Why I volunteer
…(and 5 reasons you should too)
Generosity can be infectious, at least according to Chris Anderson and that very idea was what sparked TED Talks. I heartily agree and in this article explore my journey with generosity of time to volunteer in conservation and what it looks like in bush regeneration.
Many years back I started to volunteer in conservation in New Zealand with the organisation Conservation Volunteers and continue to volunteer to this day around where I live. So here are the reasons why I volunteer and what it offers and perhaps, why you should consider it too.
Finding Connection: Almost every aspect of what we consume today is part of a global supply chain making it easy to disassociate from our immediate surroundings. I started to volunteer in conservation to connect with nature. Over time, it helped me understand the ecosystems we are part of, to recognise the trees and flowers and the seasons they herald when in bloom. It helped me recognise birds, mammals, reptiles and other fun creatures around the bush as well as gain access to beautiful reserves I wouldn't have visited otherwise.
Finding Joy: In learning about the environment, one also has the opportunity to encounter it at close quarters. Often while volunteering, some odd creature will pop it's head to say "Hello!" or more often than not run for it's dear life. But once in a while, when you're busy planting or pulling weeds a Magpie or Kookaburra will come patiently sit next to you, waiting for you to turn the soil and dig up a juicy snack for them.
(L to R) Land Snail, Rainbow Lorikeet, Common Crow Butterfly, Tawny Frogmouth
One morning, I found a slug had left behind a trail, glistening in the sun curving around little mushrooms growing in a bed of moss and there it was, a little piece of pure magic.
Slug trail glistening on moss
3. Building Community: Volunteering is a great way to meet like minded people, build community as well as network with people with similar values. Having moved to Sydney, Australia a little over a year back, volunteering helped me find people I could relate to and build a sense of community. Over time this community has grown into other activities from book clubs, hiking, photography and even trivia. It also connects you with people who are genuinely inspiring and encourage you to be more.
4. Getting Creative: Volunteering helped me discover things about myself and enhance pathways I was headed in. I've always struggled with meditation and volunteering in conservation turned out in more ways that one to be a very meditative practice. To be present, mindful and develop better listening skills (The last one I needed the most!). In addition, volunteering constantly offers new ways for me to get creative with my photography and offers constant inspiration to make art.
(L to R) Watercolour paintings of Endangered Parrots: Orange Bellied Parrot, Cox's Fig Parrot, Swift Parrot
5. Find the courage for an alternate career: I've always volunteered for causes I care about - be it marine conservation in Rajah Ampat in Indonesia to bush regeneration in urban reserves around Sydney. I find myself drawn to this space and exploring projects to combine my skills towards driving conservation outcomes. One project among others, was working on the Manly Dam Biodiversity Project which added a wealth of knowledge to over 420 species of fauna that you can encounter while still living in a city. I am hoping down the line I can combine conservation, volunteering and creativity in more meaningful ways.
I chose conservation, but this could be in any domain you find meaningful. In his TED talk I referenced at the start of the article, Chris Anderson concludes by saying that "If you commit to a journey of generosity, sooner or later, two amazing companions will join you... meaning and happiness". I wish you both.