Why Volunteer?

This was the question presented to me by my twelve-almost-thirteen-year-old-son. It’s summertime. Time to slow down, relax, play, do nothing, and do volunteer work because my mom said so. Why volunteer? Because it is important to break out of the small mold of your life and participate in your community. Because you have time, a good brain, a healthy strong body, a good sense of humor, and for the most part a good sense of adventure. When you volunteer you give without the requirement for return. You give simply to help, to make a difference in the world. And each time you leave the house to “make a difference in the world,” you will come back with something that made an impression, maybe a new idea, a memorable interaction, a lesson learned; something that will make a difference in who you become.

Volunteer because you will be challenged, feel proud, and most likely have fun. And because your mom said so.