Vibrant Volunteerism
by Jennifer Abshire Patterson, ΚΜ, Georgia Southern University
Bills due.
Chidren’s active schedules.
Family members who need time and support.
Full-time work demands.
Friends to make and keep.
Who has time to volunteer?
As a Phi Mu woman, you understand the importance of giving back, and here’s the secret: It is the best thing that can happen for YOU.
Even though carving out time to write this article seemed challenging in my little life – so many other commitments bidding for my time – it reminded me why I still love the “personal high”
I get from volunteering.
Although statistics show that 55 percent of Americans volunteer, in a study sponsored by
Ronald McDonald House Charities, 93 percent of Americans surveyed believe it is important to promote volunteerism. However, more than half (51 percent) said they’d rather read, watch TV or visit the in-laws than volunteer for charity.
Remember those Phi Mu college days? We thought we were so busy – almost too busy for
those rocking-chair marathons or bake sales or visiting at the nursing homes. These activities
were requirements for Phi Mu sisters at Georgia Southern University just as at any of our fine chapters. But, to be honest, the young women dreaded having to leave their rooms/boyfriends/ fun social plans to do required community service.
The good news is they normally forgot all about their reluctance of being there when they left
the task. How come? Because what they were doing was actually helping them. Usually when that “requirement” was completed, they’d leave feeling a bit more focused and better about themselves, as well as a bit closer to their friends and the community. Yep – I believe giving of your time to help others is better than a personal trainer or a hatha yoga session for your noggin.
As I keep up with my pledge sisters and former Phi Mu roommates, I see that their schedules and personal commitments, as 40-something dynamos, to their families, friends and communities are staggering. I would put our calendars up against those of any top political official or president of a company (which some of them are). It is staggering! But I am still in awe of how much time we all find to give back – in our own special ways – to our respective communities. Chairing church tours, running non-profit boards, raising money for schools, helping unfortunate children and their parents, and conserving the environment are just a few of the many tasks being done for others. You name any quality cause and you will see dynamic women behind the effort.
I will never forget the Christmas Day I made my family work the Secret Santa program
at one of our local hospitals. Even I was a bit miffed by the fact that we had to be at the hospital on Christmas Day at 6:30 in the morning to help pass out candy and treats to all the patients. My family was mad as well and not feeling philanthropic at all because, although there was a brief moment to see what Santa had brought, there was no time to linger. It was time to get in the car and “help.”
The warm fuzzy, “do-good” endorphins had not yet appeared. But, after we were given our jobs and set to work, we met the most interesting people, got to sing some classic carols with cancer victims and perfect strangers, and gave a most beautiful child his first singing teddy bear. We left two hours later, filled with appreciation that resulted in a lot less whining during
the sometimes stressful school breaks.
There are countless stories about people who have made dear friends, secured life-long mentors, met interesting people and realized their own talents while volunteering. I have found that when I am my most overwhelmed with my own work or family issues, if I focus my attention on others it seems to help calm me a bit.
Although these are tough economic times, it is doubtful that volunteering will decrease. National philanthropy records indicate that in 2006, 83.9 million American adults volunteered, representing the equivalent of over 9 million full-time employees at a value of $239 billion. Right now we are a country facing change and we will all need to tighten our belts, help others and get down to basics.
As winter turns into spring, what could be better than to strut your Phi Mu talents in front of others and help those around you?
If you lose your job or want to re-enter the work force? Volunteer using your skill set.
If you have to move to a new community and need to meet
people? Volunteer for the causes that seem to have supporters who are like you and get involved.
Want to find your sense of place? Volunteer to do something you liked doing as a kid. (That’s why I like teaching Sunday School with four-year olds. I get away with coloring and eating goldfish. Works for me!)
Think you need a facelift or are not happy with yourself ? Volunteer with others who thank you for your talents. You will be smiling and feeling so good about yourself people will ask you what kind of work you’ve had done recently. You can then just smile and say, “Oh, I have been taking some ‘me’ time at (charity of choice).”
Jennifer Abshire Patterson, ΚΜ, was initiated into the Kappa Mu Chapter of Phi Mu at Georgia Southern University. She is the CEO/Chief Creative Officer for Abshire Public Relations. Jennifer is married, has two children and resides on the Historic Isle of
Hope in Savannah, Ga.
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