Why Volunteer?
by Tanner Francisco
In the literal sense of the word, volunteerism is the practice of someone working without financial gain (Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2009). While this definition is very concise and dry it implies that people only work and only not-for-money when they are volunteering. Volunteerism does not have to be work nor without rewards. The concept of volunteerism is often associated with altruism, the act of doing something for someone else without any reward, i.e., selflessness. While altruism has been attacked by philosophers for centuries—because no one would help someone else for no reason—they are attacking it for its literal definition, not the idea it implies. Altruistic behavior is intended to promote good or to improve the quality of life for another person. Therefore, I would define altruism as volunteerism and vice versa in many instances or rather that volunteerism is altruistic.
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