We Asked A ‘Share The Dignity’ Volunteer How She Balances Volunteering With Uni

Our generation cops a lot of heat for being “lazy” and “apathetic”, but we reckon that’s bullshit. As part of our I Give A Damn series, Uni Junkee is speaking to a bunch of young volunteers who give up their free time to do some good in the world. Take that, boomers. 

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Madeleine Paradise hails from the suburb of Davistown on NSW’s Central Coast. At 23, she’s currently studying a Bachelor of Global Studies majoring in Health Studies at the University of Technology Sydney.

In the past, Maddy has volunteered with Amnesty International and Oaktree. But it’s her recent work with Share the Dignity — a charity that assists homeless women and those experiencing domestic violence by ensuring they have access to basic sanitary items — that has reignited her passion for helping others.

How did you get involved with this group?

After years of being an armchair activist/slacktivist and following the page on Facebook and Instagram, I decided to actually donate my time to the cause. It was pretty simple to sign up as a volunteer. I filled out a form online and a local representative was in touch with me about 48 hours later. 

What kind of stuff does this involve?

Volunteers are responsible for collecting donated sanitary items from collection points that are later redistributed to women and girls who may otherwise not have access to them. It’s also our job to promote the great work Share the Dignity do. They’re a massive driver in the #axethetax campaign to remove the GST from sanitary items – sign the petition today! 

What made you give a shit about this cause?

Through my studies, I became passionate about water, sanitation, hygiene and in particular, women’s reproductive health. I knew access to health services and resources was limited in some parts of the world, but I guess I thought it didn’t happen in Australia. I never considered that rough-sleepers, or people on no or low income would ever have to choose between food or tampons. It’s pretty grim. This is what motivates me. There’s so much work to be done here and abroad in the way of women’s health and sanitation.

What’s your secret? How do you balance uni/work/volunteering/social life?

I’ve had previous experiences volunteering two days a week, going to uni two days a week, working 15+ hours a week AND attempting to maintain a social life. For me, particularly at that point in time, it wasn’t possible. Volunteer burnout is real. Volunteers are susceptible to compassion fatigue, and, in my opinion, neglect themselves and their self care. I left my last volunteering post feeling guilty, but more so than that, I felt bloody exhausted. I suppose maybe that’s why I waited a while to volunteer for a cause again, despite wanting to get on board earlier.

Is this something you’ll pursue as a career or continue after you graduate?

Yes yes yes. Volunteering throughout my degree has been a great chance to figure out what I’m passionate about, and what organisations and groups work to champion these causes.

What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve faced doing this work?

Volunteer burnout. Time management. Not going insane commuting.

What do you think are young people’s greatest concerns in 2018?

I think young people really just want to ensure we will actually have a world to live in, where we can work and play harmoniously.

What do you think about the stigma surrounding millennials that claims us to be lazy/unconcerned/self-obsessed?

This attitude grinds my gears. I’d love to know what old mate Gary was advocating for when he was 23. Not everyone is politically or socially engaged, but a lot of us are. Maybe there is just some level of disagreement between generations about what causes are “worthy” of advocacy and protest. Or maybe it’s the oldies that are lazy and unconcerned.

(All images: supplied)