Discussion Topic: How Do You Serve?

[Polegnyn Nemeara]

A question was brought up in the Servant of All team discussion about how members choose to serve Causes both locally and abroad. We thought it would be interesting to hear how you, the TarValon.Net community, decide between donating monetarily or through volunteering (donation of time and talent).

So how do you decide between donating money or time volunteering? Do you feel it's important to do both?

I've also included a poll just for fun. No worries if you prefer to simply vote without commenting or comment without voting

 

[Alora Sionn]

I prefer action in general but especially lately since most of the time I don't have a lot of disposable income to donate (exceptions are made in special cases). To me it feels more personal if I can get out there or do something physical or directly to help out a cause. Sometimes it's even just raising awareness by spreading the word or hyping something someone else is doing up. I definitely think that monetary donations do help and if you can do that that is great but for me donating my time and energy works better

 

[Erin al'Denael]

For me, money is easier. During the school year I'm pretty busy! But I like that feeling of satisfaction/completion/doing good when I donate my time or energy helping some cause.

 

[Dar'Jen Ab Owain]

I prefer to "do" something if I can, but if that is not an option, and i have the funds available, I will donate money.

 

[Satara al'Caelahn]

I prefer to do something because not only does it help out, but it also gives you an opportunity to really get to know the cause you're supporting and to learn more.

Also I'm broke af so donating time is the easier option.

 

[Siusane al'Cuyler]

it's been both at different times in life. for awhile we did a lot of volunteer time but some of that fell off when we had a baby. now honestly money is easier for most things, although of course we want to model service to and involve the kid. early last year (ha) I joined a group whose primary mission is to connect families to volunteer opportunities that allow and encourage kids to participate...and well, there went the in-person options. although I suppose being a girl scout leader is volunteer work and I spend a fair bit of time on that - it's just different from previous volunteer work.

 

[Syera Faelron]

I volunteer donate when I can. I have been ferrying people to and from the vaccination centre. I've had help from others during this pandemic, so giving back is only logical.

 

[Jaryd Kosari]

I do both.

 

[Jocasta Braithe]

Right now I prefer to donate money. That hasn't been always. I have a young child, a full time job, a chronic illness, and a house full of obligations. Time is scarce and energy scarcer. Money is not abundant, but I have more of it than I used to, and I remember how bad it was to want to help and not be able to. I try to do small donations regularly, rather than a few big ones.

 

[Linkelivar Miou'Mai]

I tend to give what I can, when I have either the time or money to do so.

 

[Juliya Karisu]

I prefer donating money. "Being busy" isn't always a great excuse for not volunteering but I really feel too busy to help much. Before I was married and had kids I did volunteer in person a lot more. Also donating money makes me feel I can make a small contribution to things far away.

 

[Maddie Vitalia]

Money has always been scarce for me, so giving my time, skills and knowledge is my preferred way of being a servant of all. Right now, much of my volunteer work involves being on the boards of various non-profits as their secretary. Over the years, I've found that this is a vital job that no one ever wants to do... except me. I enjoy knowing my work is making life easier for others.

 

[Niere al'Aman]

Time is always very scarce for me, so while I do volunteer at the local free medical clinic a few times a year, donations are my primary form of SoA.
I have a set amount earmarked from every paycheck - it is actually a line in my monthly budget, and goes to charity before my other bills are paid.

 

[Cassie Dainar]

I’m going this weekend to do VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Super Tax day. Let’s me use my accounting studies to help low income earners get their taxes done for free.

 

[Laurien Achaur]

I would love to have a bunch of money coming in on a consistent basis and throw it at all sorts of charitable causes I love. Alas, I am poor :\ So much of my serving comes from donation of my time and talents when possible. I do love to give monetarily when I can, but that is a very rare occurrence at present.

 

[Maddie Vitalia]

I've been in that same boat for pretty much my entire life Laurien!

 

[Talia Inedar]

Let's see. Thinking about this stuff lets me be intentional about where I put my energy. So thanks for letting me think out loud!

I run an organisation for recognition of disabled artists/audiences, inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. Prior to that: I've ran a bunch of initiatives for disabled youth: starting two working groups dealing with international cooperation. Trained NGOs in inclusive education. Indigenous and other minority group focused disability awareness. Workshops in sexual harassment prevention. Navigation courses. A small documentary in India. All that requires the rigamarole of marketing/funding/project descriptions/reporting and budgets.

I sometimes donate here and there. Small sums, because I don't have a lot of disposable income, but when I can, I give. That usually ends up being direct donations to the person in question.

 

[Alexr al'Petros]

I donate regularly but prefer to be anonymous about it. My volunteering is focused on the veteran community (particularly the disabled and non-government associated). In the past, I served a number of non-profits and gained a reputation for effectiveness in donor communities. That experience has allowed me to create relationships leading to more opportunities for donors to be match with their interests. I'm always so impressed and humbled by the generosity of people.

 

[Keisha al'Benn]

I have done my share of both throughout my lifetime, but always wanted to do more given that I never had much money to donate. Sadly my health has made it so that small money donations are all I am capable of now.