Stephanie Robinson-Matthews
What is a Volunteer?
[by Stephanie E. Robinson, AACS Silver Lifetime Member and Director]
A volunteer is a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. Volunteering takes up our time, energy, and sometimes our money. lt can be hard work. It can find us doing and seeing new things, which can be challenging and even a little scary. So why does anyone ever volunteer? Volunteering is good for you! Are you thinking, “What’s in it for me?” The answer is plenty! Here are some of the things you might get in return for volunteering:
· making new friends;
· feeling needed and important;
· feeling satisfaction at getting things done and helping others;
· using your mind, body, and creativity;
· getting active and healthier;
· relieving stress;
· fighting boredom;
· spending time doing what you really care about;
· having fun!
It has been said that people who become volunteers usually lead richer, happier, and more satisfying lives than those who don’t volunteer.
But remember, volunteers, don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, it is because they are priceless!