Equity in volunteering, according to the provided definition, refers to a situation where a volunteer is one who has not offered consideration for a benefit they have received or expect to receive.
This definition highlights a key principle of volunteering: the act should be altruistic, driven by a genuine desire to help or contribute, rather than motivated by anticipated personal gain or compensation. Let's break down the components of this definition:
- Volunteer: An individual who freely offers their time and skills to an organization or cause.
- Consideration: Something of value (money, goods, services, or promises) given in exchange for something else. In this context, "consideration" refers to a benefit the volunteer expects or has received because of their service.
- Benefit: Any advantage, profit, or positive outcome derived from the volunteering activity.
Essentially, true volunteers offer their services without expecting a quid pro quo. While volunteers may receive intangible benefits like personal satisfaction, skill development, or social connections, these should not be the primary reason for their involvement. The focus should remain on the benefit to the recipient of the volunteer service.
For example:
- Scenario 1 (Volunteerism with Equity): A person volunteers at a homeless shelter because they want to help people in need.
- Scenario 2 (Volunteerism without Equity): A person volunteers at a company primarily to gain an internship and boost their resume, viewing the service as a transaction for future career advancement.
The distinction lies in the primary motivation and the expectation of a tangible return directly linked to the volunteering itself. Organizations that rely on volunteers often emphasize this principle to ensure genuine commitment and ethical service.
