Volunteering with the Rochester Chapter of STC

Have you ever wondered why people volunteer? Why do people give of themselves when there are so many other things to do with their lives?

Personally, I believe it’s something in the water or maybe in the air - especially in Rochester, New York. Rochester is a great volunteer town! It seems like everyone you talk with is involved in something that puts demands on them beyond their 8 to 5 schedule and they seem to love talking about their experiences. They willingly give up their personal time so that they can spend an evening or the occasional Saturday or Sunday being with other like-minded people. But if it’s not in the water or air it must be something that they inherited from their parents or possibly contracted from their children. You know what I mean, all those nights and weekends helping with homework and school projects – that must have something to do with it.

So what do they get from this volunteering?

Well I can assure you it’s not anything monetary. Most volunteer jobs even seem to cost a bit; you understand - for the person to get there - with the price of fuel or at least the cup of $4 coffee while participating in the meeting. And in many volunteer organizations there is always a need for a PC or MAC so you can communicate with others, so there is that cost and of course the price on the Internet provider, that could be a small fortune. So volunteering is not a moneymaking deal, quite the opposite when you come down to it.

So why do so many people volunteer?

I believe it’s personal! It’s a lot like breathing and drinking water – you really need to do it to stay alive. Not alive in the physical sense but more of a personal pride and personal value sense of being. It gives you that feeling that you have made a difference. Like watching your children grow and succeed because you helped nurture their growth. Plus I think it’s a very selfish thing, it makes them feel good about themselves. And while they are feeling good they don’t think about the cost, they do however reflect on the value that their personal contribution has added to the good of the project they supported.

So have you volunteered lately?

If not, the Rochester Chapter of STC is a ‘great’ organization made up of very talented people who have so much to share. Your skills and experience can add so much to the chapter that it is hard to imagine not having you as part of the team. Volunteering with STC will add value to the Chapter and give you a sense of accomplishment for something you personally believe in and it would not have gotten done without your help. Plus, if you’re not careful, you may make some new friends and learn something along the way. Because when you’re involved you add value and make a significant difference.

–
Joseph Uhal is the President of the Rochester Chapter.