Daily Lessons from Life 11 August 2012 - Inspirational Session of Volunteer Work!

Just want to capture one of the more inspirational piece of volunteer work I did at the Probation Services Branch (PSB) this afternoon.

I have been doing this for a while now. Coming to 10 years, maybe.

This session is slightly special as we have almost 10 probationers and their parents/guardians present. A very high attendance rate and that's how it should be really. So, I was motivated to make an even bigger impact on the audience.

The Probation Officer explained the legality of what is a Probation Order? The requirements for compliance by the probationers in order for them to successfully complete their probation and leave no criminal record on their personal file, etc.

I took the opportunity to share with the kids and their parents/guardians by:

1. highlighting WHY they have this 2nd chance at Probation instead of being put to jail or fine and have a criminal record on their personal file - asked them to LOOK AT the persons who accompanied them to this session - their parents and guardians! They LOVE them. They HAVE NOT given up on them. Think about it!!;

2. getting them to realize that at the end of the day, THEY have to WANT to complete the Probation themselves. They are the key. If they WANT to, they have a good chance as their parents and guardians, the Probation Officers, Volunteer PO, Community Service Officers (CSO), schools, etc are there to SUPPORT them in this journey through the Probation period! They are NOT alone. There are PEOPLE who still LOVE and CARE and want to help them make it!;

3. challenging them that FRIENDS are important to them. I know as I was once young too. At the same time, asked them to THINK about if the 'friends' are those who had gotten them into trouble and onto this stage, should they still remain 'friends'? Unless these friends are also turning over a new leaf like them. Otherwise, they may want to THINK HARD about making NEW FRIENDS. 'NEW Friends' like: their parents and guardians, the PO, VPO, CSO, etc. It will be a measure of their maturity IF they can choose the FRIENDS wisely.

I have no power to make them make this choice. Not me. Not their parents/guardians. Not the PO/CSO/etc. ONLY THEM can make that choice!! Think hard about it.

I sensed some realization by some of the probationers. I also sensed some parents/guardians knowing they TOO need to change the way they had been interacting with their kids. Hopefully this session has created the SPARK to inspire them or to tickle their CURIOSITY about the need to CHANGE they interact with each other at home.

Hopefully, ALL the kids today are among the successful 80% of probationers who passed Probation.

A fulfilling day for me. Indeed. Thank you.