Volunteering: A Journey of Service, Commitment and Passion 

Volunteering is significant in contributing to society, connecting with the community, and making it a better place for people. Volunteering has always been an important part of my life, shaping my values and guiding my actions. From a very young age, I discovered the joy and fulfilment that comes from contributing to the community.  

My journey as a volunteer began in my hometown Narail, Bangladesh; where I joined a children’s theatre group, igniting a lifelong passion for service and community engagement. Growing up, the children's theatre was more than just an extracurricular activity; it was a space where I learned the importance of teamwork, time management, leadership, communication and presentation, creativity, empathy and commitment to the community. Subsequently, I served in the position of General Secretary of Prothom Alo Bandhushava (the country’s largest voluntary organisation) at the Narail district unit.  

This early experience laid the foundation for my passion for volunteering and serving society. I always want to do something for people without any direct benefit. Volunteering gives me non-monetary benefits like mental pleasure and wellbeing, new friends, experiences, connections, better understandings, etc.  

Galway presents a bunch of volunteering opportunities both inside and outside the university including educational, cultural, travel, community and health sector.  

Currently, I serve in several volunteer roles, each bringing unique experiences and opportunities to contribute positively to society. At University of Galway, I hold a part-time position as the Ethnic Minorities Officer at the University of Galway Students' Union, where I work closely with fellow students to ensure the ethnic minorities voices are heard and their concerns addressed. This role has not only aerated space to develop my leadership skills but also provided a platform to advocate for meaningful changes within our academic arena and beyond. It’s a role that demands responsibility and dedication, but the reward of seeing my peers thrive makes it all worthwhile. 

I am also the class representative for the PhD cohort at the School of Law. In this capacity, I act as a liaison between students and faculty, ensuring that academic and administrative issues are communicated effectively and resolved promptly.  

As the vice president of the Postgraduate Workers’ Organisation (PWO) Galway, I become the voice of PhD researchers to convey their issues to the policymakers and try to create an impactful change to their research facilities and environment.

In addition, I’m the vice auditor of the Bangladesh Society, a student body that promotes the linguistic beauty, culture, diversity, history, and heritage of Bangladesh to Irish and international students as well. Moreover, I’m involved with the Postgrad Research Society of the university to create a social space for both postgrad taught and research students. I’m also the organising committee member of Lex Connect Conference (All Ireland Law PhD Conference) 2024, the first initiative of PhD students in Ireland to organise a conference for themselves. As I love to do research and writing, I engaged with University of Galway Law Review and acted as the Senior Editor for the upcoming issue of the Law Review. Further, I write to the newspapers including Galway Advertiser on issues relating to students’ rights and communal necessity.  

Volunteering has also taken me to the streets, quite literally, as I serve as Galway Street Ambassador, guiding travellers and newcomers around Galway City. This role is particularly fulfilling as it combines my love for Galway City with my desire to help others. There is something incredibly rewarding about assisting someone lost or in need of information, knowing that you’ve made their experience just a little bit better. I also assisted in the Streets of Galway 8K run this year as a registration desk volunteer and a marshal of the race.  

Additionally, my involvement with the Galway Film Fleadh and Galway International Arts Festival has allowed me to merge my passion for the arts and culture with my commitment to volunteerism. These festivals celebrate creativity and cultural diversity, and being a part of them has been an enriching experience.  

My community engagement enlarges with Galway for Justice and AMDAF Ireland contributing as a civil society platform to raise voices for justice, equality, diversity, inclusion, empowerment, and anti-discrimination causes.  

My journey as a volunteer has been incredibly rewarding and continues to inspire me every day. It is through these experiences that I find purpose and fulfilment, knowing that my contributions, no matter how small, make a difference. I am passionate about continuing this journey, always seeking new ways to serve and uplift my community. 

Words and images thanks to RaisuL Sourav, Doctoral Researcher in Law