43 min
Transactional versus Transformative Volunteering: A Tale of Two Jarvises The Disorienting Dilemma
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- Society & Culture
When we first volunteer to help others, most people begin with a desire to ‘make a difference’ or ‘give back’.
As we continue in the volunteer journey, we notice a strange phenomenon: the biggest difference may be happening inside us. And although we are giving back, we find we are receiving far more than we may have to offer.
In an effort to explore this dynamic, Chris and Jake pick up where they left off in a previous podcast and explore the contributions of volunteers by sharing the origin stories of two volunteers who worked at the Sunday Suppers in Halifax, both with the surname ‘Jarvis’ (unrelated).
Marguerite Jarvis acted as her neighbourhood’s unofficial resource distribution center, providing access to items that people needed and would not be able to secure on their own. Darrell Jarvis, (Chris’ dad) the other volunteer, focused his attention on bringing resources to the Sunday Supper and making sure things were organized and accessible when needed.
With seemingly little in common, both Jarvis’ found their social justice stride by routinely showing up and being their authentic selves in service to others.
Transformative Volunteering is an approach that emphasizes the exploration and application of empathy and inclusivity in corporate community engagement.
Employee volunteer leaders are trained to manage social impact projects in a way that results in sustainable, systemic outcomes.
When we first volunteer to help others, most people begin with a desire to ‘make a difference’ or ‘give back’.
As we continue in the volunteer journey, we notice a strange phenomenon: the biggest difference may be happening inside us. And although we are giving back, we find we are receiving far more than we may have to offer.
In an effort to explore this dynamic, Chris and Jake pick up where they left off in a previous podcast and explore the contributions of volunteers by sharing the origin stories of two volunteers who worked at the Sunday Suppers in Halifax, both with the surname ‘Jarvis’ (unrelated).
Marguerite Jarvis acted as her neighbourhood’s unofficial resource distribution center, providing access to items that people needed and would not be able to secure on their own. Darrell Jarvis, (Chris’ dad) the other volunteer, focused his attention on bringing resources to the Sunday Supper and making sure things were organized and accessible when needed.
With seemingly little in common, both Jarvis’ found their social justice stride by routinely showing up and being their authentic selves in service to others.
Transformative Volunteering is an approach that emphasizes the exploration and application of empathy and inclusivity in corporate community engagement.
Employee volunteer leaders are trained to manage social impact projects in a way that results in sustainable, systemic outcomes.
43 min