A Solid Idea
“The ‘grease behind the wheels’ of your community; from parades to flower shows, volunteers make it all happen.” Perhaps one of the first volunteers was the boy with the apple on his head, which enabled William Tell to pull off a stunt, like shooting an arrow through it — (the apple, not the boy!) Maybe you were “drafted” on a one-time basis when a friend needed help pulling off an activity or function, and you liked the experience and stayed on. Sometimes the “why?” behind volunteering is simply wanting to feel useful and meet interesting people. If you have recently moved to a new city, it is a great way to become involved and see firsthand what makes your town “tick.” Others visit a favorite store regularly or attend annual community events and decide they want to be a part of it. So, now you’ve decided to volunteer but aren’t sure what you can do. Volunteers with the Driftwood Players work behind the scenes and out of the limelight, painting backdrops or using hammer and nails to make props. It all counts in the end when a great production takes the stage. Other volunteers, like those at the Log Cabin Tourist Office on 6th Street, are eager to personally welcome visitors to Edmonds. They helpfully point out things to see and do, places to eat, even where to park! Both practical and friendly, these are the first faces of Edmonds. Now, let’s get practical and learn how to get started as a volunteer. First, it is important to choose a place or organization you have an affinity for; you won’t do well if you aren’t happy. Secondly, plan ahead and decide what day and time is convenient for you. Don’t overbook yourself either; you can always choose to do more when you are sure this is a good fit. Next, don’t be surprised that most volunteer jobs involve training. This can take the form of working with a mentor or written instructions. Whatever you do, don’t skip this part, it will come back to haunt you when too many mistakes happen on your watch. But wait, there is still time to change your mind. Because, once you commit to a day and time, others will start to depend on you. A volunteer job is much like a “real job,” you are expected to show up on time and be a team player. Volunteering is not just for retired seniors. Often people volunteer when they are between jobs or even laid-off. While still actively job hunting, you have a chance to make some contacts who could help with your search or even change its direction. Jessica began as a volunteer and now heads a nonprofit shelter for abused women. She finds the experience both rewarding and worthwhile. She’s making a difference in a vulnerable part of society. My friend Maggie is a retired home economics teacher. She has always loved to sew. Now you can find her at her daughters’ school, where she sews costumes for the annual student production. Not every volunteer position works out. Dolores thought she would like joining her friends at a shop. She left after one month, saying it just wasn’t a good fit for her schedule. But, she tells me, she is still looking for just the right niche. When I asked Carol why she volunteers at the senior center she told me the center helped her through a rough patch in the past, and she wants to give back. Indeed, some organizations rely nearly entirely on volunteers. For instance, the Edmonds Senior Center has only six paid positions. And yet, year-round the center provides daily lunches, classes in Spanish, health and fitness lectures, local field trips and discount shopping at the thrift store. Executive Director Farrell Fleming told the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce recently that they could not provide all the services they do without the support of their volunteers. As the head of a large group of volunteers, he practices the basic principle, praise often and publicly. Volunteers do not get rewarded with a paycheck, telling them management approves of their work. So, personal comments must serve to show them they are appreciated and valued for their time and efforts. Teens and college students are also counseled to not overlook volunteer opportunities. These can serve to help them focus on a career choice and provide valuable personal references for that first job. Such community spirit shows civic pride and a caring spirit. And finally, as a regular volunteer the rewards are varied and worthwhile. Personally you can feel proud of the role you play in a large organization. Family and friends respect your commitment and value your advice and inside knowledge in this field. Even young children boast proudly when Mom, Dad or even Grandma volunteers, telling one and all, that they are helping my school or church or town.
