A Lesson in the Benefits of Volunteerism
I was reading an article recently (that was published in the “Journal of Happiness Studies” – didn’t know that was a “thing”) regarding the benefits of Volunteerism. It focused not on the benefits that Volunteers have towards helping their communities, but primarily on the boost that volunteers experience in their mental health as compared to those who don’t volunteer. What the article pointed out, rang true for our Community and what many of us have been a part of for decades.
Volunteers are the absolute core and reason for our Community Hall and Association. From the early days of building, developing, expanding, improving and hosting events, it seems to me that “volunteerism” wasn’t necessarily something that was talked about as a “thing”. It happened without being shown “how to” or taught – it was simply woven into the fabric and way of being for everyone who lived in the area. Our Community Hall was a gathering place, a social outlet, a right of passage (of sorts) for the multi generations that it has, and continues to benefit. Everyone pitched in…it was simple. Nobody had to ask another to help out – they just did because they wanted to – it was important – it was natural – it was FUN!
Our facility and community grew through tireless fundraising efforts which were not only required for the day to day upkeep of the hall (utilities, insurance and maintenance) but also for all expansions and improvements. From monthly events like dances and dinners our repertoire grew to include garage sales and auctions, bingo night, live entertainment, silent auctions, wine and whisky tasting, themed events and multiple other gatherings. Each dollar earned from volunteer efforts were put back into the Community Association so that everyone who became a part of our Community benefited.
Our Community also helped sponsor and facilitate other groups and their fundraising efforts, like 4-H and hosting public speaking, local boy scouts and girl guides, local school band associations, preschool and playgroups. Because we are so fortunate to have the facility we do, many other user groups have benefited from being able to utilize it and we are happy to be a part of a much larger community in the process!
To this day, volunteers are responsible for every function of our Community Hall – from the building and landscaping maintenance, upkeep and improvements; to the planning and execution of the many events we host that bring community together; to the bookkeeping and record keeping of all the community’s financial and planning information; to renting our facility and cleaning, monitoring and ensuring its integrity and viability.
Going back to the Happiness Study mentioned earlier, it has been shown that people who have volunteered within the past year were more satisfied with their life and rated their overall health as better. Those who volunteer on a monthly basis fare even better and report better mental health than those who volunteer infrequently or not at all. People may ask why this is so…but its easy to explain. When we help others, we experience a “warm glow”. We also feel a deeper sense of social connection. Volunteering can also be a way to build professional skills and develop leadership opportunities (so important especially for our younger generations). We have all experienced some very challenging times these last couple years and volunteering can also help bring us a sense of control to help combat stress. It’s a lesson we can learn from our Community’s history – let’s heed it and prove it by example!
Submitted by Susan Graham
Website: www.squarebuttehall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sqbuttecommunity
Rental Inquiries: contact@squarebuttehall.com
Membership: sq.butte.comm.assoc@gmail.com
