Volunteering Vocabulary

We volunteered to put this list together for those who generously give their time and talents to make a positive difference in their communities. We hope you can dedicate some time to learn these generous words.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. volunteer
    a person who performs work done by choice
    Did they misjudge this water crisis so badly that they dismissed how dire it was, and left it in the hands of volunteers? Dry
  2. service
    an act of help or assistance
    “As concerned library lovers,” said the gentleman, brandishing a thick document, “we are here today to volunteer our services.” Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics
  3. activism
    a policy of action to achieve a political or social goal
    His fame was also due to his activism against the Vietnam War, his efforts to fight racism with his words, and his devotion to humanitarian causes around the world. Proud
  4. advocacy
    active support of an idea or cause
    But her fight against child marriage and her advocacy to end human trafficking are changing the world. You Bring the Distant Near
  5. aid
    the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need
    We will give aid and comfort to those who have been injured and to those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Love, Hate & Other Filters
  6. altruism
    the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
    Still, his altruism in general toward his fellow man did not deflect him from more personal rivalries. A Short History of Nearly Everything
  7. assistance
    the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need
    I told the man that I would have to be on my way and thanked him emphatically for his assistance. The Remains of the Day
  8. charity
    an institution set up to provide help to the needy
    “My present husband, Colonel Blood, not only approves of this charity, but co-operates in it. I esteem it one of the most virtuous acts of my life.” Votes for Women!
  9. civic
    of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals
    The scale of their constructions and their agriculture infrastructure required sophisticated civic and social organization. An Indigenous People’s History of the United States
  10. collaboration
    act of working jointly
    It was through his collaboration with other scientists that Pascal came to have the sense of belonging to a collectivity greater than himself. The Invention of Science
  11. commitment
    the act of binding yourself to a course of action
    The government asked for an “honest commitment to peace” and I pointed out that our readiness to negotiate was exactly that. Long Walk to Freedom
  12. community
    a group of people living in a particular local area
    Athletes were highly respected in the black community, and boys my age were encouraged to play some sport. Bad Boy
  13. community service
    something that is done for the benefit of the public or its institutions
    I made a mental list of what I wanted to prioritize in my life—things like community service and charitable work were on the top. Proud
  14. compassion
    a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
    I could not see myself living the rest of my life under such conditions—to me life meant love, understanding, compassion. Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography
  15. contribution
    a voluntary gift made to some worthwhile cause
    "I thought if you were taking up a collection," I told her, "I could make a small contribution. You could keep the money for when you do take up a collection." The Catcher in the Rye
  16. donation
    a voluntary gift made to some worthwhile cause
    "For your information, I'm going to make a one-hundred-dollar donation to a charity." The Lemonade War
  17. empathy
    understanding and entering into another's feelings
    Amelia’s mom says, “Take your time, Edie. We’re not in any hurry. And, Amelia, you better quit that tone and apologize, young lady. Have some empathy for your friend.” I Can Make This Promise
  18. engagement
    the act of sharing in the activities of a group
    His students’ engagement in theater taps into their souls and spirits. Drama High
  19. generosity
    the trait of being willing to give your money or time
    Word of his generosity quickly got around, which inspired other philanthropists—unwilling to be outdone—to send even more money; and before long people everywhere were sending gifts to the Washingtons, who were growing rich. The Mysterious Benedict Society
  20. humanity
    the quality of being compassionate and kind
    “He had the same dedication, but it was infused with a compassion, and a humanity,” she later said. Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
  21. involvement
    the act of sharing in the activities of a group
    Parental involvement is also key to the student’s success, and parents provide daily motivation, encouragement, and support. Music and the Child
  22. leadership
    the status of being in charge
    News of Fannie’s leadership in the garment workers’ union reached coal miners in Colliers, West Virginia, and she was asked to visit. Fannie Never Flinched
  23. mentorship
    guidance provided by a person experienced in some field
    There are twelve girls who’ve been selected for the Woman to Woman mentorship program. Piecing Me Together
  24. nonprofit
    not commercially or financially motivated
    In the late 1980s, another group of outsiders took note of Clarkston: the nonprofit agencies that resettle the tens of thousands of refugees accepted into the United States each year. Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference
  25. philanthropy
    the act of donating money or time to promote human welfare
    “What your wife is doing is neither good nor bad. Saints can spring from any soil. Maybe with this money she would do some fine thing. There’s no springboard to philanthropy like a bad conscience.” East of Eden
  26. relief
    assistance in time of difficulty
    The cousin was working for a relief agency in Zimbabwe. A Long Walk to Water
  27. selfless
    showing concern for the welfare of others
    “You know, I sacrificed a lot to have children. Being a mother is truly one of the most selfless jobs you can do.” Starfish
  28. support
    aiding the cause or policy or interests of
    More than five thousand Tule Lake inmates gathered outside the administrative area to peacefully support the negotiating committee. A Place to Belong
  29. volunteerism
    the use of unpaid labor, especially in community service
    Katrina provoked an enormous outpouring of support and volunteerism that persists to this day.
    – The New Yorker
  30. organization
    a group of people who work together
    She also tells Jay about the churches and organizations that distribute food. On the Come Up
Created on Tue Mar 05 12:20:59 EST 2024 (updated Thu Mar 14 10:37:44 EDT 2024)

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