As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands—one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
—Audrey Hepburn
One of my earliest memories is going to Dick Lamm’s campaign office to volunteer with my mom in 1975. I loved being in the middle of all of that energy and people milling about. The excitement was contagious. It was also my first time being exposed to sugar cubes. Styrofoam cups full of warm sugar water! Mmmmm. And what I remember most is how happy my mom was in that environment (and also, sugar cubes). It left an impression on me that I’ve carried on into my adult life.
As a mom, it was important to me to show my kids that volunteering to help others was a priority in my life. I also wanted to show them how rewarding it is to support people who need help. There were a myriad of volunteer opportunities associated with their schools. I always raised my hand to volunteer because I would get to be with my kids and also because I am the original “yes” girl. Ahem. Please don’t use this against me, but if someone looks me in the eye and asks me for something, the chances are very good that I will say yes!
School volunteering blossomed into so many opportunities to volunteer in the community. Over my years in the foothills, I’ve walked in 16 parades, served on two executive boards, ran committees, greeted and directed a gajillion people, poured beer, monitored a bouncy house, walked and fostered dogs, cleaned kitty litter, sold tickets, planned parties and fundraisers, collected shoes, helped build three houses, rang many bells and so many other tiny little activities that over the years have added up to create quite a resume of volunteer work. I really do love to roll up my sleeves and help my community. It fills my soul.
As we enter the season of volunteering, I’ve got some tips for you to help you dive in. First, find a cause that you are passionate about. If you love animals, then I guarantee that giving up a Saturday to help dogs find new homes will have you HOOKED! If you have a sister who has battled breast cancer, then writing a check to an organization dedicated to breast cancer research will be a no-brainer. And yes, sometimes, time is in short supply so it’s easier to support an organization with a donation. That is volunteering too!
Second, start small. Volunteer for an event or for a small chunk of time. Be realistic with your donation of time and be willing to set boundaries to protect that commitment. Many organizations run off of volunteers and there is always so much work to do. Nobody will be upset with you for saying no, but just know that they will ask for more. Then, you can grow into giving a bigger commitment when you find a good fit for your passions.
Third, bring a friend! I have had some incredible experiences volunteering with friends. One brutally cold December day, I served hot chocolate with my friend and we worked up some dance routines and kept each other laughing the entire time. Were I by myself, I’m pretty sure I would’ve been miserable, but the company made it fun.
This is the season to turn that “I should” inside your head to an “I did!” And guess what? If the holiday season isn’t the time for you to be adding more to your plate, there are untold volunteer opportunities throughout the entire year. You’ll be so glad you did.
“ …it was important to me to show my kids that volunteering to help others was a priority in my life.”
