A great deal of evidence shows that volunteering, when properly managed and supported, can foster social integration within and between communities. Youniss and Yates (1997) point out that when young people are able to participate in and reflect on voluntary activities within their communities they develop a sense of responsibility for the well-being of that community. “When participation is encouraged by respected adults, youth begin to reflect on political and moral ideologies ." It is this process of reflection, which takes place publicly with peers and adults as well as privately, that allows youth to construct identities that are integrated with ideological stances and political-moral outlooks”
People volunteer because they believe in the values of the society they want to see -It is not a job. It is grounded in values of the world and the community that they want to be part of and therefore volunteers give of their own knowledge, expertise and time to creating that possibility not alone but with others.
A project currently running in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which is called Project PINK.
It is aimed at creating awareness around CANCER to Port Harcourt residents, demonstrates the potential of volunteering to combat social exclusion and encourage social integration.
Youths are encouraged to participate in volunteering programmes of which has a significant effect on societal development.
Volunteer today! And make the change..
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