Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “volunteer” as “someone who does something without being forced to do it. To enter into any service of one’s free will, without solicitation or compulsion.”
Volunteer may be used as a noun, a verb or an adjective. As a noun, it is a “person.” As a verb it means to “offer oneself.” And as an adjective it means “being, consisting of, or engaged.” All good stuff.
For the 3rd year, The Great Bend Tribune will be honoring 20 young people under the age of 40 that “exemplify leadership, community involvement and professionalism.” The recipients of this award are nominated from people within the community who know them, work with them and appreciate what they bring to the table in their daily lives. These people are the future of this city. Based on what I know and have seen of this group, the city has a bright future.
For the first time, not only will the “under 40” group be honored, there will also be five seniors who are making a difference – or in these five cases, continuing to make a difference. These are people who made a difference in people’s lives earlier in their career and are continuing to do so after retirement. These people are the actual “definition” of volunteers.
I had the good fortune of meeting two of them this week as we prepare to put out the magazine that will contain all the honorees. I wish I could tell you who they were but that will not be made public until the week of Oct. 21. The honorees will receive their recognition at the “Friday Alive” downtown event on Oct. 25.
What I can tell you about the two seniors I met, they definitely were in the business of making a difference to many, many people during their professional career. They also were in the volunteer business while still in their professional career. And retirement has not slowed them down. Quite honestly, these people are leading the life I’m looking forward to when I retire.
They are on non-profit boards and/or committees. They are very active in their churches. They frequent activities in the city and county. They feel the need and have the urge to help wherever they might be needed. They have lots and lots of friends. They have amazing home lives with great families.
Volunteers put in a lot of hours. They do things that the public never sees. They are sometimes blamed for things they shouldn’t be. But these two – and I’m sure the other three – are no different - keep plugging away on their own time because they want things to be good for those around them.
I came across a website called “Volunteero.” I asked the question “What is the main purpose of a volunteer?” Here is its answer: “Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need.”
The website also listed benefits of volunteering. Among them:
• Making new friends
• Better physical and mental health and well-being
• Giving something back
• Sense of connection to others in the community
• Improve how things work for the better
• Go to sleep knowing you did something positive today.
A few words or phrases that you don’t see associated with these people include ego, me, center of attention, seeking headlines, etc.
Yes. I want to be one of these people. I have a lot of work ahead of me.
— Keith Lippoldt
