Fourth, what experiences within the organization have given you the most meaning and satisfaction?
Globally, their mission is very satisfying—seeing people get fed. That’s the bottom line of why we are all there. There is also the wonderful spirit of joking and getting on well. No one gets angry, and we all have a good time because we’re there for the same reason.
10. I want to ask you three additional questions about your civic involvements in our community:
First, what motivates or inspires you to engage in community activities and causes?
I decided very early on to do volunteer work, but I’m not sure where that came from in my life because I wasn’t brought up with that in my family’s experience. I guess it’s that I’ve had a very good life and feel a strong responsibility of wanting to give back—something I believe we all should do if we can. Also, from a selfish point of view, I get fulfillment from it. Those are two pretty good motivators. My initial challenge was to find just the right organization, and I feel I’ve done that. With CNL and it’s the wonderful mission, and I get to use my brain. With Interfaith, I feel my feet on the earth. Both are very satisfying.
Second, do you feel that you are sacrificing anything in your life by being deeply involved in our community’s civic organizations?
Yes, to a degree this is true. Anyone who gives freely of their time for volunteer work feels there is some sacrifice, but they wouldn’t do it if they didn’t think it was worth it. Sure, instead of volunteering 40-50 hours/month, I could be doing other things like lying on a lounge or reading a book. But that’s not the point.
Third, what personal benefits do you get from your civic involvements?
It’s all about fulfilling a sense of personal responsibility. If I didn’t volunteer I would feel guilty about it. There are also wonderful social benefits that enrich my life, including the friends I have at both CNL and Interfaith Food Ministry. There is also an important distinction between working for pay and volunteering yourself. When you’re involved in a paid job, you always have to contend with the things you really don’t want to do that are stressful. With volunteering, it’s different. You do something that’s productive, help the community, meet new people and enjoy them, and not have whole lot of stress attached to it.
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