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Older Americans Month
By
Joan E. Thompson |
Plymouth
- What gets a volunteer started? It’s not
always altruism, though that often gets the credit. At times
it is pure “situational” - someone simply asked.
At a recent orientation for new read-aloud volunteers going
in to local schools to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 50th Birthday,
volunteers were asked what brought them to the project. One
volunteer, new to both the reading project and RSVP, had a
surprising response. He had received a Presidential Lifetime
of Service Award in ceremonies the previous year at his
local Council on Aging. To be eligible for that award, a
volunteer must have given community service totaling at
least 4,000 hours – and have the service documented by those
who experienced the volunteers help. This “new” volunteer
reported to me he had never thought about all those hours
while he was helping others as “Volunteering.” That
recognition led him to see himself as a volunteer and
not just someone who was helpful. And so he registered for
the special event as a new RSVP volunteer.
The President’s
Volunteer Service Award
has been
presented to volunteers across the South Shore since 2004
when Mayflower RSVP became a credentialing organization. The
national award program was created in 2003 by President
George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to Americans
who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer
service.
May 2007, is “Older Americans Month.” Older Americans,
especially, are likely to have contributed 4,000 or more
hours in service to others in their lifetime-to-date. If you
or someone you know has made helping others a lifelong
passion, consider nominating them for this prestigious
award. All nominations are reviewed and researched to
guarantee the eligibility of all recipients. Service needs
to fall within four categories: Youth, Parks, Health, and
Emergency Services. If you believe you know someone who may
be eligible for this recognition, contact Mayflower RSVP for
details on the nomination process.
Every volunteer makes a difference to those they help. Those
who make helping others an approach they take throughout
life create sustained changes for us all! |
About The Author
Joan
Thompson is the Executive Director for Mayflower RSVP, Inc.,
a nonprofit organization mobilizing Volunteer Service
Activities in Plymouth County. She has directed RSVP’s
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program for nearly 30 years. She
may be contacted by calling (508) 746-7787 or via email at
MayflowerRSVP@Verizon.net.
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