Why do voluntary work?

They all work for the organization F.J.T. ( Federatia Judeteana a Organizatiilor Nonguvernamentale de Tineret Brasov ) which is an organization for support of youth initiatives. Once a week they take part in a meeting at the office, planning for upcoming events. I wanted to find out what makes them spend so much of their free-time doing unpaid work. In Sweden , where I come from, that is a very rare thing.

I have asked them 4 questions each:

  1. How long has you worked as a volunteer?
  2. What made you start working as a volunteer?
  3. In what activities have you been involved?
  4. What are the good things working as volunteer?

Alexandru Mihalcea, 17

  1. Since August 2004  \"\"
  2. Friends of mine were involved, I saw what they did and got interested.
  3. “Discover Germany ” (German culture week),”Joy Art Festival” (Music and Theatre festival for youths) and in the launch-party for Radio 21.
  4. The teamwork, experiences and to meet new people.

Anca Mihalcea, 17

  1. Since July 2004 \"\"
  2. I did not have so much free-time activities and wanted to activate. I had heard about voluntary-work from my sister and saw it as a challenge.
  3. “Discover Germany ”, “Joy Art Festival”, Youth exchange in Turkey and a lot of other things outside F.J.T, for example “Summer university”, EVS-seminar and “Connect with us”
  4. Voluntary work has given me so much. It has helped me develop all my personality.I have become more social, tolerant and able to create my own values. It gives a lot of possibilities to discover yourself, the people around you and the entire world! Voluntary work has really changed my behavior, actually it has changed my life!

Mihai Tilinca, 20

  1. Since May 2004 \"\"
  2. Got involved in one project, liked it and continued the work.
  3. “World Bowling Championship”, “Golden Stag Festival”, “ Summer University ”, CMS in Germany , The launch party for Radio 21 and more…
  4. You learn interesting things which you don’t get in touch with otherwise, it’s fun, you meet new people and the work gives you good experiences for life.

Alexandra Radescu, 19

  1. Since about 2002 \"\"
  2. I wanted to try something new, meet new friends and get new experiences.
  3. Work in orphanages, “ Summer University ” “Golden Stag” “National Bowling Championship” and much more.
  4. You learn to handle new situations, meet new people which you can learn from, opportunities to travel and see new places. It gives a lot of self satisfaction.