water from your head! Trust me I know how beautiful it feels to do that).

2. Drink Enough not Excess.
Medically, the amount of water an individual needs per day has been stipulated, no matter how water greedy  you get, or how cold that bottle of water is do not drink it if your intentions are to have it just as you see it.

3. Recycle Water.
You can use the same amount of water for different purposes. Do not pour water away without thinking of something else that can be done with it.

4. Commit to providing water for a community that lacks it .
It may be by the provision of water for members of the community at strategic points in the community, or by advocacy through campaigns centered around getting leaders or concerned organizations to provide water for the community.

5. Effective Water Disposal 
How you dispose of your waste water is also important. Do not dispose water through channels that are hazardous to the environment. We must bear in mind the fact that as much as water is a blessing to anyone that has it, if not properly managed, it may become a curse a classic example is the wrecking effect of a flood.

Let us all rethink the way we use water and manage the waste we create from the use of water given its importance in the world and the harmful effects of the misuse and mismanagement of it. We are all necessary parties for the achievement of the SDGS, The achievement of Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation is a mandate for everyone! Let's all work hard to get this goal popping!

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FUNTO ODEFEMI: GUEST WRITER, FOR THE LOVE OF TREES.

We are excited to introduce you to one of the most intelligent men in recent times; Funmito Odefemi. He was born in Oyo State, Nigeria. He acquired his primary and secondary education in Ibadan after which he proceeded to the University of Ibadan to acquire his Bachelors and Masters degree in Physics.

Funmito is exceptionally versatile and has not limited himself to Physics. His love for humanity made him delve into international development where he is serving currently and making laudable impact. In the year 2015, Funmito volunteered with the Voluntary Service Organization on the ICS program while working with a cross cultural team. Having completed his program,in 2016,  he continued with the organization and volunteered as a team leader where he remarkably led two cross cultural teams for two cycles of the program.

He proceeded to work as a Program Office Support in the organization after which he joined the IMA4P (Improving Market Access for the Poor) team where he is currently working as an ICT support personnel.

 He is an emerging leader with a strong passion for excellence and a keen enthusiasm for learning. His educational background in Physics built in him unsurpassed technical and analytical skills. In the past two years, Funmito has worked on development projects in Education and Livelihoods with the aim of helping to improve the lives of the very poor and marginalized. This has greatly improved his teamwork and collaboration skills.

Funmito is a strong advocate for the use of technology as a tool for solving the challenges that people face in their day to day affairs. His experience in Information and Technology world spans over 5 years of consulting for individuals and corporate bodies on the best use of technology. He has been part of several training that taught the basics of digital literacy and the use of several software packages. Funmito’s long term goal is to pursue a career in Education. 

Funmito is a skilled writer who has had his works published on local and international journals amongst other platforms. We are privileged to have Funmito educate us on the Importance of Trees, Forests and Renewable Energy. He has channeled his skills and competencies in Physics and International Development into the blog post; 

For the Love of Trees http://thenineteeninitiative.blogspot.com.ng/2017/04/for-love-of-trees.html

You can rest, assured that Funmito's post on the blog will educate you and impart you with knowledge that will equip you to save the world through the sustainable practices embedded in the
 post.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

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FOR THE LOVE OF TREES

THIS POST TALKS ABOUT TREES, FORESTS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

IF ALL TREES DIED, WOULD HUMANS LIVE?
BY: FUNMITO ODEFEMI

Carbon dioxide is the climate’s worst enemy! It is released when oil, coal, and fossil fuels are burned for energy and even when you breathe!!! Mother Nature provided us with trees and forests to help in mitigating some of the effects of this by ensuring they soak up the carbon dioxide that would otherwise be free in the atmosphere and cause harm to our planet and by extension our lives. If we do not take proper care of our trees and forests, our planet might be in grave danger; if it is not already endangered. 

Forests are more than just a collection of trees; they are integrated ecosystems and home to some of the most diverse life on Earth. They are also major players in the carbon and water cycle that make our life possible and they play a critical role in mitigating global warming which occurs when carbon dioxide and other air pollutants collect in the atmosphere and absorb heat from the earth that normally should escape into space.

“Forests may look commonplace and ordinary, but they are responsible for our survival as humans”

Sadly, only about 30% of the land area on our planet today are forests, half of what it used to be, implying there are less forests to combat the ever increasing level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which result from our high demand for energy – the energy we use to power our homes, cars, computers, and smartphones. According to a World Wildlife Fund report, about 48 football fields worth of trees are lost every single minute worldwide. This continuous deforestation of trees is considered one of the highest contributor to global climate change. This in my opinion is a critical emergency and we must begin to think of better and more sustainable ways of doing everything we do as humans.

“By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, we are effectively curbing our own contribution to climate change”.

Global warming is changing our world and we all are at risk.You and I can reduce our carbon footprint by following a few easy steps and making conserving energy a part of our daily routine. I have listed Seven! I’m sure you can think of more!

o Use renewable Energy. Unlike fossil fuels which are finite, renewable energy sources regenerate naturally. Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and provide cleaner sources of energy, helping to negate the effects of certain forms of pollution. When renewable energy sources are used, the demand for fossil fuels is reduced. The most commonly used renewable energy sources are biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar.

o Plant a tree. An old Chinese proverb said “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now”. I mean this Literally. A few trees planted today could become a forest in the next few years, helping to cushion the effect of climate change for the coming generations.

 Buy Appliances with the Energy Star Sticker

o Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Whenever you shop for new appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or dryers, look for products with the Energy Star label; they meet a higher standard for energy efficiency than the minimum federal requirements.

o Drive fuel-efficient vehicles. Buy cars with the highest gas mileage and lowest emissions. You can also reduce your emissions by taking public transportation or carpooling when possible.

o Eat the food you buy. Waste less. Many people probably don’t think much about things like this, but a lot of energy goes into growing, processing, packaging, and shipping food – about 30% of which eventually end up in the landfill. It we waste less food; we are cutting down on our energy consumption.

o Buy better bulbs and turn off the lights when not in use. LED lightbulbs can save up to 80% of energy than conventional bulbs. Use them more. Also, remember to turn off all light bulbs whenever they are not needed. A lot of energy ends up being wasted this way. 

o Speak up. Talk to your friends and family about renewable energy and sustainability. Voice your concerns – via social media or any medium available and at any time there is an opportunity. 

In conclusion, individuals, governments, corporate bodies and civil societies all have a part to play to slow down and eventually halt the upward climb of Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. By doing all that has been mentioned and becoming more conscious of the impact of the little things we do, the world we live in will not only be safer for us, it will be for the generations yet unborn.

This post is written in commemoration of the World Earth Day.
Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

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THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on 
this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

FOR FURTHER READING

http://www.theoec.org/campaign/global-warming?gclid=Cj0KEQjwt6fHBRDtm9O8xPPHq4gBEiQAdxotvN9ALc_0BMrLx_NwmXxkQWm7pOubj8B15trftkn9sAMaAvGI8P8HAQ

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101

http://www.climatehotmap.org/about/global-warming-causes.html

http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/Global_Warming/fossil_fuels_and_global_warming.htm

https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/

https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/

http://worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation

http://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html

http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/i3010e/i3010e01.pdf

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=renewable_home