Why Volunteerism Matters
By Bob Kasieta, Board President
You know that BPNN is an all-volunteer organization, with more than 1,100 volunteers giving of themselves. Periodically, someone suggests that BPNN should pay our leadership. Certainly, our wonderful leaders are worth a fortune. No doubt, their skill and passion have huge market value. We could never afford to pay what these magnificent leaders are worth. Nor would they accept pay. They are volunteers in the best sense.
The noun, “volunteer,” comes from the Latin “voluntaries,” loosely translated “willing, or of one’s own choice.” Sources trace the verb “volunteer” to the American colonies in 1755. It took hold in our Revolution. Red Coats and Hessians fought for pay. Volunteer colonists outgunned and outmanned, pursued freedom without pay. In 1961, the Peace Corps was formed to promote world peace with volunteers. Non-profit organizations abound in our country, most driven by volunteers.
Volunteerism is not only anchored in cultural or religious tradition. Medical evidence supports its worth. Mayo Clinic published a study in 2023 concluding that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings in volunteers by releasing dopamine. That good feeling you get when you volunteer is not only psychological. It is also organic.
An American student asked the Dalai Lama how young people could thrive in a world of selfishness and cruelty, insecurity and social pressure. “Philanthropy” was the answer. He explained that as long as we focus on ourselves, we can’t be truly happy. But when we help others, we are liberated from our own concerns.
Volunteers’ motivations vary. But there are common traits. Volunteers are special people. They see beyond themselves. They could be content solving problems in their own lives (we all have them). But they do more. They look beyond themselves to help others. Volunteers recognize that each of us has something to offer, that each of us can make a difference, and that we are all connected. Volunteers are idealists without illusion, working each day to make the world better, knowing that our work will never be done or completely successful against the world’s ills. Volunteers share the optimism of Martin Luther, who famously said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
I have often thought that the word “Needs” in BPNN’s name is nuanced. We surely serve many needs in our community. But we also serve our volunteers’ needs to do something worthwhile. So shall BPNN continue to fight new battles against injustice in our society and to help our neighbors.
Keep up the good work, volunteers! It is an honor to be among you.
Bob