ove them or hate them, but “High School Musical” said it best: we’re all in this together. There is still so much to be done, and with resources ready at hand. Every bit counts, and the outpouring of enthusiasm from the Filipino people to help in the face of tragedy is truly something special. Why bicker, when we can simply work quicker?
So when we get involved during a time like this by heading out to government agencies, NGOs or charities and volunteer, here are 8 things we should remember to maximize the effort.
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8. Find out where they need you
Go online and see which organizations are still looking for people to help out. It’s always the more the better but there’s a chance that some places will have too many people with too little to do or too much to do but not enough hands. Find out, too, where they’re looking for people with a special skill or expertise. Maybe you have it or you know someone who does.
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7. Know what to expect
Be prepared for the work you have to do and the time you need to commit to do it. Find out who’s in charge and research about the various responsibilities in the efforts of the organization you’re going to. See which one fits your strengths and skill set best and go for it.
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6 Wear the right kind of clothes
A shirt, a comfortable pair of jeans and your trusty sneakers will do. You should also bring an extra shirt and a towel.
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5. Bring your own provisions
Make sure you pack your own water, food and sleeping bag or tent if it’s an all-nighter.
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4. Take initiative
Don’t wait to be told what to do, step by step. Find out the end goal and do what you need to, as efficiently as you can.
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3. Follow instructions
Taking initiative helps a lot but you also have to make sure that you’re doing it within bounds or you’ll just end up wasting precious time.
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2. Bring friends and make friends
The more people you bring, given you understand points 8-3, the better. Relief efforts are stressful enough as is so make sure that you keep yourself and people around you in good spirits.
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1. Go all out
Keep in mind why you’re volunteering and who you’re doing all this hard work for. Do the most you can for as long as your body and mind will let you (please don’t forget to eat and hydrate). You can also find out about the next steps (like going to the affected areas for distribution) and see if you can help there as well.
How else can our volunteers prepare for the relief operations? Do you know of organizations needing volunteers? Please let us know in the comments section.
