Thanks to my parents, volunteering has always played a significant role in my life.
When I was a young girl, my father coached both our track and field and baseball team. He also volunteered on the board for the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton and posthumously, was recognized by the Minister of Sport and Fitness for his contribution to the development of amateur football referees in Alberta.
My mother was and still is, equally involved with volunteering. When I was growing up, she was an Assistant Coach in baseball and helped the Mother's Day Annual Tennis Tournament for our community league. Today she teaches ESL in Canmore, Alberta.
As I reflect today on National Volunteer Day, it raises the question,
"isn't everyday a volunteer day for somebody?"
The answer of course is yes!
I have been an active volunteer for several years, especially when my two boys were involved. There are endless volunteer opportunities when you are a parent!
For example, I've chaired the Parent Association and worked as Children's Program Director with our community league. I've been the parent rep for our playschool and I've coached and managed many sports. I've volunteered for special events and activities. I would add that even if you are not a parent, there are many excellent reasons to volunteer:
-meet new people and connect in a meaningful way to your neighborhood.
-give back to the community.
-share skills to make life better for yourself and others.
What has really kept me volunteering for the past 25 years is that I have enjoyed it tremendously! I remember a former school principal saying, "if you have a job you love to do, you will never work a day in your life." For me, volunteering has been much the same experience.
My children are also learning the important value of the gift of time as they carry on our family tradition of volunteering. Every summer they work as camp counsellors and help out in the community, sports and school. In conversations with others who donate their time and talents it is often said that they usually get back far more than they give.
I stand by that thought.
Years later, I am working at the ECVO and see on a daily basis the extraordinary work accomplished by the nonprofit/voluntary sector in Edmonton. Often nonprofits have few paid staff, so volunteers (who wear many hats) are essential to ensure the success of the organization. Not only are volunteers out on the front lines where they are visible but there are countless others working behind the scenes.
So, please celebrate National Volunteer Day (Saturday December 5) and take a moment to express your gratitude and say thank you to an outstanding volunteer! Please check out http://www.getinvolved.ca/ a national campaign that asks for Canadians' time, not money to make a difference in 2010.
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