The Current Reality
In our society, when the future is contemplated, discouragement and frustration prevail. Several aspects of today’s reality generate a deep sense of discouragement, such as the climate crisis, armed conflicts, migratory flows, the lack of housing and decent work, as well as poverty. This situation causes great demoralization in many people, who are affected by the sense of perpetuity of their disadvantaged condition.
Hope as a Ball
Despite this bleak panorama, hope becomes an essential element for the construction of fairer societies. The presence of committed volunteers, willing to contribute their time, experience and talent, is what keeps this hope alive. Thus, the promotion and support of volunteerism is essential, as its weakness or decline would only reinforce and increase existing suffering.
Cultivating the Soul for Quality Volunteering
For the volunteers to be able to carry out their work effectively, it is essential, as Josep M. Esquirol points out, to cultivate the soul. In addition to goodwill, a commitment to justice and equality, the ability to work in a team, openness to new training proposals and the incorporation of values such as solidarity and gratuity are necessary. This appropriate training is key to the development of quality volunteering.
The Role of Volunteering in Caritas
The document Volunteering in Cáritas highlights the importance of volunteers in the organization’s work. Without them, Caritas would not be what it is nor would it have the ecclesial and social significance it has. Thus, the generous donation of time and effort by volunteers is what makes it possible for love of others to become a lifestyle that sows hope in the world.
