Volunteering Again

Hi, I'm Brandon.

This follows my other article here.

One of the few things that have always been consistent about me is the willingness to help wherever I can. With what I have, no matter how little I have to offer. No matter how irrelevant my efforts seem. That belief that the compounding efforts of people like me and you are what gradually create a better environment. And from each and every contribution there is something to gain. Purpose. Perspective. Pals. Almost every single time.

What Volunteering Looks Like

From volunteering for a few things in the past five years, a few things have become clear. One of the most common misconceptions has always been that being a volunteer is doing the world a favour. It is far from that. Or at least to me. It's servitude, commitment and owning organisational/program outcomes. One of my volunteer experiences that tested that in me was my volunteer experience with Women TechMakers Onitsha. Out of school, broke and with confidence at its lowest, I stepped up to the call for online volunteers as a Python mentor. My expertise was still at junior level, but I knew the little knowledge I had was enough to help someone get started on their path.

The Challenges

With volunteering, there are a lot of hits that you will take and the biggest of them all is disappointment. I believe one of the key things that differentiate good volunteers and bad ones is how you handle disappointment. Where I expected a class, there were only a handful of learners and another tutor who was more experienced than I was. Regardless of that, I took my classes, at times on borrowed wifi, at times to one or two learners. For eight weeks. The goal never changed, the effort never changed, and over those eight weeks, I ended up with one wonderful mentee. At least there was that, right?

Then the Team Challenges

Making that continued commitment was a personal choice. What happens when you are part of a team? When the disappointment sets in. In the targets. The team. The mission. The progress. The crazy thing is that we all volunteer for different reasons. I personally do it for the love of the game. Then you meet ambitious people who want to use the opportunities as stepping stones to better opportunities. You meet fellows who are in it all for the shine. And others who are not yet sure of their commitment.

Disclaimer

I never claim that I am the best volunteer out there. There are so many better than me. I understand that programs have got different aims and I understand that there are KPIs to be reached and there are rules to follow. Sometimes I stray from that... rightfully so, but once in a while I am wrong. But I will always give all my commitment to given initiatives.

Why Mentor Again?

At the turn of the year, I was walking away from all volunteering. I had done my part. We grew communities. I mentored a few. Connected a few more. It was time to leave. Then... a few mentees reached out, grateful for the opportunities presented, the exposure and the eye-openers shared. Mostly from tagging a few friends to events, to posts, to programs. So while I can still afford a few hours a week — why not give a few hours?

Let's connect via the following platforms: LinkedIn, on X as @Rogue0015, or check the Sessionize speaker profile if you want this signal live on your stage. And if you're new here, start with the talks — this blog is their echo.