Lawrence Wong’s Post

Volunteering Experience at the 13th All African Games I am Ghanaian by birth, had the esteemed opportunity to volunteer at the 13th All African Games held in Accra, Ghana. As a member of the sports technical team, I gained invaluable experience, enhancing a variety of essential skills critical to both personal and professional development. Roles and Responsibilities As part of the sports technical team, I was tasked with a range of responsibilities that required precision, efficiency, and a high level of dedication. These responsibilities included coordinating with different departments, ensuring the smooth running of sports events, and addressing any technical issues that arose during the games. Skills Gained 1. Time Management - Efficient Scheduling: I mastered the art of efficient scheduling, ensuring all events ran on time and that any delays were minimized. - Prioritization: Learned to prioritize tasks effectively, focusing on critical issues without neglecting minor ones. 2. Problem Solving - Quick Thinking: Developed the ability to think quickly and act decisively in high-pressure situations. - Innovative Solutions: Came up with innovative solutions to unexpected problems, ensuring minimal disruption to the events. 3. Working Under Pressure -Stress Management: Learned to maintain composure and work efficiently even under intense pressure. - Team Collaboration: Enhanced teamwork skills by collaborating closely with other team members to overcome challenges. In conclusion ,My experience at the 13th All African Games was a significant opportunity for growth and development. The skills gained in time management, problem-solving, and working under pressure have equipped me with a robust foundation for future endeavors. This experience not only highlighted my dedication and capability but also underscored the importance of volunteering in personal and professional growth.

Embracing the Impact: International Volunteers Day On the 5th of December each year, the world unites to celebrate International Volunteers Day—an ode to the countless individuals whose unwavering dedication propels positive change across the globe. Recognizing the Essence Beyond a mere date on the calendar, this day is a profound acknowledgment of the selfless souls who invest their time, skills, and passion to shape a better world. From environmental guardians to healthcare warriors and education advocates, these volunteers champion various causes with an undying spirit. The Dynamic Exchange of Volunteering At its core, volunteering isn't a unidirectional act; it's a dynamic exchange where both volunteers and communities thrive. Volunteers gain priceless experiences, acquire new skills, and forge enduring connections, while communities receive crucial support and a renewed sense of hope. Motivations Behind Volunteering Volunteering, a universal language, transcends cultural boundaries. Motivations vary—personal growth, community impact, or a deep-rooted sense of empathy and responsibility. Regardless of the driving force, the collective impact of individual efforts reverberates globally. Unity in Global Endeavors International Volunteers Day underscores the importance of global collaboration. Volunteers not only serve local communities but also contribute to addressing worldwide challenges. Their impact transcends geographical confines, emphasizing shared responsibility for the planet and its inhabitants. Celebrating Diversity in Service Volunteers form a mosaic of diversity—spanning ages, professions, and backgrounds. This diversity not only enriches the volunteer experience but ensures a kaleidoscope of skills and perspectives. It's a testament to the universal nature of compassion and the belief that everyone has a role in crafting a better world. A Gaze into the Future As we celebrate International Volunteers Day, let's reflect on the profound impact volunteers have had and continue to have. Whether part of massive organizations or grassroots movements, every act of kindness contributes to the collective endeavor of positive transformation. In Gratitude and Unity In conclusion, International Volunteers Day beckons us to recognize that ordinary individuals can achieve the extraordinary through compassion and action. Today, we express our gratitude to the volunteers shaping a brighter world. May their commitment inspire us all to ponder how we can contribute to the greater good, enhancing not just others' lives but our own. #volunteer #volunteerism

Calling volunteer leaders and managers! Hello. As professionals who have volunteers in your organisations, or consultants, speakers and managers of voluntary organisations, you have gathered vast amounts of experience and knowledge of the area so far. Are you willing to share it with the next generation of volunteer leaders and managers? Did you know there are formal higher education programmes in Europe specifically for volunteers? There are, and I run one of them. I have a group of over 20 highly-motivated, multi-skilled undergraduates from a wide variety of subject backgrounds (from humanitarian aid to sport) who would love to hear your stories, experiences and views. I am looking for people with knowledge of volunteer management who are willing to either (a) have a conversation online with me, sharing their experiences (either live - we can have the students with us or not, as you wish, or we can pre-record), or (b) are willing to speak with the students in person in The Hague to share their learning. If you can introduce me to contacts who can do this, too, I'd be enduringly grateful! I have my own networks, of course - but I'm reaching out for new links today. In return, you will gain exposure to the next generation of bright young minds, all with a real desire to make a difference to society and an understanding of the role of volunteers in organisations. Who knows, you might meet your next hire. Or your next volunteer. I don't have a budget for speakers, so I can't pay you (that's higher education, I'm afraid!), but if you're there in person, I'll buy you a coffee. And I'd love to share your organisation's profile with my students. Thanks for getting this far. If you want to know more and may be willing to contribute to my class, please do reach out to me. Gina PS: we all need flowers now and then, so here's one for you 🙂

I have successfully completed the U.S Mission ASEAN on the topic "Community Organizing for Action" Motivation and management of volunteers in an organization. This includes strategies for attracting volunteers, maintaining their motivation while working, and ensuring ongoing volunteer involvement. The introduction and implementation of effective strategies to attract, motivate, and retain quality volunteers is critical to ensuring an organization's sustainability and success in providing a positive impact on society. The importance of understanding communities in depth before inspiring them to act, as well as strategies for overcoming apathy or lack of interest in society. Through a deep understanding of the community, removing barriers to participation, and providing ongoing motivation, it is important to celebrate small wins and maintain community engagement over the long term. By doing this, projects can grow and have a significant impact on the communities they serve. The importance of community involvement in NGO efforts to achieve their mission. NGOs can practice community engagement by involving community members in projects, forming advisory committees, and building new skills and leaders within the community. By actively involving communities, NGOs will not only be more relevant to community needs, but will also build collective ownership of the NGO's mission, ensure the long-term sustainability of the NGO's work, and enable communities to realize their vision for a better life and community. The importance of planning strategically and being organized in an effort to build a successful campaign. Recommended steps include identifying challenges to be addressed, engaging key stakeholders, and developing a detailed action plan to build a sustainable campaign. It is important for leaders to choose one specific issue that will be the focus of the campaign, conduct brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas, and identify stakeholders who will support the campaign efforts. With careful planning, effective coordination, and involving all relevant parties, campaigns can be successful in solving problems faced by communities #LearnShareImpact #DareToLead #StudentsxCEOs #StudentsxCEOsEastJava #FutureLeader

International Volunteering Campaign “Surviving Pandemic” The "Surviving Pandemic" campaign was organized by Healthy Bouquet which was held on August 13th, 2021. Limit how much news you watch and read. Reading or listening to news about the pandemic can stress you out. Stay informed, but don't obsess over endless media coverage. Find a positive escape in a book, favorite TV show, music, or doing activities with your family. Culturally Aware Volunteer Campaign The Cultural Awareness Campaign was organized by Jong Culture Indonesia which was held on August 11-17 2021. We probably heard about cultural awareness somewhere. But what exactly is cultural awareness? Cultural awareness is an attitude in which a person understands, comprehends, and respects the existence of differences in various people who have their own culture. Little did you know that it has many things to do with our life. Understanding the concept of cultural awareness and applying it in daily life can really help us socialize.

Are you a tourist who wants to make your stay in Japan more special? Or are you a Japanese resident looking for fulfilling ways to spend your leisure time? Volunteering can be the right option for you. It is a gateway to opportunities to connect with others, make a positive impact, and add a unique layer to your Japanese experience. Here’s a recommendation on what to do and where to find volunteering opportunities as a foreigner in Japan. https://lnkd.in/gF4FjWzh

#PayingItForward Why It Pays to Volunteer 🇸🇬 ᴘᴏʜ888 🇸🇬 2024-Jun-24 • Do you volunteer your time and or services? • Do you know where you can sign up to be a volunteer? Where to Find Volunteering Opportunities in Singapore Giving.sg: A comprehensive platform where you can find volunteering opportunities across different sectors, from education to environmental conservation. (see the link in my first comment) Community Centres: Local community centres often have programs in need of volunteers. These opportunities can be a great way to connect with and support your local community. (see the link in my second comment) Trade Associations & Chambers (TAC) : TAC – Trade Association & Chambers, Many TAC offer volunteer opportunities that align with your career, allowing you to contribute your expertise while expanding your professional network. (do you know, @Singapore Business Federation has a complete list of the various TAC?) See my third comment Professional Organisations and or Associations Do you know, almost every profession, has their own association? Can you name a few? Why It Pays to Volunteer 1. Skill Development: Volunteering allows you to hone existing skills and acquire new ones. Whether it's leadership, project management, or communication, these skills can enhance your professional profile. 2. Networking: Volunteering introduces you to a diverse range of people, expanding your professional network. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. 3. Personal Fulfillment: There’s a unique sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others. This can lead to increased happiness and well-being, positively impacting your work-life balance. Potential Professional Benefits 1. Career Advancement: Employers value candidates who show a commitment to their community. Volunteering experience can set you apart in job applications and interviews. 2. New Perspectives: Working with different communities exposes you to various perspectives, fostering empathy and improving your problem-solving abilities. 3. Improved Soft Skills: Volunteering enhances critical soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and time management, which are essential in any professional setting. Volunteering is not just about giving back; It is an investment in your future. By offering your time and skills, you can gain invaluable experiences and make meaningful connections. Are you ready to Paying It Forward by volunteering? #CCPN #Volunteering Paying It Forward Why It Pays to Volunteer 🇸🇬 #ᴘᴏʜ888 🇸🇬 2024-Jun-24

Thanks to the thousands of volunteers that make stuff happen! Today is international volunteer day #ivd2023 and a great chance to reflect on how this critical workforce, which is often unseen, contributes to making many of our systems operate. Without volunteers, many of our health and social services would grind to a halt. Consider this: 💪 Approximately 21.5% of New Zealanders undertake volunteer work. 💲 The value of formal volunteering is estimated at $4 billion per annum. 👏 New Zealanders contribute a total of around 159 million hours of formal volunteer labour each year. 👥 11.8% of people undertake informal volunteering work, contributing a total of 7.8 million hours of volunteer labour per year to these figures. Source: https://lnkd.in/gNn-D_sH To my former colleagues at Volunteering New Zealand | Tūao Aotearoa and Be Collective - happy international volunteer day! 🎉🌏☺️

I'm delighted to announce the successful completion of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Course, presented by the U.S. Mission to ASEAN. During this course, I delved into the world of Community Organizing for Action, with a focus on three key components: 1. Ways to Attract Volunteers: Encouraging individuals to step forward and offer their assistance is a natural inclination within our human nature. While some are quick to volunteer, others may require a bit more encouragement. It's crucial to craft a meaningful volunteer experience and the first step in attracting quality individuals is to showcase the impact a volunteer can have. Strive to foster a positive environment that entices people to join the team. Once you've determined the level of involvement you can offer, initiate your search for volunteers. Utilize your institution's communication channels, such as social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook, to actively seek volunteers. Create and distribute a monthly newsletter for volunteer recruitment, or design and post flyers on community bulletin boards in your vicinity. Reach out to individuals who have volunteered with your organization previously, and ensure your promotional materials accurately depict the volunteer experience, emphasizing its appealing aspects. 2. How to Maintain Volunteer Motivation: Ensuring that your volunteers' time is well spent at your organization is paramount. Remember that they may not possess the same level of experience as your regular staff members. Thus, it is essential to be readily available to answer their inquiries, provide support, offer additional training, and give them encouragement. Take the time to educate them about the impact your organization is making, allowing them to establish a deeper connection to their work. Creating a positive experience for volunteers and keeping them engaged during their service is the key to encouraging them to return and collaborate with your organization in the future. 3. How to Maintain Volunteer Engagement: Following the conclusion of their volunteer service, engage in discussions with the volunteers to gather their preferences and any areas of dissatisfaction. Collect their feedback through surveys and earnestly learn from negative comments to continually enhance the volunteer experience. Once an individual has volunteered with your organization, work diligently to maintain their engagement. Keep them on your mailing list, extend invitations for future volunteer opportunities, and encourage them to invite their friends to upcoming events This course has equipped me with valuable insights and skills to engage and lead within communities effectively. I look forward to applying this knowledge to make a positive impact in my future endeavors. #LearnShareImpact #DareToLead #StudentsxCEOs #StudentsxCEOsEastJava #FutureLeader