No matter where you find them—supervising playdates, lining the soccer field, idling in the preschool pick-up loop, standing in the grocery line—ask any Richmond mom what two things she wishes she had more of. Heck, ask yourself. Beyond the “givens” (sleep and wine), my guess is most respond with money and time; two of any modern family’s—modern life’s—most-precious and most-stretched essentials.
In lean economic times, even though desire may be high on the part of would-be contributors, charitable donations wane precariously. Non-profit groups and other associations committed to our community’s well-being often suffer dramatically.
Feel like you cannot financially give to organizations you and your family appreciate? No time like the present, National Volunteer Month, to embark upon a new family practice; give of your other treasured commodity, time.
Admittedly, the idea of volunteering can be very daunting; don’t let it be!
Instead of embarking upon a venture from a feeling of forced obligation, then dreading your volunteer session and predictably quitting after few efforts, think about aspects of life that bring you and your family great joy. Determine if there’s a way to blend your passions and your paying it forward. Commitment is far easier when you genuinely care.
Where to start? May I suggest your bumper?
Ours is an adhesive inventory of locations we love and activities we adore.
Great with kids and glut-stocked with humor, Daddy has volunteered as a “Watch Dog” at our twins’ elementary school.
Ever-empathetic, He-Twin has already participated in numerous activities benefitting peers who’ve fought and are still fighting childhood cancer.
After the Richmond SPCA facilitated the adoption of our much-loved Larry Dog, She-Twin elected to take the in-house training and become a volunteer.
[Side blessing: since she’s under age 14, by requirement, we serve shifts together.]
How many of us loved our higher education course of study and yet never put it to professional use? How ‘bout putting it to non-paid use? 2012 marks the 25th year since my college graduation with an art history major (age reveal for math majors). 2012 also marks my 20th year as a docent at VMFA. Sharing art with others has become such a reflexive part of life it now feels as though I am the beneficiary rather than the volunteer.
Do it! Dive in. Find a venue wherein you can translate your affinities into altruism. You may just discover the experience is less “duty” and more delight.
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