8th Deadly Sin

What would be the first thing that strikes your mind when it comes to volunteerism? What about volunteerism in a voluntary organisation?

The Spirit
Obviously, the typical answers that cropped up would be a long list of "goodwill" commandment. Most would appreciate the opportunity for networking, having to share experiences with others and the act of "giving it back to society" and for some; it's the "path towards redemption".

Volunteerism has been overwhelming since nature threw its tantrum on humankind and troubled industries began to lay off its workforce as result to strategic downsizing due to economic turmoil - at least for some. Apparently fraction of these victims of the inevitable economic cycle and/or their associates might have just found the new beginning in their lives, in either way, subscribing to volunteerism.

It's common for the rich and famous to be involved in volunteerism. In fact, the idea is celebrated as the participants have so much to give for the ones who need it most. But to those who don't have the tangible influence to be involved; the question is what really makes an ordinary person resort to volunteerism?

The Ethos
Whatever the reasons may be, honesty and integrity often fell ethically short in most voluntary organisations. Often we read the headlines about several acts of embezzlement and financial scandals. In addition, the typical governance in these organisations would be the employing of cronyism and by their nature tend to be green-eyed of their raison d'être and defend their voluntary role and their independence closely.

Call it the voluntary ethos; participants in these organisations tend to believe that they are involved as volunteers to further the voluntary cause almost as much as they are there to further the organisation's cause. The administration and management of such organisation often being debated, where ideally, it should be in the hands of the volunteers and should not necessarily require the same level of competence and establishment as business situation and a sort of slapdash amateur attitude is acceptable because there's no compulsion or salary attached. Such belief is disastrous and unjustifiable because it does not produce holistic quality support or delivery.

Proper management and administrative practices are vital to effective service for service field. Ignoring the benefits of good business management would invite potential dangers to any voluntary organisations which eventually having an inevitable lack of strategic direction or vision.

Any other complacency emplaced could imply a lack of leadership and everyone tends to push their own point of view and stick to it tenaciously, because they have a major role in the organisation and a background of service, rather than speaking with a view to achievement.

The Perks
In an advanced scenario within such organisations, volunteers in the management often crave for the sequential perks rather than looking into the management objectives. Some stood by for years pledging their allegiance to the organisation for the sake of wanting to benefit from those perks and other monetary incentives until a new broom sweeps clean. With such incidental benefits being regularly awarded to the management; their timeless commitment has becoming a religion.

The next question would be; can someone be dependent on volunteerism as sole source of his/her livelihood?

What would you say if you could have it all without going through the initial rat race? The luxuries of having the opportunity to wine and dine exquisitely, overseas travelling and some even on first class, rubbing shoulders with politicians, dictating critical operations, being publicly recognised, romancing through professional relationships, full-covered expenses on social meetings and much more than you could imagine in contrast to the time when one was in a corporate slavery. Does it sound fair to some genuine volunteers, non-volunteers, stake holders, donors and tax payers?

Thou Shall Not...
Hate or love it, the above true existing instances has much weaknesses but it probably has many strengths too. Everyone should realise that they should not deviate from the true spirit of volunteerism. Or at least be mindful of the (7) cardinal sins that are served as snacks on a silver platter.

We definitely would not want to add the (8^th) sin as one of the capital vices. Perhaps it's enough for unravelling the mystery of a gateway, that through it, one could possibly be committing all the (7) cardinal sins at one go - if he/she is not mindful.