Why didn't anyone tell me that volunteering was simply a resume builder?

Normally, I would only write one blog a day, but I underwent a certain conflict last night and it has been on my mind for the last 24 hours.

Around this time, last night, I received a phone call from a friend of mine. This friend was calling me to let me know there was a volunteer opportunity available next week with a BIG name attached to it.

Immediately, I had a gut reaction telling me to think this through. The famous, politcal person guest speaking at this event, isn't someone I am particularily supportive of. I knew that the proceeds from this event would be going into his pocket, and that wasn't something I agreed with either, especially when the theme of the event was 'motivation'.

I told this person that this was something I wanted to research before I gave her an answer, but immediately she became very defensive and told me I was missing out on an awsome resume builder.

I tried to explain to her that this situation was special. I tend to be very politcaly outspoken, and that volunteering at this event would be a contradicition of my beliefs. Im sorry, I adore this person with all my heart, but when in the world was volunteering just a way to catch the eye of an employer? When did it become about quantity and not quailty? I simply cannot justify volunteering for an organization that I do not believe is making an honest effort to do their part for the community.

As a communicator, I understand the importance of volunteering, but volunteering for selfish intentions, is ouvertly not volunteering at all. It saddens me to see this becoming a game. There are plenty of legitimate causes out there, that need the time and dedication of volunteers. However, if the only people willing to volunteer are the ones doing it to get a step aheadin their careers, than how successfull can that charity truly be?

People need to find volunteer opportunities that resonate with them. It's the only way to ensure your efforts are being put forth in an honest manner. Students, especially feel the pressure to volunteer. Unfortunately, if an employer was to ask you about your volunteer experiences and you can not show passion in your response, then it completely defeates the purpose. Just take the reference as a bonus.