Volunteers, who make a difference every day, are the unsung heroes of our communities and nation. Volunteers have rebuilt neighborhoods, fed the poor, won elections, and sheltered and clothed the homeless.
“Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.”
Sarah Bernhardt
Have you helped a child learn how to read, wrapped gifts for less fortunate families in your community during the Christmas season, worked at a soup kitchen, or collected winter coats for the disadvantaged? Our communities abound with opportunities to give back, but how many of us answer the call? With COVID having impacted our lives for the last 2 years, you may have wanted to help others but staying safe was critical for the collective health and safety of all. As our nation has found ways to mitigate the spread of this virus, you may be more open to stepping into a volunteer role.
How Will You Answer The Call To Service?
“Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
Elizabeth Andrew
When you work long hours, week after week, year after year, there is often little time and energy left for your favorite cause or charity. You may have stretched yourself thin while working, going to school, and raising your family. Feeling exhausted and depleted, you didn’t have much strength left to volunteer so you did the next best thing, which was to donate money. There’s nothing wrong with that. I know that was the “go to” for me as well and it felt good.
While I was working hard to build my private therapy and coaching practice, the only volunteering I had time to do was donating blood every couple of months. I did some casual volunteering here and there, but it wasn’t consistent. I raised money, participated in walks for various causes, and supported my friends and neighbors in their charitable pursuits. That has changed over time by making a concerted effort to give back and by having more time to do it. I have accomplished this by joining a local Rotary group, where there are numerous opportunities to volunteer my time, skills, and energy throughout the year.
I’ve heard many pre-retirees and those recently retired say that they’ve “been there, done that, and now I just want to rest.” Great! Go ahead and do that for a while. However, many of you will eventually catch up on your rest, organize your house, and meet up with enough friends. Then you will you begin to wonder “What else is there for me to do with these eight-hour days I spent working, now that my post-work world may stretch into 20 to 30 bonus years?” Retirement, whether it’s part-time or full-time, provides the extra time to give of your talents and skills to those less fortunate.
If you are new to volunteering, I suggest you use the tips in “How to make a new beginning better.” These work in a variety of life and work situations including finding the volunteer setting that is right for you.
Volunteers across our nation make a difference every day. How will you use your time and talents to help others?