Find the time to be a volunteer in the community

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published October 15, 2009

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My husband and I just celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. Last month I began reflecting on our shared experiences as a couple and also my individual life. While looking at old photos, I remembered many events including serving my community as a volunteer.

I enjoy visiting with volunteers because they understand the great value of giving their time and resources. People are more interesting when they give up their own time for others. It’s impossible to be a narrow, self-centered person when giving some of yourself to somebody else is a life practice. I am baffled when I meet a successful adult in a solid career who has never volunteered on a regular basis. Yes, it is nice to be active in PTA or coach your child’s sports team, but giving time to an organization that isn’t related to you is unbelievably satisfying.

I think fall is the perfect season to begin thinking about new volunteer activities. School has started and the garden is getting quiet. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season hasn’t quite begun and summer vacations are happy memories. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is good to remember what we are thankful for and consider how we can give.

Every interest and hobby has a volunteer counterpart. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, there are many ways to help people. Food banks, churches, and shelters can use volunteers any time of year. People can donate items or cash if donating time is not an option. Contact the volunteer center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties at 741-2622 or www.volunteer.ws for a wide variety of opportunities.

I know people are tired and busy, but the time sacrificed for others will be multiplied. There is talk within this administration about fundamentally transforming America which includes the work of community organizers. This can be a motivational tool for some to volunteer. My motivator is, “Whatever you’ve done unto the least of these, you’ve done unto me.” (Matthew 25:40). Even Glamour’s November issue has “being selfless – a do.” Cat Deeley of “So You Think You Can Dance” says, “Giving your time to do something in your community is not only hugely rewarding, but also a powerful force for change.”

I am glad there is an effort nationwide to recruit volunteers and thankful community service is required for high school graduation. The earlier people begin volunteering, the easier it is to be a lifelong giver. I encourage parents to set the example for their children. Taking an item off a giving tree is a wonderful way to start and children are usually more generous than adults. Generosity is contagious.

Volunteering is a great way to get job experience, too. I recently received an outstanding opportunity to be part of a life-changing, nonprofit organization and it happened due to a current volunteer commitment. Volunteering is indeed a way to be involved with top quality people. I think volunteering is so life-changing, I wish it were mandatory for recipients of government entitlements. I can’t imagine the positive changes in people of all ages and our country if welfare or disability recipients gave back just one hour a week.

Begin making new memories today. Volunteer!

Jamie Kenny, a member of The Olympian’s Board of Contributors, lives in Tenino with her husband and two teenage children. She can be reached at kpraise2him@scattercreek.com.