In a world where volunteerism is often seen as mere charity, Caritas India is rewriting the narrative by positioning volunteers as powerful drivers of nation-building.

In a bold move to strengthen volunteer engagement, Caritas India with the support of CRS recently hosted a three-day residential Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop from 19 to 21 March 2025 at New Delhi aimed at enhancing the capacity of Caritas India and its partner organizations to effectively manage and mobilize volunteers. This initiative goes beyond traditional volunteering by equipping participants with the tools to harness volunteerism as a strategic lever for social change and sustainable development.

The workshop addressed critical themes, including humanitarian aid, disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change, disability inclusion, resource mobilization, leadership development, and safeguarding. Through interactive sessions, expert insights, and group exercises, the program empowered participants to rethink the role of volunteers in transforming communities.

Setting the tone for the event, Fr. Anil Crasta, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, emphasized that volunteerism is not just about “giving back” – it is a strategic force for nation-building. “By unleashing the potential of volunteers, we can mobilize resources, amplify our impact, and create lasting change,” he remarked.

Fr. Anil illustrated how volunteerism can drive resource mobilization by sharing success stories from organizations like Feeding America and Samarthanam Trust. He highlighted the essential qualities of effective volunteers—commitment, selflessness, and dedication—while advocating for a structured and strategic approach to volunteer engagement.

Mr. Navneet Yadav, Thematic Lead for HADRR (Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Risk Reduction) at Caritas India, delivered an insightful session on disaster risk management. He broke down key components such as hazards, exposure, and vulnerability while emphasizing the role of volunteers in prevention, mitigation, early warning, and response. Highlighting the intersection of technology and disaster response, Mr. Yadav introduced mobile applications like GPS, First Aid Fast, and Stop the Bleed. These tools, he explained, enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of volunteer-driven disaster interventions.

Emphasizing the importance of community leadership, Mr. Melvin Pangya from Caritas India led an engaging session on the qualities of effective community leaders and volunteers. Through group exercises, participants explored the different types of community leadership and how to cultivate volunteer initiatives that empower local communities.

Ms. Sanigita K, also from Caritas India, facilitated an interactive session on disability inclusion. Participants engaged in hands-on activities that simulated the emotional and physical challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs), fostering empathy and understanding. “True inclusion begins with understanding,” she stressed.

Safeguarding emerged as a critical theme during the workshop. Ms. Catherine Kune from Caritas India underscored the need for safeguarding protocols to protect both volunteers and beneficiaries from exploitation and harm. “As volunteers, we must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding ourselves and the communities we serve,” she urged. The session outlined practical steps for implementing safeguarding measures and ensuring that all volunteers operate within a framework that upholds dignity, safety, and respect.

Throughout the workshop, the importance of structured volunteer engagement was a recurring theme. Participants recognized that comprehensive training programs not only enhance volunteer capabilities but also increase retention and long-term commitment.

One participant reflected, “Proper mapping of volunteers and effectively engaging them with appropriate guidance will enhance their services, leading to a greater positive impact in the communities.”

The workshop also highlighted the value of recognizing volunteer contributions. By acknowledging their efforts through innovative initiatives, organizations can foster a sense of belonging and motivate volunteers to sustain their engagement.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Antony Fernandes, Executive Director of Caritas India, urged participants to create meaningful volunteer opportunities across all programs and regions. “Volunteers have more potential than just supporting events. We must explore creative avenues for engagement in diverse sectors and strengthen volunteerism through regional campaigns like cancer care,” he emphasized.

With this transformative workshop, Caritas India is not only challenging conventional views on volunteerism but also paving the way for volunteers to become agents of sustainable change and nation-building. As the organization continues to innovate and empower volunteers, it sets a powerful example of how collective action can create a more just and inclusive society.