Voluntarism: Not Only for Charity Any More

A few years ago, my church placed an article in the weekly bulletin about volunteer help being needed in the community. Some of the volunteer positions were directly related to the needs of our congregation. Others were related more to the general community we live in. After reading this article, I began to think I might have something to give beyond my weekly donations to the church.

As a youngster, I gave free time at a shelter for the homeless doing dishes, taking out trash or whatever needed to be done for the residents. These people often included the elderly and infirmed who could not manage these simple tasks for themselves.

As I grew older, my time became more filled with other responsibilities including higher education and work.
Although I still found time occasionally to do short term volunteer tasks, my free time was limited.

Now, as an older individual, I find myself with more time again that might be used in constructive endeavors beyond my own needs. The article in the church bulletin became the catalyst for re-thinking my time and abilities. A phone call to our pastor revealed the need for pastoral duties for the elderly. In this case, bringing Holy Communion once a week to the residents of a nursing home.

At first, overcome by the gravity of this privilege, my faith places a very deep significance on the Sacrament of the Eucharist. And it was more than enough for me to bring my Lord in this way to his people. I believe that the Holy Eucharist is the true body and blood of Christ. And this privilege was once reserved for only the ordained clergy. Being a lay minister of the Eucharist to me is not only a very special privilege. But it is also a faith builder for myself and those I serve.

The recent decrease of ordained clergy has made voluntarism imperative for the service of the elderly and the needy in nursing homes or in residential homes. These folks crave community experience of all sorts: Social, faith oriented, and creative. I have found a position for which my personality was well suited. Being a very social outgoing individual with deep religious feelings and an artistic background, I soon found that the officials in the recreation department were asking for more of my time than I had expected. My past experience as a nurse's aid means I can be trusted to assess situations that might arise working with residents. And those in charge can trust they will be called if an urgent situation arises.

Through my conversations with others, it was revealed that I was an artist. And very soon, I received a request for a paid position hosting art workshops in the nursing home. With the pleasant task of accepting the position, the relationships formed during my volunteer time have made my work there a real joy.

Now, I spend my Wednesday mornings volunteering with my church four times a month and Friday afternoons hosting scriptural conversations and chat. My time is now more full with these same people, enjoying artistic endeavors as a paid host of watercolor workshops. And my volunteer life is even more full because of my professional connection to these same fine folks.

In these difficult times, more and more of us feel the need to do paid work just keep keep our heads above water. Do not negate volunteering as a stepping stone to a part time or full time paid position. It can and does happen as is my experience. So go ahead, give your time. You may be surprised at the outcome.