Volunteerism as Civic Action.

On October 30, 2024, our Executive Director, Ms. Grace Maingi, virtually participated in a conference hosted by Star Ghana Foundation on the theme, “Volunteerism as a Civic Action.”

Philanthropy is often defined as “people donating or giving their talents, time, and treasures” to support a cause. In many societies, however, volunteerism—giving time and talent—is often overlooked as a vital component of philanthropy. It is essential to recognize that every citizen has the potential to be a volunteer, whether through monetary contributions or by offering their time and skills.

Speaking as a panelist, Ms. Grace Maingi shared her personal experience with volunteerism and the impact it has had on her life.

“Having started volunteering early on while still pursuing my undergraduate studies, my mother constantly reminded me of the importance of seizing opportunities, as they are not simply handed out. I realized that volunteering was a crucial strategy for personal and professional growth. It’s important to volunteer in areas you are passionate about, not only as a way to network but also as a means to give back and grow,” she explained.

Ms. Maingi also emphasized the need for society and organizations to measure and value not only monetary contributions but also the time that individuals volunteer for various causes.

She noted that, in Kenya, volunteerism recently took center stage during Gen Z’s protests against the Finance Bill, illustrating how young people and society as a whole are willing to volunteer their time and energy to advocate for meaningful change.

The discussions at the conference centered around the significance of volunteerism not just as a religious duty but as a civic responsibility. Participants explored new ways to promote volunteerism, including potential legal and regulatory incentives to encourage citizens, corporations, and religious organizations to embrace volunteerism as a tool for development.

The conference concluded with a call for organizations to be intentional about creating volunteer opportunities in areas such as environmental conservation, community development, civic engagement, and other vital sectors of society.