Volunteering

Conversation, reading comprehension and vocabulary activity

Discuss the questions below with a partner, in small groups and/or use them as prompts for a writing activity.

What do you think is the difference between a charity and a nonprofit organization? Should everybody do something good for others? Do you agree that “charity begins at home”? Have you ever bought second hand items from charity shops? Do you think it is immoral for people to spend lots of money on luxury items  when others are starving and dying? Would you like to work as a volunteer? Have you ever done any volunteer work? To which organization you would donate your time and why? Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund, Green Peace, an animal shelter?   Can you name others? Can you think of different types of volunteer work? Have you ever volunteered to help victims of natural disasters? How? Would you help people outside your community or country? Why (not)? What is a fund raising event? How would you raise money for a cause?

Giving of Your Time, Talents, and Treasures

Reading activity

Getting involved with a non-profit organization provides interesting and challenging professional and personal development opportunities. For those interested in pursuing this type of work, here are a few suggestions on how to make your experience a rewarding one. The first step is to identify issues that really inspire you to want to change the world, the country, your state, or your community. Find an issue that you are passionate about and truly interested in learning more about. Once you have your issue, then it's important to identify the organizations that work in that field. You should also understand the geographic scope of the organization's work. Some work globally, some locally, and some everywhere in between. Non-profit organizations are both large and small and usually measured by their expense budget. The internet is an excellent source for gathering information on various organizations. Now that you have your issue and a list of organizations you want to get involved with, it's time for you to introduce yourself. An important question to ask yourself at this stage is how much of a time commitment do you want to make. Non-profit organizations need three important things from donors, supporters, and board members. First and foremost is your financial support. So, one easy and not-so-time consuming way to get involved is to make a regular contribution. If you’re looking to get more involved with the organization as a volunteer organizations are always looking for new members who offer a specific talent or skill set (legal, marketing, finance, accounting) and technical expertise. Finally, another great way to get introduced to non-profit organizations is through volunteer consulting assignments, or simply giving your time. Volunteer work can sharpen your professional skills and be extremely rewarding. Find your passion and get involved!

Adapted from a Huffington Post article by Verena von Pfetten

Original source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/05/volunteering-a-beginners_n_124039.html

A)Comprehension Questions:

1.What are the three ways a person can help a non-profit organization?

2.What do volunteers get in return for their work?

3.How can you decide which organization to join?

4.How can organizations be different?

B)Vocabulary: Find the terms for the following definitions.

1.A benefactor, someone who gives or presents something.

2.Difficult in a way that is usually interesting or enjoyable.

3.A subject or topic.

4.Tasks someone is required to do.

5.Being involved in, following.

6.Very / highly.

7.Giving you a good feeling that you have done something valuable, important, etc.

8.To make something clearer or more distinct.

Answers here!