Volunteerism

The state of volunteerism is strong. Healthy. Many people want to make a difference. In the lives of others, or the condition of our society. Whatever their aim, it is not about them but others. They need to do these things. Its necessity forms a self-view that must involve others. It is who they are.


Recently, I presented a workshop on nonprofit organizations. The community visited was distant from Chicago, but one of needy people and crumbling old urban social structures. The audience was a cross section of ages, economic status, and ethnic roots. They were the same in their desire to help others. Especially those others that live in their region of identity.


We talked about how to form new nonprofit organizations. What steps were required to get a new org off the ground. We focused on existing nonprofits, as well. What were the common operating concerns and challenges that barred optimum outcomes? How to manage those obstacles to clear the way forward to desired results?


We examined several issues and heard the frustrations of those who care to make a difference. Their channel of effort is via their nonprofits. They struggle to keep these organizations alive and well. And they are making a difference. Every day they labor and others feel the difference in their lives.


These good people do not have to do this work. They are not paid to do it. They are not required to do it. No government is pressing them to do these things. No; they do this because they want to; and yes, this is ‘need’ of theirs. Good thing for the rest of us that they feel this way and act on it.


Tennessee is a state with the motto, “The Volunteer State.”  That’s because citizens in the early days stepped forward and helped form the institutions of government for the state and region. They also stepped up to form militias to protect the early state and our early nation.


Sun City, Arizona, is known as the City of Volunteers.  It has no form of government, just home owner associations that make the rules and police their enforcement. They even have a Sun City Posse of volunteers who help the county sheriff with many duties that frees his department up for the more serious work of law enforcement and public safety.


Volunteers. They are with us in every walk of our community life. They help elder citizens cope with declining abilities. They watch young children, teach arts and crafts to any one of any age to find fulfillment. They organize clubs and hobby groups. They coach sports teams of all kinds. And yes, they have shuffleboard teams and tournaments.


In your town and mine, they staff the museums, libraries, chambers of commerce and commissions and committees of the town government. City Hall is our hall. It is made so by all those who volunteer and enrich our community’s life.


From where I sit and observe, volunteerism is alive and well in the USA. We are stronger for it. But more, the volunteers are stronger because of their service.


That’s a mutual need!


May 31, 2019