Why A Volunteer? (working title) searches for answers to the question of why ordinary people choose to do extraordinary work for the benefit of others around the world. Specifically, the film peels back psychological layers such as motivations, emotions, and thoughts to reveal the heart of the individual volunteer. The film highlights the work of under-reported, under-appreciated individuals and grassroots organizations around the world that could not function without volunteers.
Why A Volunteer? sheds light on the psychological processes of what leads a person to volunteer. How did this person get to be at this place at this time? This film highlights the histories, tragedies, victories, and passion of individuals and small groups that took matters into their own hands and committed themselves to improve the human condition, frequently at great personal cost to themselves.
Filming takes place at four distinctly different locations, Afghanistan, Borneo, Ecuador, and India, where grass roots organizations are working on the front lines of critical world problems. The film makers spend time with each group of volunteers, documenting the specifics of the issues and the people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in each particular area. Through this first hand experience, a rich, genuine story about these courageous people unfolds. A special emphasis is placed on the question of why someone would dedicate their life in such a way and how that information can be used to inspire others toward similar, if not as dramatic, action. We, as film makers and volunteers, want to meet the people who we think are the real heroes in this world; not the rock stars and sports icons, but the people giving of themselves everyday to help improve the quality of life for others around the world.
