Notwithstanding the contentious conversations one may have concerning the distribution of wealth in the world, it has to be recognised that there are still some very decent people making a difference and that the concept of giving back to society is still very essential in today’s world.
Volunteers, no matter their calling, are an invisible force for good. There are some, more visible, a large number of billionaires such as Bill and Melinda Gates, founders of Microsoft and Windows, who have pledged that they will donate at least half their wealth to philanthropic causes during their lifetime.
They are probably best known for their relentless fight against polio, and the indications are that the fight is being won. Mindful that most of us are not billionaires, I suggest that we look at a quote from the chief executive officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Sue Desmond Hellmann, who states that:
“The world will not get better by itself. We must set big goals and hold ourselves accountable every step of the way.”
If we substitute the “The World” with “Malta”, we can apply this statement to our own country and also to our times. Despite the significant value and reach of the central government budgets, there will always be space for the work of NGOs and the impact that typically volunteer-powered organisations can have.
If we consider the very scary proliferation of waste and plastics, the continuous “attack” on our open spaces/countryside, the many historical and cultural places which require restoration and rehabilitation, there is clearly, still a lot to be done.
At this point you may be wondering… if I am not a billionaire, can I still make a difference? Do I still need to keep myself accountable? Is it still important to set big plans?
Well, if you are a billionaire, all NGOs, no matter their calling, would love to meet you and to share their vision and mission with you. But if you are a conscientious Maltese citizen, you do not need to be a billionaire to make a difference, in addition to making a living, and the answer to the questions above is certainly a resounding yes.
Take cultural heritage: If you visit one of the historic sites managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa, or other societies such as ours in-volved in heritage preservation, you can appreciate how rich Malta’s history and culture are and how our forebearers made their mark on Malta and its way of life.
If you have time to dedicate to the protection of our historical heritage, you could offer to volunteer with societies engaged in this field
Volunteers working on such sites will very passionately share their experiences with you. These sites are very old and therefore require constant upkeep, so if you leave a donation or buy a souvenir, you would be helping Malta’s heritage.
If you have time to dedicate to the protection of our historical heritage, you could offer to volunteer with societies engaged in this field. Our built heritage is everywhere, so you can choose to attend at a variety of locations from the furthest north, Dwejra in Gozo, Comino, Mellieħa, to Żurrieq and Delimara in the south.
You could also, take part in cultural events organised by culture NGOs like Din l-Art Ħelwa, including tours, lectures, concerts and other fund-raising activities, or volunteer for occasional attendance and contribution in clean-ups, to assist hosting cultural events, or take a role behind scenes in the administration of any busy NGO.
Alternatively, you could consider joining volunteer teams on historic sites. As a volunteer you will be responsible for taking care of a historical property, working in a team, meeting and greeting visitors and acting as an ambassador.
Furthermore, if you have, and wish to share management skills and experiences, to meet new people and to actively contribute to saving our heritage, you could consider a leadership role with the management teams that are committed to furthering such a crucial mission.
Most NGOs today are regularly acquiring new skills as there is much training and formation available.
Their executive teams always benefit from new energy and ideas, so joining an NGO council or a management committee would ensure constant renewal.
Fields of activity vary from environmental activism, managing restoration, youth participation and leadership projects, events, research, public relations and marketing, property management, financial management and fund-raising and so much more.
Finally, if you own a business and have an interest in corporate social responsibility, NGOs are always ready to discuss with you how you can help our nation’s built and natural heritage to be further protected, preserved and enjoyed by current and future citizens of Malta and Gozo and anybody who visits these beautiful lands.
Volunteering is the life blood of NGOs, and you are all welcome.
Martin Scicluna is non-executive director, a volunteer council member and treasurer of Din l-Art Ħelwa.
This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece