Volunteers - Being, Doing, Belonging
By Joan E. Thompson

Plymouth - Volunteering - an act of Doing. Helping each other in groups to which we Belong. Being a volunteer – as an approach to life.

Doing. This is the first, most universally understood application of volunteering. Doing good for others. They may be strangers or they may be friends or family

But we are called to help those who need our help. So we run road races to raise money. We collect food for local pantries.

We deliver meals to home-bound elders, read with youngsters who have no confidence, or sit on Boards to govern the truthfulness to Mission, fiscal responsibility to donors and awareness in the Community that we exist.

The fear of getting caught up and committed to the Doing is what makes many people pause. It will take too much time or energy. Fortunately, many people are not afraid to jump in head first in order to make a difference.

Belonging, however, brings expectations that seem not to relate to the identity of a volunteer. “I help put the chairs up because no one else was here yet.” These are the members who simply pitch in whenever they see another member struggling to get something done – or anticipates what will be needed before anyone asks for help. “Oh. I never thought of that as volunteering. I just bring food ‘cause I love to cook!”

Being. This is the most encompassing role for volunteers. This is who the woman is who carries a business card identifying herself as a Professional Volunteer. Yes, she sits on a variety of Committees and Boards.

But beyond where she “belongs” or “does” volunteering, she looks for ways, every day, in those everyday encounters, to be helpful; to joyfully be a volunteer. Opening the door for someone is a voluntary act – performed by a volunteer.

Letting someone into the driving lane in front of you is a voluntary act as is letting them into the grocery line ahead of you.

Doing. Belonging. Being. If only more of us would be volunteers, consistently, generously, habitually, wouldn’t we all be better off?

About The Author

Joan Thompson is the Executive Director for Mayflower RSVP, Inc., a non-profit organization mobilizing Volunteer Service Activities in Plymouth County. She has directed RSVP’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program for nearly 30 years, working with 200 public/private, health, human service, and educational organizations to provide meaningful volunteer service opportunities for members in the RSVP program. She is a trainer in Volunteer Systems Management for local and national organizations and a member of AVA, the international Association for Volunteer Administration. She may be contacted at RSVP’s Plymouth County headquarters, (508) 746-77 87 or MayflowerRSVP@ Verizon.net.