Commitment or voluntary work?
Both terms are often used interchangeably - but there are differences.
We clarify what exactly is meant - and why it is important.
What is an honorary post?
Volunteering means:
- A voluntary activity
- Often in an organisation
- Often tied to fixed tasks and times
Examples: Club board, football coach, election assistant
What is commitment?
Engagement is defined more broadly:
- Any form of voluntary, unpaid participation
- Also informal forms - e.g. help in the neighbourhood or activism
- Often flexible and self-organised
Why is the difference important?
When we talk about "engagement", we include more people:
- Even those who are not involved in traditional structures
- Also new forms such as self-organisation, demos, digital participation
The following applies to us:
Whether volunteering or commitment - what counts
what counts is the commitment to others.
And this can look very different.
