Volunteering, a way of life for many people, is defined in different ways – giving back, being neighborly, supporting your community. No matter how it is described, volunteerism is our humanity.
TAF’s Outstanding Volunteers
We hear from two of our volunteers from The Almanor Foundation, Chair, Judy Chynoweth and Treasurer, Julie Childers. Both were inspired to volunteer as it was part of their upbringing. Doing as their parents did. “It was one of the values we were raised with. I 
tagged along with my mom when she volunteered and was given different tasks to do,” says Childers. For Judy, “Both my parents were volunteers. Whether for Rotary or leading a girl scout troop, they were always doing something in the community and doing for others.” These values that were instilled in them as young girls were a way of life. Just as they brought other traditions from their childhood, so did the practice of being a volunteer.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering to Julie and Judy is their responsibility and their joy to do so. Very simply, you just don’t take. You just don’t sit back and watch. As Julie described it, “You can either be in the stands watching or out on the field playing. Isn’t playing more fun?”
Your Choices as a Volunteer
Everyone volunteers for different reasons. Choices of what organization or what service you will fill, is suited to them. From Judy’s perspective, there are two motivations. You can do something that is new and fun or do something you know you do well. “I like to have a comfort level. As chair of TAF running and orchestrating a meeting that gets results is something I am skilled at doing. It gives me both pleasure to do and a purpose.”
“As a child you do what you can or what is assigned. As an adult, you can do so much more because you have years of experience. Why wouldn’t you share that,” says Judy. She suggests for those interested in volunteering to look at what you know how to do, ask yourself if those skills could serve a purpose and then step-up and apply it where there is a need.
Reach Out & Touch
Both ladies have been volunteers in urban and rural areas. They do say there is a difference. “I have found rural areas so many times are underserved, forgotten about. The need is greater,” says Julie. Judy adds, “In a rural area you see it. The community you are helping is the family next door, people you see at the grocery store. In an urban area, you may be aware but where do you go to serve? Here, it is right out in front of you, which for me, makes it that much more compelling to put the time in to better my community.”
Volunteering Through the Ages
Volunteerism in America is a major aspect of American culture. Being a volunteer has been around since the 1700s when Benjamin Franklin put together the first volunteer fire brigade. Some may be concerned that the next generation may not be as active as we are. Since volunteering serves a great need, how do we avoid that since it is what Americans do? Julie suggests we listen to young people. Pay attention to what they like, what captures their heart. That is how you train and recruit volunteers.
What You Gain as a Volunteer
Any volunteer will tell you as do both Judy and Julie they get so much more out of volunteering than what they give. “When I see the results of my time, my efforts, I cannot help but be pleased with the outcome,” explains Julie. It also allows one to get out of the way of yourself, your needs, your wants. Seeing your friends and neighbors coming together for a common purpose is just fun. “It then allows me to have a sense of gratitude for what I have.”
We thank Julie and Judy for their time and what they unselfishly give to our community. As you listen to them, we hope you are inspired as they were as children to embrace “being human” and make volunteerism not just something you do but a way of life.
Join Us!
Share your time or talents. Become a member of the team at the The Almanor Foundation by taking our volunteer interest survey. Taking the survey does not commit you to involvement. If you desire, your submission will be followed by a friendly chat with one of our Almanor Foundation volunteers. We will share more about us, and learn more about your desire to serve.