Note to self:

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This is from a letter sent to my class (Engaging Youth: Art/Media/Performance) from a community leader of the Flemington Theatre Group which primarily serves young Afro-Australians in Melbourne. 

Pair this quote with the concept of “volunteer tourism”, and there’s a lot to question and think about.  

Kelman is right. I think back on my experiences in QV and in one short inner-city mission trip. The kids are devastated when they hear you will leave in a few days and you feel guilt because you will likely never see them again. Some kids are even jaded by the constant comings and goings of teachers with whom they thought they were building a significant relationship with.

I guess some could argue that it’s better than nothing. Or that realistically, most people can’t devote more than just one season of their lives to volunteerism.

But these are the questions I’m left with:

How superficial have causes and volunteerism become in our society? How much of our causes are about us rather than the people they supposedly serve? Is it fair to say that people care, just not enough that they’d be willing to devote a good chunk of their lives to it? Is that really caring?

Causes have become a big part of our society. In some cases, causes are what replace God for certain people—they are the thing that gives purpose to their lives.

I’m not arguing here that not enough people care enough about their causes, whatever they may be.  If you struggle to make ends meet in life then no, of course causes will not be your number one priority.  If you think about it, causes are for the elite— those who have the time and luxury to care.  

What I’m getting at is the hollowness, the emptiness, the superficiality, the self-promoting nature of a lot of today’s activism.  

I think if you’re trying to help other people, it is best to do it out of a genuine heart whether long term or short term, whether in your own home or a different country. You’d be surprised at the little chances everyday that you pass up to help people in your very own life, your own backyard. 

If you want to make a difference in this world, great. wonderful. We need more people like that. But don’t make it about fame, glory, your intellect, your reputation, traveling, that facebook profile picture, the compliments, or even you being a “good person.” Make it about them, sharing with them love which is truth which is God. Then maybe, just maybe, you will leave behind something that’ll last more than even a lifetime.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:37-40

Just something that’s been on my mind lately.