Volunteerism

Early one Saturday morning I arrived at work to find the parking lot full and a long line of people circling the building. Before I saw the line, my thoughts were “They can’t park there!” As I walked into the building I asked what was happening. Everyone in line—many were there since 6 am—were waiting to apply as a volunteer for the library’s summer reading program. Wow! That made my day before I even got into the building.

Alexis de Tocqueville described America as a country of “joiners.” He remarked on the civic activities of local clubs and organizations. He was impressed by Americans who valued grass roots involvement with their fellow citizens. The strength of the young country was forged and tempered by its organizational participation. That strength persists, in part, because of America’s dedicated volunteer populace. Americans are frequently characterized as self-absorbed and pampered. This is inaccurate and misleading. Whether they are Senior RSVP participants, church members, interested adults, teens or enthusiastic children, legions of volunteers make this country a good place to live. They give of themselves. And they do it because they value America, its institutions, and its people.

Many organizations and programs could not exist without its volunteers. I marvel at how many “maroon shirts” greet me when I visit the local hospital and adjacent medical office buildings. The number of persons who shop, pack, and distribute food packages to families and individuals in need is humbling. I count among my special friends those who have tutored with me in adult literacy programs. Years spent helping out at my children’s schools were years well spent. Blood banks are able to respond to disasters because of citizens who quite literally “roll up their sleeves.” Towns, park districts, libraries—most are governed by volunteer citizens. New immigrants find America an “isle of hope” because generous people welcome them. And the botanical gardens and arboretums bloom.

The thesaurus offers three terms as synonyms for volunteer: unpaid worker, amateur, nonprofessional. Certainly they are unpaid. Could the local hospital afford to pay them? Only a few are “amateurs.” These learn quickly. Some young people have found their life’s direction because of a volunteer experience. I volunteered in the high school library and look where it’s landed me! Many of my tutor friends were retired teachers. They tutor because they love teaching and working with people. They are neither amateur nor nonprofessional. What synonyms would you apply?

Unfortunately not all “volunteers” are as selfless as one could hope. Some are looking for something to “put on their college applications or resumes.” If that is their only motivation after months of involvement with others I feel sorry for them. Some are lonely or bored. Hopefully their volunteer experiences will ease these feelings, enabling the lonely or bored to focus on what they can give, not get. The most serious threat to volunteerism is “Community Service” court sentencing. Community Service is a punishment. Is it intended to rehabilitate or to duck the consequences of bad decisions? Isn't it a “get out of jail” [nearly] free card that primarily benefits the offender while alleviating criminal justice pressures? Maybe Community Services re-educates the offender and prevents more serious recidivism. Maybe the offender just has a good lawyer. Whichever, Community Service demeans the important contributions volunteers make because it is neither voluntary nor other orientated. While it appears that the offender is being a good citizen, the reality is that, at best, Community Service is a quid pro quo. Volunteers, real volunteers, just give. In return, volunteers often receive Community Service Awards. How ironic.