Volunteering as a form of help
Volunteering as a form of help

Summary/Abstract: The Polish Volunteer Center defines ‘volunteering’ as “free, voluntary, and intentional actions aimed at helping others which go beyond friendly and family ties”. It is important not to count the help of family, friends, or acquaintances among voluntary activities, as they help each other even without being volunteers. “Volunteering is both a form of social participation and an educational experience. It is a factor of social integration and a very effective way to overcome prejudice. It has a universal nature and must remain available to everyone”. Today, volunteers are protected by law, and volunteering is finally treated as a “profession” or as “work” which brings benefits to both the beneficiary and the volunteer. Benefits for the person receiving the volunteer’s help include interacting with another person, experiencing a genuine and unselfish willingness to help, and developing a spiritual sphere related to the emotional side of a human being. Benefits for volunteers include gaining and exchanging experience, learning new skills, learning the types of assistance suitable to beneficiaries’ needs, developing team-work skills, and satisfaction from being able to influence the social life.

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