Volunteering: Reflections on CSocD 48 Side event

Sabá

I recently attended the 48^th Session of the UN Commission on Social Development (CSocD) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The priority theme of this year’s Commission was social integration and the focus of statements of many member states. As an intern, I was able to attend the majority of the open meetings. I took pictures for the Baha’i World News Service and filmed the delegate from Singapore, Mr. Ming H. Chong, reading the Bahá'í International Community’s statement to the Commission.

As I attended my first UN Commission, I was also able to attend some side-events on topics such as freedom of religion or belief (in relation to social integration) and migration.

Delegate (Ming H. Chong) and interns attending the Commission on Social Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Investing in Youth Leadership and Volunteering

A recurring issue at the Commission was the impact of the economic recession on recent graduates and youth. The challenge of unemployment and the lack of opportunities for young people seemed to be a warning to governments not to overlook young people when considering employment initiatives. This is vital because the current (and rising) level of unemployment among 18-24 year olds appears to be a clearly identified yet unresolved issue. As a recent graduate in that age bracket, I do understand the challenge that unemployment poses.

Speakers at an event on ‘Youth Volunteering: Social Integration and Decent Work’ stated that, ”exclusion has the face of the youth” and that, “young people are an asset not really realized”. This made a lot of sense to me in light of all the work that Bahá'í communities are doing around the world to develop programs to empower junior youth (aged 11-14), to build their capacity and to help them to participate in the betterment of their communities.

Personally, I feel that it is important for youth to realize that they have power. Our capacity for resilience, risk taking, idealism, innovation, flexibility, hope, and courage should not be underestimated. I believe that our willingness and desire to change the status quo provides us with the ability to change the world.

In light of the dilemma of social integration, one panelist discussed the danger of “self-exclusion” and how society needs to “stand together”. She talked about her own personal experience of wanting to “wait until she was ready” but then realized that if we wait, nothing will ever happen. Based on her personal experience she stressed that we “cannot be afraid of the negative possibilities” and we have to just go for it. This made sense to me as it mirrored the feelings I have when initially considering something outside my comfort zone. I tend to focus on the negatives; the financial cost, the challenges, and obstacles. I take comfort in the idea that I am not ready...yet. I eventually realized that the worst that can happen is that I do nothing and stagnate but when I just go for it, I tend to have positive experiences and rise to the challenge.

The panelists noted how important it is to focus on our commonalities such as our shared humanity and understand that we all have a role in developing the world. They stressed the importance of becoming the change that we want to see without fear of the unknown and without giving power to self-doubt.

Ms. Flavia Pansieri, the Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers, stressed that “volunteering can become an important tool for individual growth and learning” and provided booklets showcasing case studies from around the world. Although it is completely true, I had never considered it from that perspective. I am currently volunteering at the Bahá'í International Community’s United Nations Office for a year. I am learning so much about about internal functioning of the United Nations. I am living in New York City and that in itself is beyond an amazing experience. I am beginning to believe that I can spend a lifetime here and still be constantly discovering new...everything!

But I also realize that it is not always possible to volunteer full-time. So check out http://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/vol/ and gain all the benefits of volunteering internationally while never leaving your computer.