Good and Giving Can Prevail....

To volunteer or not to volunteer - that is the question? Is it really a question? Or is it a seduction, a transformation of spirit, like the firefighter who answers the call to a brotherhood? What inspires us to get out and give without the financial reward we so often expect of work? What keeps us going back in spite of politics and controversy we might face with our friends and neighbors? I believe some of us by nature are problem solvers as we are driven to community project after community project. Sometimes, we take to our community because our own lot feels too heavy a burden and the distraction of giving – finding direction and importance in life, relieves us from our own struggles. Sometimes we are encouraged by others.

After the election of President Obama, and the grassroots ground swell and momentum of his campaign, a renewal of volunteer efforts went across the nation (see the upcoming conference on volunteering and service). From sea to shinning sea the commitment of volunteering and community organizing has risen. Maybe unemployment aids the statistics with million of Americans out of work and in need of something to keep them busy. Some question does this new army of volunteers replace what should be a job market? Others are throwing whole industries behind slogans of community action. From October 19^th – October 25^th the Entertainment Industry Foundation teamed up with every major network delivering PSAs, and not so subtle programming on the glories of giving (see iParticipate.org).

When volunteering, in spite of the agendas and the conflicts that may arise, and believe me the politics of volunteer work is often as steep a hill and minefield to navigate as any day job, mountains can often get moved. When private enterprise finds the challenges too trifling to address or politicians have not yet been able to string together purpose and benefit to themselves around a community obstacle peoples' passions can create change of biblical proportions. Volunteers get the job done and communities are changed. New services or even policy are developed that leave our lives unrecognizable, and more often than not in a better position than we originally found ourselves
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I have had the good fortune to work on a number of volunteer initiatives over the years, and although when tired and exhausted I asked "For what am I doing this?", I am reminded of the “For what?” when least expected.

My daughter, who is in her second year of college, and to our great surprise, (you can’t even imagine the tirades of “I will never get involved in my community” quipped by after endless hours of forced attendance to volunteer service alongside mom) informed us that she is the co-president of her Habitat for Humanity campus chapter, is working with her soccer team to raise funds for a training in Brazil, and is a campus representative for Toms Shoes. In case you don’t know Toms Shoes One for One campaign puts a pair of Toms on a needy child’s feet every time you, or I buy a pair.

So as her first fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity came to a close last night, which raised over $2,000 at the production of the Mr. Hobart Talent Show, she called and I asked her how did it go? "Amazing" was her reply…."just amazing to know we were able to do so much!"  I heard her breath let go, and knew she felt proud that she and all her colleagues had brought their community together for something greater than themselves, and that is the “For what?”.

Happy holidays, to all those who are in need of service, and those who give....

Jen