Quote:
Originally posted by NewBonk
I like to volunteer with several different groups in my community. Friends and family often comment what a great person I am to volunteer, but what they don't seem to understand I get just as much, if not more value from the volunteering compared to the value I provide to the recipients of my time and effort.
Does anyone understand what I'm talking about or share my opinion of experience of volunteerism?
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Sure. Aside from helping a worthy cause -- and if you don't think the cause is worthy, you shouldn't be there -- volunteerism teaches you, stretches you, and (at its best) gives you something much more worthy and satisfying to accomplish than merely sitting behind a desk or counter all day and gathering money for the Man. And that's not even counting all the cool people you meet and getting to know better what's happening in your community.
Most of us live our lives in a narrow rut. Volunteerism gets you out of it, broadens you. By helping others, you grow yourself.