The Importance of Volunteerism

Dec 10, 2011
Cindy Knapper

Peace Corps Volunteers Swearing In - United States Federal Government

How important to society is volunteerism? Perhaps it's time for each of us to take a step back and think about becoming a volunteerl

"The human contribution is the essential ingredient.

It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live."

~ Ethel Percy Andrus ~

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a volunteer is a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it.

The above is a simple, straightforward definition of the word, but after doing some research, I believe that a volunteer is a person whom we in society too often take for granted. The volunteer is the person who recognizes a need and is willing to take the responsibility to meet that need, without expecting a reward or payment. The volunteer takes care of this responsibility in addition to his or her own everyday responsibilities, and usually does so quite willingly and without complaint. Those of us who do not volunteer but who reap the benefits of the volunteer are the fortunate ones, indeed.

History of Volunteerism

Volunteerism is not a new concept. It has been around for a very long time. In the United States, one can trace the history of volunteerism back to the time of the colonists. During this period in history, the colonists had to depend on each other for survival, facing many challenges, from farming the land to overcoming devastating illnesses. They had to help each other in order to survive. Then the spirit of volunteerism rang true.

Another fine example of volunteerism in this country is the volunteer firehouse. The first volunteer firehouse was established by Benjamin Franklin in 1736. This tradition continues in many small communities and cities still today.

During the Revolutionary War, the Minutemen were volunteer soldiers who worked jobs but could be ready to fight, within one minute's notice. The United States may well have lost the war had it not been for them. It was also during this period that volunteers banned together to raise funds for the war effort and also to organize boycotts of various products from Great Britain.

In the 1800s organizations like the YMCA, the American Red Cross,and the United Way were founded. We must remember all the good that these volunteer organizations have done throughout the years and are continuing to do today.

In the 1800s mainstream volunteer organizations such as the Rotary clubs, the Kiwanis, the Lions clubs, and many other such volunteer organizations were established and still exist to this day, functioning to help many worthy causes throughout the world. It was also during this time when World War II broke out, and many organizations began to work to support both servicemen and civilians in several areas. Then during the Great Depression, the concept of the soup kitchen was born, feeding thousands who stood in bread lines daily. It was during the 1960s that volunteers throughout the world began to work together to fight against inequality, poverty, and violence around the world.

But volunteerism is not restricted to organizations such as these. I would venture to say that just about everyone has volunteered at one time or another Here are some examples:

Examples of Volunteerism

Have you donated blood?
Have you been a classroom mother/father?
Have you participated in the parent/teacher organization at your child's school?
Have you donated baked goods for a school/church bake sale?
Have you served on a school board?
Have you served on a church council?
Have you been in a church choir?
Have you been a sports coach?
Have you led a Scout Troop or 4H Club?
Have you taught Sunday School or religious classes?
Have you gone caroling in hospitals?
Have you helped with a fundraiser for a worthy cause?
Have you passed out political campaign leaflets?

I'm sure the list is much more extensive than this; I've given you just a few examples. If you have said yes to any of the above, or if you can think of anything else you have done like the above examples, then you have been a volunteer.

Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations. As demonstrated before, the United States was founded with the help of volunteers. Volunteers give of their time, talent, and labor, and expect very little in return. I think the world would be a far sadder place without volunteers. Volunteers are what makes a community great. Volunteers are the ones who really care. Volunteers are people who are selfless instead of selfish. They care about what they can do for others instead of what others can do for them. For many, volunteering is a way of life and it fulfills a need to give back. They are the ones who get things done without being asked to. Volunteers make the world just a little bit brighter, and volunteers show us that there is hope after all.

Reasons To Volunteer

There are many reasons to volunteer, and perhaps there are even some reasons you haven't even thought of before, reasons which might make volunteering worth your while. For instance, there are some volunteers who say that the the efforts they make and the inconvenience put upon them are nothing compared to the joy and satisfaction that they feel when they volunteer. In other words, the gifts they have received from volunteering are innumerable.

These are some of the benefits associated with volunteering:

You may be able to deal with some of your personal problems.
You may meet some new people and make new friends.
You may feel needed as a volunteer.
You may learn new skills, which may help you in your future.
You may find that your self-confidence is increased.
You may find your depression is less, if you are depressed.
Your physical health may improve.

Therefore, I ask you: what do you have to lose by volunteering? It seems to me there are only benefits to be gained.

Places to Volunteer

What can you do or where can you go to volunteer?

Places of worship such as churches or synagogues.
Senior centers or libraries.
Museums, monuments, and community theaters.
National parks and historical restorations.
Service organizations such as Lions clubs or Rotary clubs.
Sports teams, after-school programs, and youth organizations.

So think about it. Consider what you can do to help out in your community. Become a volunteer. I know that even if there is some small way in which you can volunteer, you'll be glad you did.

Remember:

"We are all like one-winged angels. It is only when we help each other that we can fly."

~ Luciano de Crescenzo ~

Resources:

http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/philadelphia/fire.htm