Work is a daily aspect of most people’s lives. For many, a job is something that pays the bills, and it is merely an added benefit if it happens to be an enjoyable career or even a passion. For volunteers, the motivation seems to come from a different source since the incentive of money is absent. Why would I want to spend a year volunteering in a country that is not my home? My year at West London YMCA answered this question for me.

My volunteer placement for the year was “assistant to the chaplain” at West London YMCA. This was a new volunteer position, and I had no idea what to expect. Michael, the chaplain of West London YMCA, delegated most of my tasks for the year, and I became involved in a variety of projects. Most of the early work I did was within the chaplaincy department - working on inspirational projects for the chapel and displays at our sites, including helping with publicity and organizing of special events such as the opening of a new hostel. With the help of the Marketing Department, I got the opportunity to work on some design and creative projects. I helped develop an inspirational section of our website entitled “reflect on whY”.

As the year progressed, I got involved in various projects - including Y-Care, an international development organization that works for YMCAs in developing countries. Besides raising awareness about Y Care, we formed a group that is working on developing an international partnership. I also got involved in Fair Trade Events, and raising awareness about issues surrounding this. Besides these projects, I also invested some time in organizing volunteers for the YMCA by developing some publicity and gathering information about the current need.

The rest of my time was spent with an average of twenty young people each afternoon in our Youth after school club on the Havelock Estate in Southall. We opened the doors of a community centre each day at 3:30 to welcome in young people who were wandering the streets, bored at home, or had no where else to go. With attempts at providing an educational aspect, most of the club’s merit came in the relationships that were formed and the love and time we had to offer each young person. Many games of football and painted masterpieces were mingled with positive role modelling and a compassionate listening ear.

My volunteer experience was not without its challenges. Being away from the familiar surroundings and people proved to be a challenge in feeling at home in the community, and I had the expected moments of loneliness and disorientation. Within my time at the YMCA, there were frustrations as well, but most challenges often turn into growing experiences, and I end this year with new insight and perspectives.

As with any new experience, I learned invaluable lessons throughout the year. Much of my inspiration for working in another country was to experience a different culture and perspective on life. I think it is important to learn about how the rest of the world works outside of your hometown, and this year has definitely given me a taste of a different; in fact, the diversity of London has given me a taste of several different cultures. As for my inspiration for volunteering, I am realizing that motivation comes from within, as cliché as that they sound. My motivation was not money (clearly, because I wasn’t making any). My motivation was not out of an obligation; I wanted to come to work each day because I believed in the good that West London YMCA was doing in the community. I believed in the vision of our charity and the difference that the people who work within the walls of the YMCA make in people’s lives. And out of this, I felt that I was contributing in a small way. I wanted to be a part of helping other people. This was my motivation.

As I leave for Iowa, I may take a West London YMCA t-shirt and some photographs to remember my experience here, but I will also take the intangible things that this experience has given me throughout this year, as the formative experiences, the growing moments and the genuine people I have met have all made my volunteer year one to remember.

By Katie Hahn
Time for God volunteer at West London YMCA