What Is Community Service? Free Essay Example

Community service/volunteerism can be defined as a non-paying job performed by one person or a group of people for the benefit of their community or its institutions, as stated by Wikipedia. In my point of view, community service/volunteerism is service for others, selflessness, and reflection. Community service is putting one’s needs before your own and helping those who are in need of your help. Acts of selflessness help to improve self-confidence and builds a person’s self-esteem as they are able to interact with the different people around them.

As for reflection, it provides an opportunity for the person to look within themselves and to think about how their act of selflessness has impacted the people around them and also how it has impacted themselves.

Jamaica has developed a vision to secure, sustain, and improve the standard of living of its people. This vision is known as ‘Vision 2030’, to achieve this vision, the government of Jamaica has put in place four (4) goals.

These goals are Goal 1: Jamaicans are empowered to achieve their fullest potential Goal 2: The Jamaican society is secure, cohesive, and just Goal 3: Jamaica’s economy is prosperous Goal 4: Jamaica has a healthy natural environment. Of the four (4) goals, two (2) can be considered to be related to community service/volunteerism. These two (2) goals are Goal 1 and Goal 2.

Goal 1 speaks about the empowerment of Jamaicans and motivating them to reach their maximum potential by developing their talents and abilities. Some Jamaicans are hindered from being their best selves due to their low self-esteem and low self-confidence.

Through volunteerism, a person can improve their self-esteem and self-confidence by stepping outside of their comfort zone and participating in activities that will not only be beneficial to them, but also to the people they have impacted.

Goal 2 speaks about crime and violence in society. In Jamaica, there are places that have a high level of crime and violence. Some individuals turn to crime and violence when they have no form of income. Being involved in community service can increase levels of prosocial behavior, belonging, and happiness among others. It can also provide opportunities for individuals and help them abstain from crime and violence. Through community service, educational seminars can be held to promote the importance of becoming involved in volunteerism, the opportunities that it may provide, self-development, and encouraging service for others. This, in the end, can help to reduce crime and violence that has been hindering Jamaica’s economy.

Through my community service, to help to achieve Goal 1, I will help to spread the importance of becoming involved in community service by imparting my previous experiences to those I come across during this community service. I will also encourage them to become a better vision of themselves and motivate them to ignite their talents and abilities by enhancing their self-esteem and self-confidence. The achievement of these objectives will aid Jamaica in becoming a step further in achieving ‘Vision 2030’.