Encourage volunteerism for Labour Day
Published:Friday | May 18, 2018 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
As a concerned citizen in Montego Bay, I am calling on Jamaicans, particularly young people, to be nationalistic and give voluntary service for the uplift of the nation this upcoming Labour Day, May 23, in spite their political preferences.
First of all, let us get a better understanding of what volunteerism is all about.
Volunteerism may be defined as the performance of formal services, social, or civil in nature, which benefit others or one's community without any external rewards. In other words, volunteerism is an extension of being a good neighbour, for example, transforming a collection of houses into a community, as the people become more involved in the improvement of their surroundings and choose to help others.
As a result, by caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering and inequality while gaining skills, self-esteem and also changes in their own lives.
As a people, if we reflect on the importance of putting serious work into Labour Day, we will understand that May 23 was officially selected to commemorate this special day when Jamaicans strongly indicated their desire to improve their communities.
VALENTINE PEARSON