I once read a story about a Peace Corps volunteer in Central Africa. He enjoyed jogging for exercise. His "leisure activity" was a source of wonder to the village he served. In fact, they wondered if he was sane.
National Volunteer Appreciation week is here
By LINDA RICHARDS, Knox County Public Library
National Volunteer Appreciation Week begins today. Consider these facts. There are over 89 million American adult volunteers and they give 15.5 billion hours annually. They provide the equivalent of 7.7 million full time employees. The average hourly wage of a volunteer is valued at $16.54 or $239 million annually.
With 1.3 million non-profit organizations in this country struggling to find funding and other resources, volunteers are invaluable and vital.
Thinking about this lead me to consider the many folks I know who enjoy and even thrive on their volunteerism. Skeptical? How about those who sing in the community or church choir, teach Sunday school or Vacation Bible School? You probably know someone who is active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Perhaps your neighbor with school age children is a coach for a children's sports team, a volunteer for Kids Read or a mentor in the local schools. Volunteers help in many ways at the Pet Port, Good Samaritan Hospital, and every retirement home and convalescent center in the county. At your local VFW or American Legion post, the commander, chaplain, and newsletter editor are probably volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers will be working at the Rendezvous. The actors and staff at Old Town Players are volunteers. At the library, our Friends volunteer at book sales, tutor in the Homework Center, or garden at the McGrady-Brockman House. The Literacy Program could not function without volunteers. I've even asked a homebound invalid for help, and was amazed when she thanked me!
What do they get out of it? Unlike what we might do to earn a paycheck, volunteers enjoy what they are doing because they choose to do it. They feel productive, useful, and hopefully, appreciated. They might be listening to an inner voice to "give something back." Volunteers enjoy the companionship of like-minded individuals, gain a skill, relate to the mission of the organization, and fill a community need. Their service might be due to a family tradition. Maybe, they just can't say "No." Whatever the reason, volunteers answer the call when asked. They are "doers."
My first volunteer "job" was as a Gold Teen at the Evansville State Hospital. It opened my eyes and gave me memories and an experience that lingers 40 years later. As a college student, I tutored in my old high school. I've worked for the Humane Society and at times it was difficult, believe me. I've been the editor of a preschool and a church newsletter, Girl Scout Cookie Mom, and some of the "jobs" you've seen listed earlier.
Back in 1989, I wandered into Ann Duesterberg's adult basic education classroom in the Young Building on the VU campus. I ended up tutoring adults for several months. Now, my life has come full circle. As coordinator of the Literacy Program, I wear many hats. I am a proud to be a volunteer literacy tutor, and I enjoy it very much.
So, you don't want to be part of an "organization." Consider the March of Dimes Walk America, Komen Race for the Cure, Arthritis Run, or so many other once-a-year opportunities to contribute. You can be a participant or support staff. This is one job where you set the schedule and write the job description.
Volunteerism can be as simple as picking up trash when you take a walk, shoveling snow or mowing an elderly neighbor's yard occasionally. You might donate to the Food Pantry, or clean out your closet and give it to Goodwill. The list is endless.
I once read a story about a Peace Corps volunteer in Central Africa. He enjoyed jogging for exercise. His "leisure activity" was a source of wonder to the village he served. In fact, they wondered if he was sane. Part of your leisure time could include volunteerism. I'm not saying give up watching ESPN or NASCAR, gardening, or reading on the sofa (my personal favorite). Think about the many ways your personal time can make a difference in someone else's life, or in our community. Volunteering can mean making a positive and permanent impact on someone's life. Volunteerism can be a force for change and growth.
My point is simple: No matter what your interests or the amount of time you have to spare, there is an organization or person in need of your energy and expertise. You might find out what many others already know. When you give from your heart, you can make a difference.
