A wise theatre teacher I had would always say, “If you really want something done, don’t ask the person with the most time to do it, ask the person with the least time and they will make sure it gets done.” I’m not going to lie, it’s not always easy being a senior in college, being on the leadership team of a growing nonprofit, and having a social life. But, I’m learning this is the life I love, and the life many in my generation want to have. And perhaps that is not a generational sign…perhaps it’s a true sign of our time.
Statistically, people are volunteering through, giving to, and participating in nonprofits and their causes more now than ever before. In fact, the Corporation for National and Community Service reports: “Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans over the age of 16 are volunteering at historically high rates, with 61.2 million giving their time in 2006 to help others.”
Does that surprise you and do you see that in the arena you’re a part of?
-D. Gilson, Director, Communications and Donor Relations
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4 comments:
I am inspired by people who rise to the occasion to bring about change in their sphere of influence as well as the world in general. There is much to be done and EVERYONE can contribute at some level in a volunteer capacity to bring hope to a hurting world. I applaud efforts to love others with a love that is truly greater than ourselves. Gandhi said it so well....."Be the change you want to see in the world".
Volunteerism opens the eyes and heart to the world around us. I have seen young people engage in service that opens the door to a lifetime of involvement on issues that affect our society. When we learn to give to others it opens the door to greater understanding to the needs around us.
its a wonderful thing when someone believes in a cause enough that they will work for the cause, not for the money. if we can convince this generation of the power of volunteerism, we can make a radical difference in people's lives. what can we do as a culture, or as individuals, to encourage people, young and old, of the importance of giving one's time and energy to contribute to the greater good? thats the million-dollar question...
i am consistenly encouraged by the amount of people who committ their time week after week to impact lives of those we could never reach otherwise
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