Since the beginning of the new strategic year Caritas India have been working on its strategic approach of Empowerment Animation, Dialogue, Volunteering and Sharing Communities. Volunteering being the third strategic pillar for Caritas India it has been persistently developing the culture of volunteerism within the development programs. Volunteering is important not only for the impacts it makes in the lives of those less fortunate but the role it can play in making everybody more tolerant individuals and giving towards the global community. It is said that one should be willing to offer own time and expect nothing in return, but the truth is that volunteering will bring a world of rewards which one might never have expected.

Engaging stakeholders from different communities to volunteer for the development of the society and creating changemakers have been the strategic focus of Caritas India. It understands volunteering as a powerful and practical way to reach out to the most marginalized sections and reduce poverty and inequality. It believes that it is only when people step forward – either as local or national citizens – the sustainable change happens. By enabling people and the communities to play a more active role in development by volunteering, the essential pre-conditions for systemic and sustainable change such as ownership, participation, empowerment and inclusion – can be realised.

Embarking this journey of volunteering Caritas India is connecting the passionate individuals by conducting regular training programs focussing on capacitating volunteers to respond during emergencies followed by state level orientation programs. The concept of volunteerism gaining its popularity is being related to science and results in channelizing one’s energy to achieve the right results. The North East zone of Caritas India organised Volunteer Orientation program in three states. The participants comprised of a mix of both experienced and fresh volunteers. Ms Jenny Joy, Officer-Resource Mobilization & Development conducted the orientation program in the Diocese of Shillong, Jowai, Guwahati and Kohima; from 26^th – 31^st July 2019. Each diocese saw a participation of 50-70 volunteers each. The program was focussed on orienting and motivating the participants towards the spirit of volunteering, while briefing them the benefits and rewards of volunteering for a social cause. She emphasised on developing one’s personality through this act of service, as a volunteer steps out of his/her comfort zone to accomplish the task undertaken. They were also oriented on the volunteering policy of Caritas India which comprised on the code of conduct and other norms relating to children, photography, communication a Caritas India volunteer is expected to adhere.

The participants during group interactions expressed the social cause which troubled them the most, this helped them to introspect to take up the mantle and find the solution towards that cause as a volunteer. The participants were enrolled as volunteers at the end of program at each diocese along with them preparing state specific action plan under volunteering initiatives. The plans created were focussed on Climate Change, Environment, Disaster Preparedness, Drug Addiction, Child development and other health issues prevailing around their local surroundings. Caritas India envisages them to take up the initiatives actively and passionately to create a social change.