We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best. - Aristotle
#WhereDoYouVolunteer
Our Spring volunteer projects tend to take an outdoorsy turn as the sun begins to creep out from behind the clouds, the birds join in chorus and the infamous combustion of floral delights the eye; undoubtedly, Walla Walla knows how to Spring. Volunteering trends upwards as the weather warms and cheering the giver and the gifted alike. One of the mantra's that I have encouraged with our volunteering youth has been to participate in "be kind" and "random acts of kindness" on a daily basis in addition to scheduled volunteer opportunities, always adding "lend a hand" and "be neighborly" to the mission of their days helps to see the need we have around us. The most fulfilling someone chooses to volunteer is due to the ability to see something that isn't right, and offering to "put it right" or "be the change you wish to see".
I was scrolling through the newsfeed a couple mornings ago and CBS was covering an act of kindness mission that Morgan Freeman was spear heading.
Mr. Freeman had become increasingly alarmed at the reduction of honey bees and in response to his alarm, he bought 124-acres in Mississippi to create a sanctuary habitat for bees. He has planted clover, wildflowers and had flower bearing trees planted to support bee-mindedness. Now Mr. Freeman is famous and has plenty of resources at his disposal, yet, his response to change-making is as simple as answering a need that should be met.
1 in 4 Americans volunteered through an organization and two-thirds helped their neighbors last year. That means that many of us are answering some calling or other to lend a hand and help out! In the same study, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) reported:
- Americans ages 35-44 had the highest volunteer rate (31.3 percent) followed by those age 45-54 (29.4 percent). One in five of those defined as "Millennials", those of ages 16-31, (21.7 percent) volunteered.
- The age groups with the highest median hours among volunteers are ages 65-74 (92 hours) and those 75 and older (90 hours).
- The volunteer rate of parents with children under age 18 (32.9 percent) remained higher than the population as a whole (25.4 percent) and for persons without children under 18 (22.7 percent).
- The volunteer rate among young adults (aged 18-24) attending college was 26.7 percent, nearly double the volunteer rate of young adults not attending college (13.5 percent).
At 77 years old, Morgan Freeman does not join the highest percentage of age demographics, but we think he is getting the idea of volunteering just right. With 24 honey bee hives, 124 acres and an ongoing career he is able to set a stellar example. Even in writing this note, though, I wish that Mr. Freeman could gain some of the same inspiration that I have had with the privilege to be part of the volunteer network in our Walla Walla.
Just this week, I have seen master gardeners at work assisting new and budding gardeners in their adventures, 4-H and FFA leaders spending countless hours mentoring new agrarians and livestock producers,Adults mentoring club presidents at our high school, business leaders observing our seniors in their final graduation requirements, and laborers adding time to their day by making gestures of kindness to their neighbors. Walla Walla has many accolades, but I wish that the world knew the depth of our kindness and our interest in helping one another.
