Recognizing volunteerism as a powerful way for the youth to gain a strong sense of civic engagement, officers of Batangas’ Provincial Assistance for Community Development Office – Youth and Sports Development Division, requested orientation on volunteerism concepts and practices and training on volunteer management from the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). The PNVSCA conducted the training on 21 February 2024. The activity titled, “Training on Volunteerism and Youth Empowerment Nexus,” aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their understanding of volunteerism and effectively empower youth in their communities.

The activity commenced with a warm welcome from PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe. His opening remarks set the tone for an engaging and productive session, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism and youth empowerment in driving positive change within communities. Following the introduction, the sessions began, starting with Volunteerism 101. This session provided a comprehensive overview including context setting, definitions, and key principles. It also delved into real-world initiatives, motivations, and challenges faced in volunteering.

A particularly engaging session focused on mainstreaming volunteerism, where attendees actively participated in a volunteerism mainstreaming assessment checklist. Another session, Youth Engagement, Leadership, and Volunteerism, was well-received, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in community development efforts.

The training also included an overview of Volunteer Management Systems, shedding light on the importance of effective management in volunteer programs. The concluding session, Action Planning, encouraged participants to strategize and plan their future volunteerism initiatives.

Participants expressed their commitment to promoting volunteerism and revealed plans to organize a recognition program for their volunteers, emphasizing that volunteerism is a choice rooted in dedication.

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Visit the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.