Take Action For National Volunteer Week

From volunteer veterans to first-timers, there’s never a bad time to volunteer. And although we know that there doesn’t have to be a reason to volunteer, President Nixon gave us a reason anyway. In 1974, he established National Volunteer Week to put a greater emphasis on volunteering. This year, the week began yesterday and runs through April 21.

To all of our volunteers, we thank you for your service to our organization and to all of the other organizations you support. Our success and the success of all nonprofit organizations depend on your contributions to our causes. Here are some ways to celebrate National Volunteer Week.

Celebrate People in Action
Not only is volunteer week a great time to raise awareness about volunteering, but it is also a great time to make a self-assessment. The theme of National Volunteer Week is to “celebrate people in action.” We can always improve on our altruistic endeavors, and this slogan can be your motivation. First, identify what organizations you have helped or are passionate about. Then take time to look back at what you’ve accomplished in the past year. Maybe you’re satisfied with the amount of effort you have contributed, or you could find that you fell below your expected mark. Keep in mind that nobody remembers the person who thought about making a difference, they only remember the person who actually went and performed the actions. So use this week as a reminder to get out there and make your ideas a reality, because all it takes is the first step to change the world.

Not So Ordinary
While you may think that you have little to offer to an organization, you may want to think twice. President Barack Obama said it best when he described the history of our nation. “Our nation has been profoundly shaped by ordinary Americans who have volunteered their time and energy to overcome extraordinary challenges,” Obama said. All it takes is that one little spark to be ignited to start a fire of change. So, get out in the community and help spread the word about your volunteer passions so people want to help you give back.

Tomorrow, This Week and Always
While the week is a great reminder to volunteer, President Obama released a statement regarding National Volunteer Week, in which he called Americans to act more than just the week of April 15-21. “I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives,” Obama said. So let’s all come together this week, and in the future to volunteer and better the world around us. Nothing can quite beat the feeling you know that you’ve helped make a difference in someone’s life. And that life may just be yours.