Gratitude for the Good received

Gratitude is more than just a feeling. It moves millions of people around the world to give back the help they received by means of solidary actions. To be able to see first-hand the transformation for the better in the lives of many others who receive and give, and to put a smile on someone’s face, delight the people that find in volunteerism a sure path to happiness.

MORE
- Read Paiva Netto’s article: “A Citizen called Solidarity”
- Volunteerism and Ecumenical Citizenship in Portugal

Reinforced by an ideal and commitment to a cause, gratitude becomes one of the key components of engagement in voluntary work. This humanitarian equation sums up what happened in the life of tourism technician Rosivane de Ávila Batista. In 2005, she did a waitress training course offered by the Social Service Center of the Legion of Good Will (LBV) in the city of Ribeirão Preto (Brazil). At the same time she became a volunteer, giving acting classes for children assisted by the LBV —Children: The Future in the Present! program.

“I RETURN TO ORLANDO TAKING THIS SWEET MEMORY OF THE LBV”

Today, Rosivane lives in Orlando, Florida (USA), and on a trip to Brazil she insisted on visiting the LBV once again to thank the Organization for the opportunities she received there. “I couldn’t wait to come back here and thank you. You have no idea how the course I did here in the LBV helped me in my work in the USA. That’s why I thank you for the learning opportunity, which I use in the hotel sector, and for getting to know this wonderful place that welcomes us and teaches us to spread Goodness. [...] I’m also here today to repay you for all I received by bringing these gifts for the kids, because I always remember them with affection,” said Rosivane, when delivering educational games to children assisted by the LBV.

As a student and as a collaborator, Rosivane highlighted the discovery of her new abilities after working with the LBV and once again showed her gratitude: "About three years ago I helped as a volunteer by coming here to teach acting to the children and I wish I could be here today participating in the day-to-day activities because the time I spent here was very gratifying. I return to Orlando taking this sweet memory of the LBV in my heart and their address in New York so I can be closer to them [...]. Anyone who works in the LBV as a volunteer takes this feeling with them for the rest of their lives and I’m sure that this is going to make a lot of difference for them.”

FORMER STUDENT RETURNS TO THE LBV TO PASS ON WHAT HE LEARNED

Arquivo Pessoal

Fortunately, stories like Rosivane’s take place every day. Thirteen years ago Hayan Carlson was a student of the computer course in the LBV’s Social Service Center in the city of Itabuna, Bahia (Brazil). Today, a Business student, Hayan is one of the volunteers who have been giving a round of talks since the second semester of 2012. To encourage new students he talked about “Professional Development” and presented to those assisted by the LBV a panorama of the labor market emphasizing on the need for qualification. 

For the university student, this initiative of the Organization opens the doors of knowledge for many young people. He gives his own example: “Twelve years ago the LBV’s computer course helped me a lot in my professional career. The course given here was an open door to the labor market, where, thank God, I managed to get in. Today’s experience was gratifying. Many people left here realizing that they’re capable of making their dreams come true. I’m grateful to the LBV for this opportunity to be able to share a little of my knowledge... I’m happy.”

On December 5, International Volunteer Day, the LBV congratulates and thanks you, a friend of Goodwill, who by means of your voluntary work guarantees that entire families can build a better future for themselves and for the society in which they live. Our eternal gratitude to you for the time dedicated, for the knowledge shared, and for the legacy left for the generations to come.

If you are not yet a collaborator and want to be part of this team of Solidarity, choose a unit of the Legion of Good Will closest to you from the list below:

- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Paraguay
- Portugal
- Uruguay
- United States

“Gratitude is a feeling of Love that never fades from the Soul.” (Paiva Netto)

Version: Rob Dinham
Revision: Felipe Duarte