am currently serving full-time National Service, and I believe many would agree with me that we have an inherent lack of time for ourselves. However, I believe that volunteering is a wonderful way to utilise whatever time I can afford. When SG Cares sent out a call for volunteer photographers and journalists for the Volunteerism Conference, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. After booking out on the 24 May, I arrived at the conference venue, the YMCA Lee Kong Chian Auditorium. And I was warmly welcomed by the Volunteer Leader (VL) and staff of SG Cares with open arms. As I arrived during the lunch break of the conference, I had time to grab a bite, sit down to chat with fellow volunteers and familiarise myself with the event venue. The conference was, in a nutshell, a gathering of like-minded individuals wanting to make a difference to benefit our community directly. The segment of the conference that I had to cover as a photographer was “It Takes 2 to Tango”, a dialogue session for students, teachers and non-profit organizations. After an equipment check, I moved into action once the session began. After polite introductions from the student and teacher panelists, the session progressed into one of its first highlights - sharing from the students on their rewarding volunteering experiences. After Ms Susan Ellis inspired the audience with the potentials of student volunteers, representatives from non-profit organisations (NPO) and students exchanged questions and opinions. I could sense the passion especially those who took to the mike to voice their thoughts. The discussions went on even during the tea break. Students and NPOs gathered in their own little groups and continued to explore the role and impact of student volunteerism. Even after the session ended, I took away topics and issues discussed. It’s my first assignment as a volunteer and how lucky am I to do it befittingly at a volunteerism conference! The intensity of the session reflected the fire and the passion for all who believed in volunteerism. And this fire will burn for a very long time to come. This article was contributed by volunteer writer Roger. This story was first published in SALT (www.salt.org.sg), an e-magazine by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre. Additional info provided by cataloguer: The article is accompanied by a photograph showing a man speaking into the microphone. Beside him are others seated on sofas. On the screen behind them is displayed "It takes two to tango".
