Giving back to the community
Why do we bother volunteering for support, social or other groups in our community?
Indeed, there are myriad reasons why people offer their time and energy to a worthy cause.
Given the vast number of community groups out there, it is not surprising that you could almost feel overwhelmed with where to start. I know, because I was like that, not knowing what to do or where to begin, before I decided to get involved with 鈥榦ur community鈥�.
The term 鈥榗ommunity鈥� can be very difficult to explain. Sometimes, when I open the gay rags, glance at Facebook or listen to JOY 94.9 FM, I find myself wondering, 鈥淚s this what the word 鈥榗ommunity鈥� means?鈥�
Then I take a reasonably hard look at myself, shrug my shoulders and think, 鈥淲hy am I concerned so much with what the 鈥榗ommunity鈥� means?鈥�
I got involved with the Victorian AIDS Council/ Gay Men鈥檚 Health Centre (VAC/GMHC) as a volunteer at the suggestion of a counsellor. I had a crush on him, and he correctly suggested I should channel my energy into something positive other than seeing him for further counselling.
Back in 1989, HIV was a hot topic in the gay community. My (now ex) counsellor thought it would be a great place for me to get involved as a volunteer and steering my thoughts from focusing on him to do something for 鈥榯he community鈥�.
Indeed, 鈥済iving something back to the community鈥� is a common answer given by potential outreach volunteers. Nine times out of 10, this is their prime motivation.
When pressed, they often elaborate along these lines: 鈥淲hen I first came out and went to gay pub/club/SOPVs, there was someone who took me under their wing and told me the whys and wherefores 鈥� basically, someone who helped me along the way鈥�.
So, while there are guys out there who are only out for a quick wham bam thank you ma鈥檃m at SOPVs or other places where sex happens, there are many more folk who actually care about others.
They welcome those experiencing 鈥榗oming out on the scene for the first time鈥� and are supportive of them.
While they are not actively engaged as a 鈥榲olunteer鈥� for any particular organisation, in my eyes they are already volunteering their time and energy. This is because of the helping hands and support they offer, especially to those who are relatively new to the 鈥榞ay community鈥�.
Remember how you felt when you first 鈥榗ame out to the scene鈥�. Perhaps this is a good incentive for you to support others and volunteer your time to 鈥榯he community鈥� for a worthy cause.
If you are interested in volunteering at the VAC/GMHC, call 03 9865 6700 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
By TEX MCKENZIE
