The "Voluntolds" vs The "Volunteers"

The Seminar looked like a great idea. The topic was interesting and the actual reason behind it all was very important. What I have just stated could be said about dozens of meetings that I have attended over these last years.

The seminar was about forming networks of people and organizations that work towards preventing and eliminating Elder Abuse or Older Adult Abuse in the community. I was part of this seminar yesterday… at least for half the day and half the speakers. (I had to leave after lunch for another call… :) This seminar took place at the St. Josephs at Flemming Senior’s residence – in Peterborough.

This seminar, however, had some of the lop-sided features that other seminars I have attended have had. It was hard to put my finger on – all the times before – and also yesterday. The attendees were from all over the central areas of Ontario. They came from a variety of agencies and groups. There were about 50+ attendees. Nice people with great abilities. But something was wrong…or maybe I should say something was “different” for me. I couldn’t put my finger on it except to say that as I looked around I couldn’t find anyone that I could identify with. There was no one like me. (some think that may be good... :)

At first I thought it may have been because there were only four men out of the 50+ people in the room. Believe me that can make you edgy as a man! But that wasn’t it. Then I wondered if it was because I didn’t know more than 4 people as well. No, that wasn’t it either. People are easy to meet. People were dressed roughly the same. There were some racial differences but for the most part we were the average, ordinary Ontario kind of people that would attend a seminar on a day when others were working.

What was it that I was feeling odd about?

The first notable thing was that – there were only maybe six people that were over 60 years of age. The majority of the crowd was under 45 to 50 years of age. Hey at 63 you begin noticing this kind of thing. Grey hairs stand out – yes… but some younger than me also had grey hairs. It was a younger crowd.

The second notable thing is that the participants all worked in some sort of organization that worked with seniors. Other than the 3 police officers that attended the others were specifically connected to jobs that had “the senior business” at heart. Seniors are their target audience. There were no seniors in the audience. The only one that I could identify sat across the table from me – and she was my age. Another was a University Prof that spoke to us – but as a Senior she still worked. By senior I mean – people that are older and people that do not work any more…probably retired.

At our table the “Ahhaaah!” moment took place for me. The one that I could identify and sat across the table from me – about my age- stated a new term for me. She asked if the group we worked with consisted of “Volunteers” or “Voluntolds”. It was like a light came on for me. Every committee meeting, every organizational meeting and perhaps even the main meeting of the local group dealing with the Elder Abuse or Older Adult Abuse is made up of a majority of “Voluntolds” – not “Volunteers”.

Take a look at these definitions…
Definition of voluntold :.
(vŏl'ən-tōld)
1. (v.) When one has been volunteered for something by another person. Often against their wishes or desires.
Example: My mom voluntold me to help at Aunt Muriel's wedding.

Definition of Voluntold [v.]
Volunteered for something by a superior, when there was really no choice in the matter. Submitted by Leesy.

The room yesterday was filled with a majority of people that were told to come. What’s more they were paid to be there… and their companies were making sure they stayed the whole day. More than that – perhaps 1/3 the audience comprised of presenters – people that were there to share their expertise with rest of us “experts” – a majority of Voluntolds.

I know that this may not make sense to some reading today. Let me try to explain…

• Voluntolds are there because of the interests of their own group.
• Voluntolds will not want to be there…often they do it as part of their jobs – a job description.
• Voluntolds hardly ever go out at night “on their own time” to help with a group that works with seniors… they do that all day long.
• Voluntolds are powerful – with their own group’s power behind them.
• Volunteers are there because they are interested.
• Volunteers want to be there. It is not part of their job.
• Volunteers are always out at night for their cause, or in the afternoon, or in the morning – but it is on their own time –LOTS OF IT.
• Volunteers are powerful beyond their imagination – way outside their own group’s.

There is a remarkable difference between a Voluntold and a Volunteer.

I left the meeting at 1:30 PM. The Voluntolds were more than the rest of us. I know now why I do not attend the monthly “Voluntold’s meeting” in our area. I have been uncomfortable there and walk away from each meeting wishing I had not said “Yes – I will be there.” But remember that Volunteers in fact always say “Yes” before they consider the while picture.

Reflection…
Over the years church has been like that as well. There are Voluntolds and Volunteers. The Voluntolds come for very different reasons than Volunteers.

The Christian faith is in fact about Volunteers that give every thing they are and have to make their faith come alive. Unfortunately there are way too many Voluntolds…but should they ever take over a group – the Volunteers all leave.

I am mulling over this contrast today. Love to hear from you on this one.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Sources…
http://www.unwords.com/unword/voluntold.html
http://www.theofficelife.com/business-jargon-dictionary-V.html