What Good are Volunteers Anyway?

Volunteers are seen as people with nothing better to do with their time. When you really consider it, volunteers are the ones who made, make, and – if all remains constant- will continue to be the change makers in our country. Many assume volunteers mainly deal with politics, which is far from the truth although is true. In fact some of my fondest memories involve volunteers and volunteering. Volunteers do more than change, they mold us as a society even without our realizing it!

In the very early 1990’s my father ran for a political office in Fall River, Massachusetts. He didn’t win, however he and his supporters, including myself, showed our grit and determination for a cause. I remember holding signs with him and a small group and coming home and changing my clothes because I was soaken with sweat. I also remember standing at the very cold Spencer Borden school and Uncle Manny showed me how to jump in place real fast to stay warm. Also in my childhood I remember my mothers involvement in my educational experience. Granted she was a teacher, however she also donated time to the library and inner school fairs. Looking back now, I firmly doubt the fairs would have gone on let alone been as successful if it wasn’t for her willingness to help, as a true volunteer she always offered. There was never a need to ask, my fathers supporters and those like my mother help from the heart.

In Massachusetts we are seen as a blue state politically. For decades we have leaned democratically making it near impossible for political change. Our neighbor to the west, Rhode Island, can pretty much share our color code. We as states don’t like change, although it is very needed. The need for change brought back volunteers in the political and patriotic sense. We weren’t ambushing the British this time, we were putting ourselves in office on the Tea movement (not party, bad things happen at parties if you stay too long! and drink too much of the wine). We failed at election day however we made extremely large strides here as Rhode Island elected their first Independent party Governor! Regardless of our defeat, due to the work of countless volunteers, we succeeded. Our incumbents realized they do have to listen to us. On a larger scale, volunteers helped absolutely trump many sure win incumbents across the country.

Where else do volunteers make a massive difference. Churches are cirtainly a popular choice. Salvation army would be an excellant choice too. Food kitchens, non-profit organizations, there are too many potential options. I feel volunteering anywhere, anytime, for any cause is a difference maker. What dies volunteering do in the long run? It shows charachter, highlights those too humble yet most deserving of praise, and in my religion shows charity. Donate an hour to something before Christmas and the holiday season end. If you are a workaholic as I am, it could prove to be a real stress reliever. You will also be giving one of the greatest gifts you could ever imagine giving away, yourself.