Applause for Volunteers!

Hang onto the multiple hats you may be wearing as a volunteer. There’s been a shift in the landscape of the voluntary world, and it’s a reason to celebrate.


What Makes You Happy?

The volunteer experience contributes directly to a person’s happiness quotient.

According to Dr. Martin’s Seligman’s research on Authentic Happiness, there are 3 distinct kinds of happiness: The Pleasant Life (pleasures), the Good Life (engagement) and the Meaningful Life, which reflects the need to belong and serve what is larger and more worthwhile than the self’s pleasures and desires. Seligman states that the combination of all three types of happiness creates “A Full Life”. Involvement with community and philanthropical organizations contributes positively to an individual’s quality of life. That in itself, should encourage more people to throw their hat in the ring.

A Shift in Trends

According to the 2004 Canada Survey on Giving Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP), Canadians make an enormous contribution to our way of life. Almost 12 million individuals volunteered their time to charities or organizations and contributed almost 2 billion volunteer hours.

Did you know that 11% of volunteers do three quarters of the work? Volunteer Canada provides the following shift in trends:

• The “new” volunteer is young and geared toward career enhancing opportunities.


• New Canadians also want to develop work experience and practice language skills.


• Seniors, and the zoomer generation have less time for volunteering, but may be interested in global travel combinations with a voluntary component.


• People with disabilities find volunteering a meaningful way to participate in community life.


• There’s also another version of volunteering: the “Volun-tolds”. Mandatory school based field work and social service orders require supervised hours of community action.


• In the past, volunteers sacrificed for the good of the cause, without specific rewards. Contracts now ensure that the arrangement is mutually beneficial. “What’s in it for me?” has become a consideration for the time, effort and financial investment in the opportunity to help an organization.


• The professional manager and the Board of Directors is more concerned with issues of risk and liability and transparency than ever before.


• Funding agencies are demanding professionalism in evaluation and output measurements, putting additional pressure on both administrative accountability and volunteer involvement.

National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 3)

Despite the downtrend in the number of volunteers, those who are actively engaged in the community cite high satisfaction with their involvement.

“Much of what we take for granted is delivered to us by volunteers – community health care, arts and culture, green space maintenance, disaster relief, volunteer firefighting, minor sports, the list is endless,” says Ruth MacKenzie, president of Volunteer Canada. “The work of volunteering is essential to our communities, to our social fabric. This year’s campaign theme, “Volunteers. From compassion to action.” encompasses the inspiration that drives volunteers as they donate their time, energy and skills to better their communities and their country.”

What Can YOU do to Say Thank You?

Perhaps this week, National Volunteer Week should have more of a personal touch.

If you are not a volunteer, serve someone who is. Create an opportunity to individually thank a volunteer you know.

• Take a coach out to lunch.


• Bring a pot of coffee to your local volunteer fire department as they prepare for the fire season ahead.


• Submit a letter to the editor thanking your high school “volun-told” team for their contributions to your business.


• Run an errand for the senior who drives cancer patients to their appointments. And while you’re at it, ask them about their happiness factor.

One person’s happiness multiplies with appreciation. Let’s take the time to individually recognize and thank the 12 million volunteers who contribute to the quality of our lives in Canada. Make someone happy....

- Cheers from Your Coach on Call!

Maggie

PS Thanks to the volunteers who visit my mother at Roseview. The time you spend with her lights up her life!