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Responses to: War and Volunteers: History Repeats Itself

Submitted on 30Apr03 by Frank Pomata, Director, MS 172 Beacon Program, New York, USA
I am very surprised that this hot topic did not elicit a greater response than what I see posted on the website as of today.

Submitted on 7Apr03 by Sarah Jane Rehnborg, Ph.D., RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, LBJ School of Public Affairs, Austin, TX
Although there is much to be said about the war itself, I continue to be struck by the small turn-out in virtually every US election. I have printed out voter registration forms (generally available on internet sites as well as local government offices, etc.) and am making them available. When my own son turned 18 this past year, he received a voter registration form in his birthday card from me. Likewise, as long as my sons depend on me for support, I require that they vote. Hopefully this habit will be one that stays with them. Voting does matter and we must promote this most basic, voluntary civic duty. Now is a great time to do so.

Submitted on 5April03 by anonymous
I believe that agency-based volunteer programs and all-volunteer membership associations can definitely capitalize on the current situation. The war is blasted into people's living rooms via the TV in such a way that it's obvious what to protest - i.e. the war. Whereas the underlying problem - those in power and their daily control over those they govern - isn't quite so obvious to most people. The war has made people get off their seats, stand up and say something. While their attention is caught, now is the time to educate and get them rallied to address the core of the problem. This could be through volunteering in political programs, or simply making people more aware of their fellow citizens that are suffering around them by getting them volunteering in direct service work.

We working in non-profit organizations, working for the greater good of humankind, would be crazy to miss this wonderful opportunity to help people understand what needs to happen to make the world change. Those in power are displaying their true colors beautifully. The time to react and make long term change is now.

If we carry on as business as usual, it will be a missed opportunity, and therefore negative in that it will take longer to achieve a more peaceful and loving world. In terms of recruitment, trends may stay the same, or those agencies already with great PR may see an increase in numbers simply due to heightened enthusiasm to help, rather than more aggressive recruitment on behalf on the agency. If we carry on as business as usual, I see no positive outcomes.

I wish to remain anonymous as I am writing on behalf of myself as a concerned citizen, and not on behalf of the agency I represent.

Submitted on 5Apr03 by anonymous
I am a volunteer manager and had one volunteer exhibit extreme rudeness to another because of he came from a country that didn't support the war. I reminded my volunteers while they may have their opinions, it is not polite to demonstrate against others who may feel otherwise.

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