Ever go to a Pagan Pride Day, street fair, school play, church carnival, community informational program, or any other community based entertainment, political or social event? You had a good time, right?
Did you know that most of the people involved in putting on these events to entertain and/or inform you are volunteers? Volunteers are an indispensable part of community life. Some events would never even happen if not for volunteers–especially in these days of cutbacks in spending across the board.
Do you volunteer? If you don’t you should. Give back to your community. Find something you’re passionate about and find a way to volunteer even if it’s just a few hours or a one day a week. You really can miss an episode of Game of Thrones or Survivor and still have a full life–trust me on that one. You’d be surprised how many groups, events or organizations would love to have your help. Of course the Pagan Pride Project always needs volunteers (follow the link to find and event in your area), but if that isn’t your passion, find something that is. Volunteermatch.org is a good source for matching up organizations that need help with people who want to do something.
You should be committed! Give something back to the people and places that support/educate/entertain you.
When you volunteer:
Keep your word. Do the work you’ve volunteered to do. If you find that what you’re doing isn’t for you, that’s OK. Let them know, but finish out your commitment, do what you agreed to do, then bow out.
Be selective. Don’t over commit. Being overextended on your time and commitments doesn’t do you or the organizations to which you are your offering services any good. If you don’t have the time (or the desire) don’t say yes and then not show up.
Volunteering keeps you connected, it helps others, it gives you experiences you might otherwise not have, it looks good on a resume or job application. It’s good for you and good for your community. Get committed!
