by Ginger Philbrick
April is National Volunteer Month. You might ask what that has to do with this particular column.The answer is plenty, according to the Emily Post Institute which reasons that “by volunteering you are showing consideration for your community and others.” And, I add, you are giving the gift of respect, often to those less fortunate.
The word “voluntary” comes from the Latin meaning willing, of one’s own free will. The volunteer job you take on should not be accepted because you have been pressured or “guilted” into doing it. It should be something you have freely chosen because you want to do it. In choosing you might consider the following:
What is important to you? Do you have compassion for youth or for animals? Are you concerned about community development or politics? Might you enjoy joining a club or church committee that is involved in a specialized mission? You will be happiest if your experience benefits you as much as it does those you are serving.
What are your skills and personality best suited for? Are you outgoing and enjoy group efforts? Are you more of an introvert and perhaps suited for one-to-one mentoring or in-home visiting? If you are tired of meetings, choose a pursuit that doesn’t require them. On the other hand, if you love what you do otherwise, sharing it may be your happiest move. For instance, if you love to bake, volunteering to teach youth how to be creative in the kitchen will be fulfilling.
How much time can you offer? Be realistic. It may be you can give only two or three hours a month, or you may welcome the opportunity to fill quite a few more empty hours with experiences that nurture you in many ways. It is, however, better to start small and add time as it fits into your schedule.
We, here in the Northern Neck, are most fortunate to have a resource to consult to put us in touch with volunteer opportunities in this area. After you have decided the way in which you would like to be involved, you can contact https://www.volunteerrivercounties.org, a new community means to get information that will help make your match.
See you out there?
