What is in it for me, to volunteer my time and energy?
Volunteering allows me to be part of a group of respected, well meaning
people who serve others. In my volunteer work, I find like minded
people who share my vision to be part of a happier well functioning
community. Personal relationships don’t work, people work at having
good relationships. Giving is part of making relationships work.
When I started volunteering, I was intimidated at the wealth of skills
and abilities among the volunteers. I met many hard working people
doing meaningful work. I also found appreciation for my skills. There
was a great sense of conviviality, lots of laughs and stories galore.
When I thought I couldn’t manage the work load, I found amazing support
from other volunteers. I came to realize it was partly my independence
and as an eldest daughter my characteristic of taking on too much and
not wanting to ask for help.
Every part of life asks us to make an investment in time and often
money. Where we invest determines how our life evolves. My investment
in volunteering, has included: • by being on a board, • attending and
presenting at meetings and conferences, • driving and shopping with and
for others, • reading, writing and distributing literature, • stuffing
envelopes, • making phone calls, • canvassing, • managing fund raising
events, • selling at fundraisers, • listening to the frustration of
others and offering support and advice, • and more.
What do I get from volunteering depends on what I give. Being a
volunteer has enriched my life by bringing satisfaction when goals are
reached, introducing me to new and interesting people, giving me
opportunities to learn new skills and helping me have a sense of being
a part of the solution to the problems in life. I cannot imagine my
life without the wonderful experiences I have had as a volunteer.
Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem M.Ed. a registered marriage and family therapist who consults to families in business on relationship issues.
www.mbcinc.ca