| "Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy, for the
benefit of society, local communities, individuals outside the immediate family,
the environment or other causes. Voluntary activities are undertaken of a
person’s own free will, without payment, except for the reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses." Volunteers are an invaluable resource to many
groups and organisations. Thousands of people from all walks of life are
involved in volunteering, whether they be self-help group members, community
activists or volunteers (from now on will be referred to as volunteers).
A 'volunteer' within this context is defined as someone who commits time and
energy for the benefit of others, who does so freely, through personal choice,
and without expectation of financial reward, except for the payment of actual
out of pocket expenses.
The vast majority of volunteering is done in settings, which involve no paid
staff. For example:
- Most newly created groups
- Most community groups
- Many self-help/mutual aid groups
- Many religious/spiritual groups
- 'Friends' groups
- Local branches of national organisations
- Grass-roots groups
- Recreational/hobby groups
- Residents' associations.
These all-volunteer groups are very important in creating and maintaining
quality of life.
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