There ought to be a health warning: “Caution, you might get involved.” Everyone can see the benefits of having lively voluntary organisations to get things done in the community. They are active in so many ways, so many different fields like like caring for people and places, and providing scope for social, leisure, cultural and educational activities.
Yet most of our voluntary organisations in Rye and District are struggling to keep going with too few shoulders bearing too heavy a burden. Why do they do it? And why don’t more of our residents step forward to help?
The first question is easier to answer. Volunteering is the quickest way to become part of the community, especially for newcomers, but also for those who have held back or been held back for some reason. Through volunteering, you make friends in working alongside them for a useful objective. Volunteering leads to growing one’s personality and skills in a new context, away from the home and away from the workplace. The reward is personal satisfaction, in being able to give something back to the community. What seems difficult can be achieved through the concerted efforts of a small group of like-minded people.
You all know someone who volunteers. There’s no need for me here to quote from their experience. Just ask them why they do it and how they were introduced to the idea.
So why not volunteer? All the usual excuses come out, some really valid for family, business or personal reasons, some from a lack of self-confidence, of not wanting responsibility, or fearing commitment. Yet everyone knows you don’t need a special skill to start with, just an ordinary curiosity and a willingness for change.
Start small then in time and effort, ask what difference you can make to further something that interests you and will help others to enjoy that which you enjoy. You will find it can be fun being part of a team again. It’s nice to get thanks, but don’t expect that, that’s not part of the deal.
Image Credits: Rye News library , CSW , courtesy of Dentaid , Mags Ivatts .