Want to volunteer, but don’t have enough time? YFS has the solution
Bengaluru: Volunteerism is the backbone of any NGO and helps bind societies. A nation-wide volunteering movement, Youth For Seva, popularly known as YFS, has inspired thousands of youth to volunteer by providing them with meaningful opportunities and at their time of convenience to serve the community. YFS connects the volunteers with grassroots projects, and gives them ongoing support and training.
The goal of Youth For Seva (YFS), founded in April 2007, is to support schools, destitute shelters, government hospitals and other organisations in the social sector through volunteers who can help mitigate some of the shortcomings and challenges in society. YFS makes volunteering easy and customises it to an individual’s interests, availability of time and skill sets.
Mr Rajesh Rao, Bengaluru head, YFS, told Deccan Chronicle, “There is a growing desire among youngsters in the country to volunteer their time and talent for community development. But most of them are not currently involved because many of them don’t know where to start and some of them think that it cannot be done because of their limited availability of time. This is where YFS comes in to the picture, as our mission is to inspire such youngsters. Whether volunteers want to work with children, physically and mentally impaired or senior citizens or at schools, hospitals, slums or old age homes, Youth for Seva has something for everyone as long as they have the desire to help others. We believe volunteering is important because it helps to better our community and also improves one as an individual. Volunteering is a free way to feel good about yourself. The best part is that you get to share that positivism with those you are volunteering with."
Youth for Seva has designed several volunteering models to enable individuals to get involved in the community despite their time constraints. It has engaged over 25,000 volunteers since its inception and has touched a million lives through its various projects.
Keerthi Shankar, Corporate Head, YFS, said, “We offer various options to the youth with varying time commitments. A few months after graduation and before starting their professional career, they can get involved in volunteering work, which provides them with a true-to-life experience and helps them develop better communication skills and leadership qualities. If youth volunteer for three months or more, they are eligible for a fellowship (stipend).
The ‘Warriors of Change Fellowship’ programme enables young leaders who are conscious of social problems and are keen to solve them. The programme provides an opportunity to explore and solve social problems. It brings passionate young leaders under one platform. Also, part-time engagement provides an opportunity for students, home makers, and working professionals to participate in the programme.”
YFS has chapters across the country in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. It is the one-stop destination for anyone who has the desire to help others, the organisers said.
