WS Chronicle

by Vicki Jones, CAVNC, Director of Community and Volunteer Relations Crisis Control Ministry

The Golden Rule

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Vicki’s Rule

We do for each other.

People volunteer for many different reasons. Wanting to help others or give back is usually first on the list. The sharing of ourselves (heart, soul, talent(s)) with others can bring us great joy. Have you ever considered that volunteering may not only be something you do to help others, but an exchange? An exchange of resources, time, laughter, education, compassion – the list goes on and on.

Most of us find ourselves needing assistance at some point in our lives. Today you may be the person who helps, but tomorrow you may be the recipient. Even now you are probably on both sides of the volunteer continuum. For example, one day you may volunteer at a school tutoring children, then on another day you may receive a meal brought to you when you are sick.

Volunteering also includes “self-help.” If you participate in the city’s clean streams program, you are volunteering to help keep your community’s water supply clean. Because of your efforts, your community is a better and healthier place for you and your family to live. The accumulation of efforts makes everyone’s life better.

Isn’t it wonderful that such an exchange occurs? In fact, it tends to strengthen your commitment to volunteering when you can see the benefits to both the recipient of your efforts and to yourself.

And there are even more reasons to volunteer. Research shows that people who volunteer live longer and are happier. Socially, volunteering gives you an opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills.

I invite you to consider volunteering at Crisis Control Ministry. Be a part of nurturing the lives of others while enjoying the benefits of being nurtured in the process.