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We are all discoverers... travelling the world, learning its truths, its people and its meanings every single day. Grab your backpacks and let's embark on this journey of mine, one that holds a lot of meaning to me... Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker

Friday, February 17, 2006

 

Interviewing Volunteers

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Volunter placement, to me, is a crucial part of the volunteer management system because I always believe in placing "the right volunteers with the right skills in the right place at the right time".

Once placed in the right places with the right role, volunteers can contribute meaningfully and enjoy the volunteering experience since they can feel they are really making a difference. Both organization and beneficiaries will also benefit when volunteers are placed appropriately and can contribute in their own unique ways and in diverse manners, complementing the care that the organization and staff already provides to the beneficiaries.

Anyway to help me place the right volunteer blah blah blah... came up with the following acronym to help guide me during interviews with volunteers:

Thursday, February 16, 2006

 

Pulling My Hair Out (And I am Losing Hair)

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Moving Too Fast for Myself
Burnt, burnt, think I am really burnt out... Have a kind of feeling that I am moving way too fast for myself at work, especially when my boss today commented that I have "given birth" to so many (new) things (i.e. putting in systems and establishing new workflows) that no one now knows my work because it just seem complex (I myself will get confused sometimes). So much so, there is a little crisis now because I am going away for my in-camp training and we just could not figure out who can cover me, given all the complexities.

I finally realized today that being a VPM really requires one to be able to multitask because you will always be doing anything and everything;
  • from taking enquiries from public about volunteering, to interviewing volunteers...
  • from marketing your volunteer programme, to compiling statistics and reports about your volunteer programme...
  • from attending meetings after meeting with potential volunteer partners, to researching and thinking how the volunteer programme can be improved...
  • from data entry, to developing forms and tools...
  • from designing publications to promote the volunteer programme, to planning meetings and training sessions...
  • from seeking to understand the volunteer needs of the organization programmes and projects, to certifying volunteers' service hours...
  • from project / event management, to volunteer support...
  • from taking photos, to screening, referring, placing volunteers
I must have done some 20-30 follow-ups and referrals today while struggling with some 10-15 projects... To make matters worst, I had to handle volunteers who just don't follow instructions and keeps emailing (rather than call) to ask, in a piecemeal manner, how to get to the centre, what are the volunteer duty shift timings, etc when the information and relevant instructions has already been provided.

Some even rely on you to provide detailed instructions such as which buses will bring them from their home to the centre etc. All at the same time, the phone was ringing off the hook with people asking about volunteering and I had to follow-up on volunteer applications which have been submitted through mail and follow-up on voice messages left on my phone, while rushing to attend a meeting at another centre. Occasionally, you have to "firefight" because there had been no follow-up after you have referred the volunteer out and the volunteer become upset.

Yup, this was my day today... a blessing that I still have hair left on my head... temper wasn't exactly very good today as well...

Feeling about Feelings: Guilty about Disappointment
Mentioned 2 days ago that I was happy that my ex-colleague was finally doing something for herself and had submitted her resignation... but yesterday, realized that she might stay after all... this really disappointed me.

Not sure why I feel this way; why am I disappointed? Is it because I am disappointed that my friend is once again neglecting her own self care since she has chosen to stay, despite how much the work is affecting her?

Or am I disappointed that the opportunity for my former workplace to be taught a lesson is gone? After all, I am still upset that all the hardwork and effort I have put in for my ex-organization was not appreciated and how my professional integrity had been undermined. But a part of me is also saying: "Shame on you! How could you even think in such a way?! Forgive just as you have been forgiven, show grace."

Chocolate, Blueberry, Cheese, Carrot, Walnut or Coconut Muffins
Have heard so much about this muffin shop at Shunfu Food Centre but haven't the chance to try it... today, my colleagues finally decided to eat at Shunfu and buy some muffins back...

I must say the muffins are real nice, soft and fragrant... and we were blessed that there was no crowd when we arrived but the lunchtime crowd soon came and threatened to "swallow" the store up as they gathered in front of the unit and waited patiently for their orders.


My muffins


The famous "Chocolat "n" Spice"

Touched by Angels
So touched by my colleagues today... some of them knew that an event I was helping to recruit volunteers for didn't have enough volunteers and they volunteered to help after work. They had initially wanted to help out during office hours but then my boss "cautioned" me about deploying staff during office hours for unofficial matters. This somehow made me feel embarrassed because I thought I heard my boss say last week that she may consider letting staff help out at the event during office hours... but I guess my boss may have forgotten given all the work matters she has on her mind.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

 

The Letter

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Have seen a comedy and a tragic love story all within one evening... found this Singapore film through tomorrow.sg and found the film to be of commendable standards.

It was mentioned that this is a real story of the struggle a boy goes through, loving another male classmate but is rejected. He eventually distanced himself from friends and things just fell apart and he ended his life.

I love stories which reflects reality and delves into human relationships but the fact that this is a true story and that a life was ended and real people having to cope with the anguish of losing their friend and loved ones really makes my heart wrench.



Remember the anguish that loved ones will have to face when someone ends their lives... (Here's the social work part of me at work again): If in need, always try to find someone you can trust to talk to, speak to a counsellor, pray about it or call SOS at 1800-221-4444.

 

Marrying the Mafia 2

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Just came back from watching "Marrying the Mafia II" and boy am I breathless from all the laughing... a good way to wind down after a long day of work, especially since I have not watched a movie for like, ages...

Horror, romance, action, comedy, this movie has it all. In a nutshell, it's about a "not so mean" mafia boss who fell in love with a public prosecutor and decided to give up everything for love... quite touching towards the end. Anyway, love the wittiness and humor in the movie.

Worth watching... at least got me all "de-stressed"

 

Role of VPMs

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Volunteer coordination is real hard work. Was trying to capture the essence of the kind of volunteer coordination work I was doing for the past 4 months. The result:


Click to view larger version

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

 

Valentine's Day

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V Day
I don't really feel much about Valentine's Day every year; to me, it is just like every other day. But this year's V Day seems to feel a little different...

Everyone seems to be going somewhere or was holding valentine's day gifts. Everyone seems to be all dressed up, smelling good, looking good and were walking hand-in-hand with their partners... Now I understand why some singles just hate Valentine's Day, can be quite depressing. But anyway, I don't hate V Day (just don't really have a very good feeling about it this year, kinda lonely kind of feeling) and all I wanted was to good home to sleep... had a very tiring day today and by day's end I just wanted to go back to nurse my throbbing head (from all the multitasking throughout the day).

Finally Doing Something to Care for Herself
Had received news from my former colleague that she has finally tendered her resignation. That places seems to really have become quite chaotic and with all the work she is taking in, I just find it amazing she is able to cope till now (she is taking on 2.5 person's job). Anyway, I am happy that she is doing something for herself because she is always thinking about others, to the extent that she may neglect her self-care.

I am seriously getting more and more disappointed with my former workplace that things have not seem to gotten better since I left... Anyway, chatted on the phone with my ex-colleague yesterday and we really missed the old days when we worked hard with one another... We had our clashes of working styles in the beginning but we had both adapted to each others' style and we agreed to be genuine and frank with one another whenever we are unhappy. What followed was 1.5 years of wonderful working relationship.

Studying God vs Studying Satan
At staff devotion today, my colleagues asked me about how I was progressing in my work with my friend in cult. I shared that I have not done much as yet because I kind of stopped reseraching on cults due to overwhelming work. A dear brother-in-christ helped me put things in perspective and reminded that rather than studying the devil, we should focus on ministering with God's love. It is true after all... why am I studying the devil rather than the word of God... thanks brother for reminding me :)

 

My "Media Amplification" Theory

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Now, I had always been thinking of this: does TV reflect reality or make reality? How much of what we see on TV actually reflects reality? How much is just showing what the audiences want to see?

We have all come across research on the effects of media on the psychological development of people and I just can't help but feel puzzled how, despite knowing this, people allow decadent behaviours e.g. sex (particularly casual pre-marital sex) and violence (particularly gruesome details on humans being slaughtered by serial killers) to be portrayed on media, particularly to the impressionable.

If indeed the media DOES reflect reality, does it worsen matters because the media somehow gives others the impression that "this is common (and maybe even normal) in our society"?

If it DOES NOT reflect reality, then wouldn't it be misleading since people might think that, by virtue of the fact it is portrayed by media, it is commonsight?

The power of visuals could not be underestimated.

Monday, February 13, 2006

 

Yippee Again!!

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New Year "Resolution"
Am so happy today because there is finally resolution for the "New Year Incident". I really give thanks to God for making this resolution possible; how He has brought me to the school, where my friend is teaching, to discuss a volunteer project.

We later met up with each other in school and decided to go for dinner together with his girlfriend. Frankly, things were a little awkward at first (since we had not met since the incident) but later, I found courage to bring up the topic and we were candid how we felt about the incident. I am just so glad we all decided to let this matter rest and just move on... we spent the whole evening in Sakae and window shopping in Kovan. Simple but wonderful evening... Really happy a valued friendship is back on track again *BIG GRIN*

Blessed Assurance
I just continually feel blessed and guided by God in my work because I could not have survive given my current workload and having only been on the job for 4 months... It just happens that everytime I need to find a specific volunteer, they just appear. Take for example...
  • I was looking for journalists for a volunteer project and a few came along
  • I was looking for 4 childcare assistant teachers and 4 appropriate volunteers came along
  • I was looking for volunteers who could help with a baking project of one of my centres and today I was given a contact of a bakery owner
  • I was looking for volunteers to help plan a centre's anniversary event and came along a group of volunteers experienced in events management
Blessing and guidance just came along again and again... coincidence or blessing? I choose blessings...

Day of Trinity
Today is really the day of trinity... first, I realized that all 3 reps from my organization going to the volunteer project meeting with the CIP teacher all had the same first name, one from each generation (20s, 40s and 60s). Then, when I met my friend and his girlfriend, we were all wearing blue... Monday blues :)

Sunday, February 12, 2006

 

Yet More New Worship Songs

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Rescue
Words and Music by Jared Anderson

You are the source of life
I can't be left behind
No one else will do
I will take hold of You

I need You Jesus to come to my rescue
Where else can I go?
There's no other Name by which I am saved
Capture me with grace
I will follow You

This world has nothing for me, I will follow You
This world has nothing for me, I will follow You

Just Let Me Say
Hillsong United

Just let me say how much I love You
Let me speak of Your mercy and grace
Just let me live in a shadow of Your beauty
Let me see You face to face

And the earth will shake as Your Word goes forth
And the heavens will tremble and fall
But let me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend

Just let me hear Your finest whispers
As You gently call my name
And let me see Your power and Your glory
Let me feel Your spirit's flame

Let me find You in the desert
Till this sand is holy ground
And I am found completely surrendered
To You my Lord and Friend

So let me say how much I love You
With all my heart I long for You
For I am caught in this passion of knowing
This endless love I've found in You

And the depth of grace, the forgiveness found
To be called a child of God
Just makes me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend (x2)

Just makes me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend

 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

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Improving your Relationships with your Hearing
The "theme" for this week seems to be on "listening" with me hearing 3 friends out throughout the week and the week ends with a sermon on "Building Great Relationships: How to Improve your Hearing".

I think one thing remains clear: how well your relationship is depends on how willing you are to hear the other person out. All of us have struggles and most of us yearn to be heard and to be understood. Listening conveys the message that "we care of the other person" and that he/she is important enough to be listened to.

James 1:19 says: "... take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"

Do we have presumptions, pride and impatience that stops us from listening to others?

Being Truthful & Genuine
One of my colleagues at work gave me a valentine's day gift, those mini cards that gives a description about your name. Mine speaks about being truthful and how true... my struggle has always been with people who I fear are not truthful with me; I always value truthfulness, genuineness etc in relationships. The book of James in the bible also spoke of being genuine Christians.

Learning Guitar
Started my guitar lesson with my cell group mates today and boy was it a painful experience... ouch! Will try to perservere on...

Let's Just Move On
I wasn't really sure whether my friends are OK following the New Year incident, although I messaged my friend last Sunday and he said that things will be OK once we meet up and laugh about the matter. However, I have yet to hear from his girlfriend for a week now and so decided to sms her to check if she is still upset about the matter. Am glad that she is candid about it and shared that she was still upset about it.

I must admit that the incident has left everyone hurt and I had a part to play for it... Wasn't really keen on pinpointing whose fault it is because it is just no longer important; I value our friendship so much and I am lost as to what to do with our current situation.

I apologized for causing hurt but also asked for understanding on why I reacted the way I did. I am really so glad that we all agree to let the matter rest and I felt that I am heard.

As mentioned, I am not trying to prove that I am right but rather I also had a part to play for causing hurt, just as I had been hurt. Things seem to be OK for now and I am leaving it in the hands of God.

 

Creating A Positive Volunteering Experience

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Are volunteers seen as partners of your organization, contributing to, extending and enriching the care of the beneficiaries or are they seen as a troublesome bunch of people who needs baby-sitting and take staff away from their work?

Throughout these few weeks, I have been thinking how the volunteering experience can be made a positive one? The volunteering experience can be positive and meaningful for both staff and volunteers if enough effort has been put in to prepare to receive volunteers and help them to understand and do their work. It can be a win-win situation.

Before Arrival of Volunteers
  • Identify tasks to be performed by volunteers and their respective mentors or I/Cs (It might help to also have the job description on hand)
  • Prepare all tools needed which might include stationeries, admin forms, tags etc
  • Identify the reception area where volunteers will be received and briefed to ensure it is conducive
When Volunteers Arrive
  • Usher volunteers into the reception area. Most of the time, volunteers need to wait for the whole team to arrive and you can make them feel comfortable by offering them something to drink and/or some reading materials on the organization
  • Orientate your volunteers so they know the organization and the cause they are volunteering for (even if they are just episodic volunteers). Volunteers who know where they are in the scheme of things and the role they play may decide to do their best in their service
    • Ice-breakers
    • Introduce self and ICs
    • About Organization
    • About Centre
    • About Volunteers and their roles
    • About Beneficiaries
  • Brief your volunteers on admin matters as it is inevitable that some paperwork e.g. attendance taking, volunteer service hours certfication etc will be needed
    • Attendance taking
    • Volunteer service certification procedures
    • Safety & Security matters
    • Washroom locations
    • Refreshments (Can you imagine volunteering for an organization for 4 hours and not even offered a drink? What impression will you have of that organization?)
    • Bag deposit
    • Volunteer tags
  • Next brief your volunteers on their tasks and their role and give them the necessary training for them to do their tasks
    • Break into task groups
    • Assign a leader (makes your coordination work easier and allow volunteers to take ownership as well)
    • Issue tools needed for the tasks
    • Describe the tasks as a "project" and leave the teams to organize themselves
    • Give task and time targets (especially time for packing up to avoid situations where staff have to pick up the pieces after the volunteers)
    • Look into job rotation if volunteers are staying for long hours
    • Have fun
    • Ongoing supervision and mentorship
Preparing to Leave
  • Gather at recpetion area
  • Debrief & Feedback Forms
  • Group photos
  • Issuing volunteer hours certification (with photocopies being made for filing)
  • Distribute list of volunteering opportunities and application form (so volunteers keen to stay as regular volunteers can make the decision to sign up)
Post Activity Follow-Up
  • Follow-Up visits to other centres
  • Send Thank You Letter
  • Send photos
  • Send list of volunteering opportunities and application form (if necessary)
  • File documents
Some important questions to ask:
  • How much time is wasted on waiting? (Causes volunteers to be restless)
  • Are refreshments provided? (Helps volunteers feel cared for)
  • Are there service learning opportunities? (Helps makes the most out of the volunteer service)
  • What kind of impression does staff gives to volunteer's involvement? (Help volunteers feel as valued partners)

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