The Language Teacher
02 - 2001

On Being a Volunteer in JALT

L. Dennis Woolbright


When someone asks us to do something, most of us say, "Yes." We may envy those who pause and say, "Let me think about it, and I'll get back to you." Those people alwavs seem to have a lot of free time. On the other hand, the old adage, "If you want something done, ask a busy person," often holds true. JALT is an organization that, with the exception of two or three wonderful paid staff members, is more or less run by volunteers. Why do they all volunteer? And more importantly, how can we encourage more to do the same and then, nurture that volunteer experience?

One reason people do volunteer is to be part of an interesting and friendly group of people who are trying to do something worthwhile. Someone once said, "A human being is happiest and most successful when dedicated to a cause outside his own individual, selfish satisfaction." That may be true, but, like all things in life, it is important to strike a balance. In addition, especially in the case of our Japanese members, it is important to remember that the idea of holding one's hand up and saying, "Yes, I want to volunteer!" is not necessarily everyone's style. We need to ask people clearly and directly if they would be willing to help.

Once a volunteer has accepted the challenge, we need to work with them to help them understand exactly what it is that is needed to be done and help them get started if need be. It is sometimes a good idea to gradually work into an officer's position by shadowing another officer or being a co-chair for a year or so. In some cases, however, there are those who are old hands or new people with fresh ideas that are ready for leadership positions, and these people should be given the freedom to be creative in their volunteer positions. Most important of all is to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship.

The following quotes are additional thoughts on being a volunteer by some of our own and some who went before us.

"One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something . . ." -- Henry David Thoreau, poet, writer, philosopher

" Volunteer is that peculiar quality that sets JALT apart from most other professional organizations. Look in our publications, go to any chapter or SIG event, or take part in our annual conferences and you will see volunteerism in its most selfless form. It is a quality that allows JALT to offer a degree of service that many commercial enterprises could never hope to emulate, and it is what will see JALT continue successfully in the years ahead." -- Malcolm Swanson, JALT volunteer

"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare." -- Japanese proverb

"Success in a volunteer organization is directly opposite to success in a corporate culture; in a volunteer organization, the goal is to ultimately make yourself expendable. If people fail to perceive what you're doing as a 'cool' thing to do themselves, it ain't workin." -- Keith Lane, JALT volunteer

"A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm." -- Henrik Ibsen, poet and playwright

"I know that the best way to get volunteers is to give them something small to start with." -- Bill Pellow, JALT volunteer

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead, anthropologist

"When I come home tired after a weekend of attending JALT . . . and am asked why I entertain this constructive discontentment, 'So, why do you do it?' I immediately respond, 'It's all so important!' That belief keeps me volunteering. The key to building a successful volunteer non-profit organization with spirit is organizing the work so everyone feels essential to a goal they believe in. In a volunteer, non-profit organization, the person with the most responsibility for an individual's development is the person themselves -- not their hierarchical boss. Our large core of volunteer women and men, teachers and students, deserve and require superior learning opportunities."-- David McMurray, JALT volunteer

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again . . ." -- Mahatma Gandhi

reported by L. Dennis Woolbright, ALT volunteer



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