Do you volunteer?
Wait – different question … does posting KONY 2012 on your Facebook wall make you a volunteer?
We were talking to our other daughter last night – Nadia – Will’s longtime companion and therapist. She first started volunteering at age 11.
Now, she’s getting paid to do what she used to do for free. Sure, what she does today is more involved and requires more skill and practice, but it still feels good for her.
Many of Nadia’s friends – like many of yours and mine – moan and groan about going to work every day.
By contrast, Nadia’s work still feels good.
Coincidence? That through volunteerism she found her calling?
This week – April 15th – 21st is National Volunteer Week.
If it’s true that our time and talent are our two greatest gifts, then let this be the service equivalent of the Great American Smokeout. Make this the week you make a call or send an email to an organization.
On Wednesday and Thursday, some of my much-smarter-than-me friends will give you some tips on how to find a good organization and how to get the most out of your experience. They’ll also have some advice for people trying to recruit and engage volunteers.
You can make a difference – this week.
Imagine getting ready to go to bed this coming Sunday evening feeling renewed, empowered and ten hundred feet tall because you made a difference.
That’s what Nadia feels like every week. Evidently, it’s addictive.
Give of your time. Give of your talent. Encourage others to do the same. Heck, do it with a group!
Do you volunteer? If so, why? If not, why not?
It’s something you can do … right now. How can I help?
“We can do no great things – only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
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