Professionalism in Volunteerism

Volunteerism, according to the Collins English Dictionary, is "the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward". Another definition is provided by Webster New World College Dictionary: "the theory or practice of being a volunteer or of using volunteers, as, without pay, in social agencies, charitable organizations, etc.". 

Professionalism is defined by Merriam-Webster as "the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person." Each profession (e.g. teacher, lawyer, doctor, etc.) would have its own conduct, aims or qualities. 

Parishes, like others communities, thrive because of volunteers. Notice how our liturgies are facilitated by a number of altar servers, lectors/commentators, choir members, collectors, welcomers, etc. It is no joke to be a volunteer to any of these ministries. One must devote time and effort regularly to serve. When I served as a lector/commentator at the Manila Cathedral almost 20 years ago, I appreciated and understood better what a 'volunteer' meant. Every Sunday morning, I would travel from Gagalangin to Intramuros to serve in one Mass. I could have opted to serve in my parish, but I saw the need for volunteers in the Cathedral. Having a non-parish status, it relies heavily on volunteers coming from different parts of the City. 

Being a volunteer is good because you give something back to the community. However there is this temptation to feel superior because of the role we perform (which we may think others cannot do). There is also this wrong notion that because you are a volunteer you can just operate according to your own whims like a palitaw (small, flat, sweet rice cake).

Although being a volunteer is not a profession in the strictest sense of the word, I think by adhering to a 'code of conduct', volunteers would be able to keep on track. Going back to volunteering in the parish, the best 'code of conduct' I could think of is “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27). By being motivated by that love for God and our neighbor, we would have a genuine malasakit (concern) for our parish.  

By being moved by love, we would see ourselves as part of the community: a team player who will do our share in making our liturgies or other events meaningful, a team player who will communicate in case we are unable to serve, a team player who is ready to help.

By putting on that love in our service, we would remain humble and see our work as a small contribution to God's own work. Being humble also means being aware of our limitations and God's abundance. By living that love for God and neighbor (they go hand-in-hand!), we would be able to use our ministry to reach out to others, encourage them to see the beauty of being a volunteer for the Lord and His people, and inspiring them to join in.