Nicky Parry is a great example of what’s so fabulous about social media.
She is a fascinating, funny and supportive individual I never would have met if not for social media.
I’m thrilled that Nicky offered a guest post while I am in San Francisco cheering on my teammates in the 3-Day, 60-Mile Walk for breast cancer. (My Walk is in San Diego in November).
Nicky is writing about something close to my heart – volunteering. Please welcome Nicky with your comments and enjoy her inspiring post.
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Can You Make a Difference?
by Nicky ParryAs we once again approach September 11th, it’s natural to look upon this as a day of mourning. In fact, it’s difficult not to. September 11th, however, is also now a designated National Day of Service and Remembrance. A tribute to all those who were lost as a result of the 9/11 terror attacks, and the many thousands of people who responded immediately or subsequently rose in service.
On that note, although volunteering has generally been on the increase over the past 15 years, it experienced a more significant increase in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, with many more people wanting to do something for the good of their community or country.
The Benefits of Volunteering
The effects of volunteering are wide-reaching, and are both intangible and tangible. Intangible benefits involve not only a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, but also intense pride in one’s contribution to a chosen cause.
Although we typically choose to volunteer for altruistic reasons, over the past couple of decades, more and more evidence has pointed toward the fact that helping others also brings tangible benefits to personal health. Studies have shown these to include feelings of reduced social isolation and enhanced self esteem, as well as reduced blood pressure and enhanced immunity.
Reduced anxiety and depression, increased energy, less trouble sleeping, and improved weight control have also been cited as health benefits associated with volunteering. And as if these aren’t enough, studies have also revealed a reduced mortality rate in older adults who volunteer.
I myself have volunteered for a few years now, and to say I’ve enjoyed it is an understatement. I’m involved with the United Service Organization (USO), and work a regular shift at Boston’s Logan Airport USO Lounge. In addition, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in other fun USO events.
I’ve put together care packages in an Air Force hangar, helped out at deployment ceremonies and Valentine’s Day events, and even contributed to their monthly newsletter. My involvement with other military-related organizations has also had me playing volunteer photographer at an Air National Guard air show, timing races at a Military Paralympics event, writing holiday cards and wrapping gifts, and adopting a deployed soldier.
Seeking Opportunities
When I was looking to become a volunteer, I literally did a Google search for “volunteer opportunities in New England”, and then sifted through the results. So you too can search in this way for opportunities in your local area.
There are, however, numerous organizations dedicated to volunteerism, with www.dosomething.org and www.VolunteerMatch.org representing just a couple. Looking to do something specific in honor of the 9/11 victims and responders?
- Try www.Serve.gov
- Visit www.911dayofservice.org to join the 9/11 Tribute Movement
Here you can pledge to do a good deed this year – how about baking some cookies for your local firefighters? Another simple way that you can contribute is by using the #IWill or #911day hashtags on Twitter.
Making a Difference
Volunteering has been the single, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. I can honestly say that my payback is much greater than what I give.
The soldier who I adopted? He’s currently my boyfriend of one year. Maybe there’s no true altruism after all?! Seriously though, volunteer opportunities exist in abundance to meet just about any person’s skills, schedule, and chosen cause.
Maybe you can write newsletters for your local historical society, or even join Cathy as she walks 60 miles in 3 days as part of the boldest breast cancer event in history. Whatever you choose, you have the ability to help change the lives of others, as well as your own.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering in any capacity, but not yet managed to get around to it, I can thoroughly recommend the experience. So as we approach this National Day of Service and Remembrance, make it a day to think about your community and country, and consider doing even something small for a cause that is dear to you.
How would you like to make a difference?
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Dr Nicola Parry is a freelance medical writer and medical editor in Boston. Her website is www.bioscientificediting.com and her blog is http://bioscientificediting.wordpress.com/
Aw Cathy, you’re too sweet for saying such nice things about me! I feel honored that you asked me to drop in while you are away on your mission. It was nice for me to write about something that is so meaningful to me.
Comes from the heart, Nicky. BTW, I had to approve your comment. It didn’t recognize that Nicola person. 😀
Hehe! Clearly your blog’s filters think I need to be watched…
OK- here goes!
We need to volunteer to make our communities each and every week- every day, if we can. This relying on 1 day a year is akin to cleaning one’s house once a year. Especially with everyone thinking they can get something for nothing (hear that WI????). If we want to pay less in taxes (I guess we all do- but many think we can cut revenue and miraculously NOT cut benefits)- then help out.
Thanks for sharing your insight, Roy. I absolutely love volunteering and it is so simple to do. Nicky is right-there is definitely something out there for everyone.
Thanks again for your comments, Roy!
Very true, Roy. Our communities are starving for volunteers, & I believe there’s something out there for everyone. If only everyone gave one hour weekly “somewhere”, I think we’d be in a much better situation all around. And “somewhere” can be virtual in many cases – even helping some organization by preparing a weekly newsletter for them from home would be an incredibly useful resource.
I love this post, especially the information on the health and other benefits of volunteering. I agree that volunteering provides an individual with many benefits as well. Very inspiring.
It is a great post, isn’t it, Kristen? Thanks for stopping by!
Apologies Kristen, thanks for stopping by! I somehow missed your comment when you posted it. You know, I have a friend who’s a therapist, and I remember her telling me last year that whenever she talks to clients who suffer from depression, she always recommends that they take up volunteering. She’s found it to be an incredibly valuable tool for so many people.
Oh, I see now that I did catch your comment at the time! I just posted my reply further down, somehow! Technology isn’t my forte…..
As the mother of two military warriors, I thank you for your time with USO. My daughter was stuck overnight in the airport and USO was there for her. I have no doubt my son will have a similar story before long. They are a wonderful safe haven for our young military men and women.
Jacqui-my apologies for the delay in responding. I was out of town and this hit my spam filter-how rude. 🙂 I’m sure Nicky will respond when she sees it.
Thank you to you and your family for serving. You are the true heroes and your efforts are greatly appreciated!
For all the danger, the military does a wonderful effort to make soldiering not just a a job, but a lifestyle. They go out of their way to make the families of soldiers feel involved, included and intune. USO is part of that.
That’s a really good point. The military really do their best to make it a family affair – there’s a lot of camaraderie going on. And on that note, USO does a great job at integrating itself into the community whenever there is an opportunity.
Hi Jacqui! Thanks for the kind words. I love my work with the USO, it’s a nice feeling being able to help people a little. It’s always heart-warming to hear how USOs around the country/world have provided a comfortable haven for our stranded military. Glad to hear that they have helped your daughter. Hopefully your son doesn’t get stranded any time soon, but hopefully if he is, he’s at an airport with a USO on board!
Thanks for the nice words, Kristen! I truly have gained so much more than I’ve given by way of my volunteering. I remember reading somewhere how many therapists regularly advise clients with depression/anxiety to do some volunteering. It’s a real feel-good experience.
So true. Volunteering will make your heart smile. It’s one of those win win opportunities. I work for a non profit and am a volunteer director for a civic organization. If it weren’t for volunteers, many small non profits would be out of business these days due to reduced funding. Volunteers truly make a difference in this world.
Hi Debi-I love that-make your heart smile- I may have to steal-er-borrow that one. 🙂
Thanks for coming by and sharing your thoughts.
It certainly does make your heart smile, Debi. Sometimes I feel as if it helps make mine bigger too! I find it very relaxing when I’m heading to my volunteer shift – whatever I’ve had to deal with at work or in my personal life or during my heinous 45 mile commute to work, I’m then able to almost let it wash away. It’s a very cathartic experience.