21st April 2011, 04:28 PM
The point about volunteering is that you do not have to do it. True community participation is not restricted to those who are physically fit enough or can afford the time turn up all day in rotten weather. If you are restricting who is taking part then ask yourself is it free labour labour you are after or community involvement? I would never question the dedication of volunteers but if they are not to become an exclusive group then they, will need guidance and commitment from professionals (paid or not) . If you are a volunteer working on a project ask your self is this opportunity available to any who wants to take part or is only for those who can commit to a set time and set amount of work if so you might be being exploited for your labour rather than being invited to take part in an exciting project. Think about it next time you take part in a project as a volunteer.