How volunteerism can change your world | Joyce Bertram | TEDxVilnius

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker explores the transformative power of volunteerism, drawing on their experience with Nowhere, a European event akin to Burning Man. They emphasize the importance of participation, sharing knowledge, experience, and passion to create a community-driven project. The speaker encourages listeners to initiate their own projects, highlighting that the joy of volunteering lies in the personal fulfillment and community impact, rather than material rewards.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Volunteerism is driven by more than just material incentives; it's about contributing to something meaningful without expecting monetary returns.
• 🏺 The Nowhere festival, inspired by Burning Man, is a testament to the power of volunteerism, where participants dedicate their time and skills to create a temporary community.
• 🤝 Volunteering fosters a culture of inclusion and self-reliance, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to contribute their unique skills and talents.
• 🛠 Skills and knowledge gained through volunteering can be transformative, enabling individuals to learn and grow in ways that might not be possible in their day-to-day lives.
• 🔧 Participation is a core principle of the volunteerism culture, emphasizing that everyone can contribute in their own way, regardless of their background or experience.
• 💡 Sharing ideas is crucial for initiating volunteer projects, as it allows like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate towards a common goal.
• 🌐 Knowledge sharing is not limited to formal education; everyone has valuable insights to offer, which can enrich and enhance the volunteer experience.
• 👣 Experience is a powerful teacher, and by sharing it, volunteers can pass on practical skills and wisdom that can benefit the entire community.
• 💥 Passion is a driving force in volunteerism, and when shared, it can inspire and motivate others to join in and contribute to the project.
• 🎉 The ultimate reason people volunteer is for the joy and fulfillment it brings, highlighting the intrinsic rewards of contributing to something greater than oneself.

Q & A

What is the main reason people volunteer according to the speaker?

The main reason people volunteer, as per the speaker, is not for material benefits like free drinks or T-shirts, but because they are part of a volunteerism culture and they enjoy what they do.

What is Nowhere and how is it related to Burning Man?

Nowhere is described as the European counterpart to Burning Man, sharing the same principles such as self-expression, self-reliance, and inclusion. It involves building a temporary settlement in a desert area in Spain, living there for a while, and then dismantling it, leaving no trace.

How long has the speaker been involved with Nowhere?

The speaker has been involved with Nowhere as a volunteer for about five years.

What roles has the speaker taken on within the Nowhere event?

The speaker started by decorating toilets and eventually took on roles in volunteer coordination, media, and communication.

Why is participation important in the context of Nowhere and Burning Man?

Participation is important because it allows every individual to get involved in any way they choose, regardless of their background, which fosters a sense of community and shared contribution.

What skills did the speaker learn by being involved with Nowhere?

The speaker learned to build a structure and use a power drill, which were new skills for them, as well as learning how to give themselves a break to avoid overworking and how to prepare for stressful situations.

How does the speaker plan to use their experience at Nowhere in the future?

The speaker plans to use their experience to teach others how to build structures and possibly help in organizing teams and dealing with stressful situations.

What is the speaker's view on the potential of participatory communities?

The speaker believes that participatory communities like Nowhere can inspire and teach valuable skills, and that these experiences can be applied to change the world by implementing similar principles in our own lives.

What are the five things the speaker suggests sharing to make a volunteerism project happen?

The five things the speaker suggests sharing are: sharing your idea, sharing your knowledge, sharing your experience, sharing your passion, and sharing the joy of volunteering.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of sharing passion in a project?

The speaker emphasizes sharing passion because it is contagious and can elevate the project to a higher level by sparking excitement and improving the situation, leading to new opportunities and easier collaboration among participants.

What is the final message the speaker conveys to the audience?

The final message is an encouragement for everyone to consider their own ideas for projects, implement the five sharing principles discussed, and to take initiative in making a difference in their community and the world.