What kinds of positive messaging can we give our children? Ones that they can understand, personalize and carry forward? Volunteering is a powerful message, one they can carry throughout their lives and one that will create a caring, productive citizen.
Volunteering is part of who you are. It is part of how you are made up. It represents your values and demonstrates through your actions what is important to you.
Oh boy, I can’t wait for the feedback generated by this column. I’ll put on my rain gear. I and several colleagues recently had an enormous experience working with the Kirkland City Council to pass a resolution regarding corporate personhood and money in politics.
Traditionally, when I write these articles, I suggest volunteering to particular or recommended organizations providing public services. Many of these organizations are funded by donations as well as by grants, etc.
I sat with a group of other volunteers this morning; the coffee was good before jumping in up to our elbows to sort food for a food bank. We talked about volunteering, providing time and energy to organizations that serve the needy, organizations that have a large reach, organizations that see the people “next door” as well as those in other geographic areas.
Volunteering gets in your blood! It is something you do, a part of what you are as an individual, as someone who cares about others, and someone who wants to make a difference in our community and world.
I have the opportunity on the last Sunday of this month to give a presentation on “volunteering” to a great group of people in the “second half” of their lives.
The responses are pouring in – numerous readers have contacted me with both needs of and opportunities for volunteers. I’m always pleased and surprised that these opportunities are so important – and yet few know of them. We will try to change that.
I was approached the other day about a specific category of volunteering – seniors! What difference does it make, I originally thought, but with further discussions the following points and concerns surfaced.
Undisclosed donors giving enormous amounts to political campaigns under the cover of “free speech” have effectively destroyed the concept of “one person, one vote” in today’s political arena.
What? Gulp? You don’t understand – I’m busy providing needy services to needy people – I’m one of the good guys! I don’t have the time to volunteer; I’m too busy doing what I’m doing!
Businesses are often known for contributing to their communities and neighborhoods.
Admit it, when considering a volunteer opportunity we often ask, “What’s in it for me?” Its OK, I won’t tell anyone that we had this conversation.
This column has become a self-fulfilling instrument as well as a way to connect those desiring to volunteer with viable opportunities within the community.
ow do you evaluate a volunteer opportunity – not only regarding linkage to your personal interests and passions but also in terms of the actual need for service, or – and this is the touchy one –
When I set out to write this column I wanted to focus on Kirkland volunteering, i.e. those residents of the greater Kirkland area becoming known for our “culture of volunteerism.”
Years ago, I was the physical director at the West Seattle Branch of the Greater Seattle Association of YMCA’s.
Who would have thought that it might be difficult to find opportunities to volunteer as a family? Especially a family that might have young children? This can be more difficult than you think.
Volunteering is easy and fun, although many get stuck wondering, “Do I have the needed skills? Who could use me? What about over committing?
