Volunteering is a moral gesture

Isn’t it wonderful that people, without motive for personal financial gain, reach out day after day, in a variety of ways, to help their fellow humans? We read and hear about such generosity directly and in the media. In fact, it is broader than just with fellow humans. Animals and plants are cared for in many homes.

Volunteering can be as simple as holding a door open for someone, helping carry, or assisting someone with a physical handicap in some way. It has become instinctive in many of us; our parents coached us when we were youngsters that it is the right thing to do, the right way to act. And it can be extremely unselfish, such as returning lost valuable items to the owners even after greed notions may have passed through one’s head. It’s good to hear about those good news items in newspapers and on TV.

Is it completely unselfish? I’m not certain about that. Most everyone, when helped, is grateful and generally say so; these warm personal interactions are contagious and make us feel better too, a real reward!

There are other unexpected benefits. Items of volunteer experience can be listed on a personal resume by job applicants. They are much more important than the applicant might realize. They are examples of the applicant’s people experiences that indicate potential job qualities. And, even more important, it is evidence of donated effort, energy and the applicant’s seeking of learning experiences. What employer could overlook that type of information?

Douglas County offers many opportunities for volunteers. The Retired Senior Volunteer Center has 29 sites and there are many others, direct contacts between volunteer and activity.

Senior Connections uses volunteer drivers and University of Wisconsin-Superior students volunteer as do high school students. Solon Springs students volunteer at Middle River Hospital. Wonderful is really an understatement. Almost everyone can experience this exhilarating pleasure.

Readers often remind me to use humor in these articles when I can. Following is an effort in that direction with ten reasons for volunteering:

When you stay home you get too many political and telemarketing calls.

Your family needs a rest from you.

You might need help someday too.

It is hard to win a game of solitaire.

Soap operas are all pretty much alike.

If you don’t get out each day, you’ll get old.

Why let the boss have all the fun in life.

The car needs a workout.

Your Mom would be proud of you.

Who cares about money?

We’ve all heard the old saying: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Well times are getting tough, so we all better get going.

Bernie Hughes, Ed.D, is a retired educator who resides in Superior. He can be reached at bernie3024@centurytel.net.

Tags: community, seniors