There are people who amaze me when it comes to volunteering their time. They have time for five or six organizations, still spend quality time with their families and work at least an eight-hour day. I want to know how they do it. It’s true I’m jealous because I don’t have as much energy and I’m not that well organized but at the same time I am very thankful for these people.
When I was young, my character was developing in a positive way because I belonged to organizations such as Boy Scouts and the Boys Club. I didn’t pay much attention as to why I had those great things in my life but now I realize it was because of all the volunteers.
Volunteering is part of our national character. We can’t help it we’re driven to help others. To us it’s as necessary as breathing or having a pulse. We don’t do it because the law requires it — that would be forced labor — but because we have the desire.
This is one of America’s great strengths, its volunteer citizens. Nowhere else are volunteers in such great supply and demand. It’s what makes us different from other nations.
We have the desire to volunteer but we don’t always feel we have the time or the experience. Volunteering doesn’t have to be time consuming and in most cases doesn’t require experience.
Some positions require physical effort and some require mental effort. There are enough organizations out there to cover most interests and time requirements.
Our volunteers are found laying down sandbags to help stem the flow of the rivers. We also see them in food banks distributing food to those who are in need. We see them putting out fires in our forests and in our neighborhoods. In addition, they are working with our police departments to secure the communities safety.
The Scouts are a good place to volunteer if you like the outdoors. If you’re more inclined towards indoor activities, you could become involved with the Boys and Girls Club. Did you know there are even opportunities to drive people to appointments. Don’t forget the senior centers, schools, libraries, parks and local theaters. My oldest son volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium and discovered his future in Marine Science. They all need and want volunteers.
If you don’t want to be involved with an organized group, you could always volunteer to mow the lawn of the person down the street who isn’t capable because of age or infirmity. Volunteer to babysit so stressed parents can get away for a few hours of rest.
If you have stress in your life, you might find volunteering helps relieve some of it and you may even find a new direction in life.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or long term but a little effort can make a big difference in someone’s life. Perhaps the difference will be in your life or that of a family member. My youngest son is learning some of these lessons of volunteerism from his DeMolay Chapter. My oldest son found his new career path.
I don’t volunteer time I don’t have but I do prioritize time beyond the family to volunteer. It’s difficult to say who benefits the most from volunteering. All I know is that it helps people and gives a greater sense of purpose to my life.
Let me leave you with some opportunities to do something good for yourself, your family, friends and community. This paper has a Community Section, which lists volunteer positions. All of these organizations would love to have your help. If you don’t see what interests you here try looking on-line, I’ll bet you find something. Try it. Remember, all it really requires is desire.
Marysville Community Food Bank: http://marysvillecommunityfb.com/volunteer.aspx marysvillefoodbank@clearwire.net.
Boys Scouts: http://www.mountbakerbsa.org/council/volunteer.html.
Girl Scouts: http://www.girlscoutsww.org/become_volunteer e-mail northerncounties@girlscoutsww.org.
DeMolay International for boys: http://www.wademolay.org or e-mail DeMolayAdvisor@comcast.net.
Boys and Girls Club: http://www.bgcsc.org or e-mail bkinney@bgcsc.org.
Volunteer Match: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search.
Comments may be addressed to sdwhippo@yahoo.com.
