Me First...My Community Last

Every so often when you read the newspapers or newsletters you will come across an insert thanking someone or a Company and their employees for doing some exceptional act or service for one of our neighbors or the community at large.

Have you ever wondered what motivated this person or Company being thanked to do what they have done?

Have you ever thought of what effort and organization someone must have implemented in their life to be able to achieve this accomplishment?

Being able to step outside of one’s life, even if it is only for an hour or two, here or there, gives bountiful rewards many times over and allows the donor of their services many opportunities that would have been missed otherwise.

There are many reasons why people will adjust their lives to include servicing their Community.

It could be based on a religious background, or it could be based on self–interests and sometimes it is imposed by Companies, Courts or Academic requirements.

It is a perfect way for someone to expand their experiences of learning and to be able to include it on a resume. Volunteering in a library would give that person experience in dealing with the public, filing, learning systems, and management. Volunteering in a hospital makes one aware of how fortunate each of us are having our health intact while becoming aware of the trials and tribulations many of the patients endure and overcome. It assists us in building respect for our fellowman and ourselves.

There are many other areas which our communities could use our services too.

Volunteering in schools, giving extra hands for lunch programs, assisting with children which endure learning disabilities, chaperoning outings, are just some of where schools could use extra help. Have you ever thought how many of our fellow neighbors volunteer their time in maintaining public gardens, cleaning waterways and even working with our police and fire stations?

Regardless of why people donate their time, knowledge and quite often money to their communities, they always come away being rewarded in many ways.

They form new friendships with people that were previously outside their sphere of influence. They become aware and develop a deeper understanding of the many cultures that reside in our Communities. They can develop new skills that had previously eluded them. They increase their self–worth. They are acknowledged and valued by their Community of being someone with principals and deserving of respect. It gives substance to resumes and can create impressive references.

So even if your Community is last on your list, at least make sure you give a hand and reap all the benefits you and your family will obtain through doing so.