Infusing Social Justice into Volunteerism to Build Connectedness Jill Chappell, President, BRiCKs Alliance, Inc. Marie Wiese, Vice President, BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Volunteerism Social Justice Connectedness Engagement

“Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.” Desmond Tutu

Volunteerism Giving Back Mission donating Pro bono Assistance sharing Assistance Social responsibility philanthropy Outreach service Charity caring Civic participation support Volunteerism Giving Back hospitality citizenship Helping discipleship Mission donating Advocating Community Service Pro bono GIVING: Time – Talent - Treasure

Categories of Volunteering© ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Give Provide basic needs (clothing, food, money, etc.) I have something from which others can benefit. ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Provide time; skills-based support Do Provide time; skills-based support I really do not know what it is like to be in another’s situation, but I provide support in ways that I hope will help. ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Engage Relationship Based “Volunt-Hearing” Realization that this is part of my life, not a ‘project’. We both learn from the relationship about ourselves and our community. ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

“We will become good listeners only when we can acknowledge that we have a lot to learn.” Paul J. Donaghue Mary E. Siegel “Are You Really Listening?: Keys to Successful Communication”

Drive for systemic change Advocate Drive for systemic change I learn about systemic barriers in my community from my relationships. I am dissatisfied with the current state. I am driven to act for change based on new understanding. ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Volunteerism Social Justice Connectedness Engagement

Social Justice dignity Equity Voice Equality Access Empowerment Haves vs Have-nots dignity solidarity praxis Human rights inclusion understanding Equality identity Voice Empowerment intersectionality Equity disparities Diversity Fairness Access sustainable opportunity privilege RACE organizing Social Justice

helpers helped empowerment mentor client tutor under-served volunteer under-resourced ally impoverished supporter vulnerable director/member target population empowerment

empowerment empowerment to give authority/ information to (to transfer) agency/org helpers helped to become stronger/ more confident

Are volunteers the helpers? a few examples of what volunteers say… “I want to make the world a better place.” “I want to ‘give back’ and help those less fortunate than me.” “I have a contribution to make to society.” “It’s a great way to get experience and enhance my CV.” “I feel like I gained so much more than I gave.” helper/helped helper helper helper/helped helper/helped

people ⇌ helpers(d) helped(rs) embolden inspire each other mentor client tutor under-served volunteer under-resourced ally impoverished supporter vulnerable director/member target population people ⇌ inspire each other give each other courage/confidence/skills embolden

The Flip Approach© Receiver Giver A new perspective on volunteering for systemic change Volunteer Community Authority Resource Volunteer Resource Others Resource Resource Volunteer Policy Receiver  Volunteer Giver embolden empowerment Volunteer/Receiver ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Volunteerism Social Justice Connectedness Engagement

Connectedness relationships network family Community Social capital engaged support solidarity Connectedness relationships network family happiness Community

Profoundly listening to the experience of others Volunt-hearing© Volunteering Profoundly listening to the experience of others “NOT something extra… …part of everything, but it does take effort to connect!” Home Engage Volunt-hearing Flip Approach Social School Control Do City Advo cate Church Give Work

Paul Born, “Deepening Community” 4 Acts of Community Life Paul Born, “Deepening Community” Share our stories Take time to enjoy one another Spend time together over time; accepted; never ignored and always included Take care of one another Create places and opportunities to do so Work together for a better world

Profoundly listening to the experience of others Volunt-hearing© Profoundly listening to the experience of others building relationships & belonging connectedness strengthening communities ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Why Connectedness?

Volunteerism Social Justice Connectedness Engagement

TRANSFORMATIONAL VOLUNTEERING Transactional Volunteering “Givers” Activity Meals/Supplies GIVE group event Shared experiences Activity ”Receivers” ”Volunteers” ENGAGE “Volunteers” DO ADVOCATE Community ©2017 BRiCKs Alliance, Inc.

Building Engagement Give Do Engage Advocate “Flip Approach” Use the new terminology for categories of volunteering Give Do Engage Advocate Commit to profoundly listening to others “Volunt-Hearing” Change mindsets about community leadership “Flip Approach” Understand the benefits of connectedness Community Community Community

Thank You! jchappell@bricksalliance.org mwiese@bricksalliance.org