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Volunteering
3-22-2017
The 50th anniversary of the BC Muslim Association is a testament to the power of volunteers. Throughout its long history, thousands of people have helped build it into the successful organization that it is today representing over 40,000 Muslims through seven regional branches and six chapter across the province. BCMA is well known for its dedication towards developing and maintaining religious, cultural, educational initiatives – all of which rely heavily on volunteers to keep the programs flourishing.
The late Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr, a long-time Iman in America and one of the founders of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), wrote extensively about the importance of volunteerism in Islam. “Volunteering is the lifeblood of any community. It is because of volunteers that communities are able to run organizations, social services, conferences, playgroups, drop-in centers, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, open libraries, run schools, set up blood banks, and the list goes on. In Islam there is a strong ethic of volunteerism. This does not simply extend to running study circles or fundraising for the masjid. As Muslims, we see our role as world citizens. The idea of working for a better society or community shouldn't be limited to the Muslim community but should extend to the broader non-Muslim community as well. Because we live in that community too, whatever weaknesses are present affect us also. Dawah, the idea of inviting others to Islam, takes on myriad forms. The obvious one is educating people specifically about Islam and the principles enshrined therein. But the less obvious form is through doing good works and setting an example. This is where volunteerism plays a role.”
Indeed, volunteerism is a hallmark of both Islam and Canadian society. According to a 2013 nation-wide survey, 44% of Canadians, and 49% of BC residents, regularly volunteer their time and almost twice as many – 82% - give money to charitable or non-profit organizations. In total, we Canadians devote almost 2 billion hours to our volunteer activities, which equals about 1 million full-time jobs and give over $12.8 billion in donations with the typical donor giving $531 per year. The average amount of time a person volunteers is nearly 150 per year, with 10% of people volunteering an incredible 400 hours a year. These dedicated volunteers know, as the adage goes, “Volunteers polish up the rough spots in our communities.”
Finding volunteer opportunities is easy, and finding time is easy too once you determine your priorities. Volunteering doesn’t have to be burdensome. Start with simple activities such as participating in a community clean-up day or just pick up trash you see in your neighbourhood or near a masjid – something each of us can do. Go to your library and scan the notice boards for organizations needing support. Search online bulletin boards such as http://charityvillage.com/,
http://volunteerbc.bc.ca/, http://www.govolunteer.ca/ and even Craigslist’s volunteer section https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/vol, and, of course, you too can be part of helping BCMA grow by signing up to volunteer at your local branch via http://thebcma.com/Volunteer.aspx.
It’s also easy to reach out to the countless Muslim organizations doing good work in the community. The Muslim Food Bank is one special in my heart not just for the basic necessities they provide to families in need, but also for their ASPIRE (Actualizing Self Reliance by Providing Inspiration, Resources & Education) community service, their HOPE (Healing Opportunities through Prevention and Education) project, and their Refugee Settlement Program. They take a multifaceted approach to enriching people’s lives and are always looking for volunteers who want to make a difference. More information can be found on their website http://www.muslimfoodbank.com/.
The list of places where you can help is endless – schools, community centres, care homes, hospitals, food banks, libraries, cultural associations, museums, thrift stores, animal rescue shelters, community sport programs for children and youth, city festivals, service clubs such as Rotary or Lions Club International, Guides and Scout programs, non-profit organizations of all types, along with religious organizations such as mosques and inter-faith groups. Furthermore, with the election looming on the horizon, political parties are eager for volunteers to help garner votes. From baking a cake for a fundraiser to organizing a conference – everyone has some sort of skills and talents that can be used to benefit others. Nearly half of people who do not volunteer say that they don’t do so because they have never been asked to help. Don’t wait for someone to approach you – be proactive and take the first step. For half a century, people have worked tirelessly to make BCMA responsive to the community’s needs. It’s time for each of us to do the same. Volunteer.
Zainab Dhanani can be reached at z_dhanani@yahoo.ca
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