Common wisdom says that if you want something to get done you have to ask a busy person. In my experience, that is the very nature of effective volunteers. Coming into a new position as the Executive Director for Franklin Grand-Isle United Way, I work every day with leadership volunteers in the form of a Board of Directors. So it comes as no surprise that volunteers have been on my mind quite a bit lately.

The nature of volunteering has changed with the times because people are pressed for resources and working harder than ever. It seems everyone has less time to do the things they want and more demands to juggle. Despite the modern day pressures, volunteering continues at an amazing rate. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Vermont has an average of 187,000 volunteers who dedicate 22.3 million hours of service each year. Annually, this provides an estimated economic contribution of $435 million dollars in our small-but-mighty state. Imagine that. In fact, you might be proud to know that Vermonters rank 8th in the nation for the rate of volunteerism (which is 37%) and 13th in the nation for volunteer with an average of 44 hours per year.

I believe it. I see, first hand, how much volunteers accomplish in our community. Before I had children I had the privilege of serving on a three different non-profit boards in the community where I lived. It was a fantastic experience. It always gave me a feeling of instant solidarity with the other volunteers I was working with because the minute I joined the same board I had one powerful thing in common with them – the desire and the commitment to work towards a cause that we believe in and which benefits others. We shared a dedication to serving a purpose greater than ourselves.

These days, volunteering is most meaningful and possible for me when I can do it with my family. Our four children are at an age where they can understand the idea of service to others. We can hardly wait for our first year of volunteering with Operation Happiness. My husband and I have it in mind that the gift we want to give the kids during the holidays this year is simple – have them experience how good it feels to give and expect nothing in return.

I am inspired by volunteers who “hum in” with time and energy and expertise to get behind the mission of their organizations with all their effort. In short – they dedicate themselves and make time because it is important to them. It is always an honor to work with such caring people.

(This originally was published as a guest editorial in the St. Albans Messenger. Reprinted with permission)