The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

TZU CHI 133 07 Comparisons of ad hoc volunteers, committed volunteers and social workers. confuse volunteers and social workers. They are all about helping people, but how do they differ from one another? Although the term“volunteer” generally refers to those who are engaged in volunteer services, they can be categorized into ad hoc volunteers and committed volunteers. Ad hoc volunteers dedicate themselves without expecting any returns. Their work is relatively simple in nature. Committed volunteers on the other hand, have a strong sense of mission and take responsibility for cases entrusted to them. Both ad hoc and committed volunteers have their own jobs, and their services are not necessarily related to their professions. In Taiwan, the Government introduced the “Volunteer Service Act” in 2001. Many volunteers have furthered their basic and special trainings, and hold volunteer certificates. While both ad hoc and committed volunteers dedicate themselves to serve the disadvantaged, the professional social workers must treat the work as their full- time career. Since it is a career, they are paid so that they can maintain a living. Besides, social workers must possess psychological knowledge and the skills to help people, as well as observe ethics and understand the social structure. Other than psychology, they also need to acquire knowledge in law and sociology as they advance. A brief history of social work in Malaysia In 1976, Hong Kong Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) launched a TV series called “Social Worker” (In Chinese, the name of the TV series is “ 北斗星 ”, literally “The Big Dipper”). In the drama, Lau Chung Yan played the lead character, who was inspired by his younger brother’s misadventures. He aspired to become a social worker, which was an unfamiliar field back then. Passionate about serving the underprivileged, he made it his duty to counsel troubled teenagers. This TV The ‘Big Dipper’ – Social Workers Caring Ad hoc volunteers Usually work in other professions Usually work in other professions Committed volunteers Social workers Provide long-term assistance Voluntary basis Professionally trained Possess a diploma/ degree Serve full-time Salaried Held responsible for recipients √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ * * Generally, social workers from governmental and non-governmental organizations provide free services. However, there are also private practices that charge for professional consulting services.