The unemployed are increasingly ‘Volunteering for Success’By Marilynn Pelky
On a daily basis, individuals of all ages, from the very young to elderly, are quietly amongst us throughout Racine County doing a variety of acts of kindness. Often unnoticed by most of us, yet they fill their lives with endless hours of giving of oneself to another because it is the right thing to do, it feels good and helps to move Racine Forward.
However, these ever changing economic times also finds more of our family, friends and neighbors losing their jobs, and their benefits. When Racine folks are among the 10.2 percent who are without work in this country, they often need some help. One does not have to travel this road alone. Turning to family, friends and the multitude of social service agencies in Racine County, one can find assistance, with food, clothing and shelter. Yet, this does not totally sustain us. In fact it can turn us into someone we never intended to be — often bitter, angry and frustrated.
The good news is you can turn it around. Hope is out there. It just might be in a form you had not contemplated. As you spend your days looking at your resume and increasingly see larger gaps from your last employment, begin to focus on filling those gaps — with positive, energized volunteering.
An influx of new volunteer faces have begun to take advantage of the Workforce Development’s monthly workshop, by the Volunteer Center, “Volunteering for Success.” Here individual spirits are built up by encouraging volunteerism, just four hours per week, with a social service agency learning new skills and filling gaps. Volunteering allows one to try new avenues of possibilities, open new doors for further employment and regain self confidence. This new volunteer has turned the page over to begin increasing the self-esteem through volunteerism. Some choose to try out a totally new path, different from past employment, seeking to gain new job skills or just keep the present ones sharpened. In either case, volunteering opens up a new network of folks and perhaps your next paid position!
These new volunteers, often middle management folks, can readily be placed in social service agencies utilizing their current expertise to assist others. Serving on a nonprofit committee or board is a win-win for all. Social service agencies are gaining much appreciated professional assistance. These individuals are taking the time to really make a difference in their community and their own lives. Knowing you are giving of yourself to others, while keeping up your skills and acquiring a new network of folks, will give you a whole new positive outlook.
Countless opportunities are available to you through the Volunteer Center of Racine County. More than 400 ongoing possibilities, plus numerous weekly special highlights and events are waiting for you. Helping someone else, through your local charity and social service agency may be just what you need to help yourself. So try it, attend a “Volunteering for Success” workshop, visit the Volunteer Center at
http://www.volunteercenterofracine.org
Or stop in at 6216 Washington Ave., Suite G, and find yourself … moving Racine Forward!
Marilynn Pelky is executive director of The Volunteer Center of Racine County.
Source: The Journal Times.com
