Vol▪un▪teer
By Sommer Lally
What is a volunteer?
Is it the person who picks up trash on the side of the road for a few hours? Someone who takes their time to paint a room at a local non-profit organization? Is it a University of Tennessee sports team?
Yes and no.
You see, all of those are examples of volunteers, but the word “volunteer” means more than we often picture in our minds.
Here, I’ll give you an example. As part of my job at Metro United Way, I manage our Student United Ways (campus chapters through which student leaders advance the common good, develop leadership skills and join the growing Live United movement). Working with the student leaders at U of L and IUS is a wonderful experience. I get to help them grow in their roles with the organizations and watch them gain a deeper knowledge of the community. But I also witness their struggles and frustrations.
Both Student United Ways underwent the tedious process of becoming registered student organizations on their campuses this year. The initial stages of establishing the groups took time. As a result neither were able to organize as many events and activities as they had hoped.
What does this have to do with volunteers? Hang on! You’re about to find out!
U of L Student United Way leaders volunteering with Blanket Louisville.
In a recent conversation with one of my student leaders she lamented “we haven’t really gotten to do much volunteering and that was the whole reason I wanted to join!” Do you see what I’m getting at?
Volunteers aren’t just those who give of their time to do hands-on projects! They’re also board members, committee members and . . . student leaders. In my view, my student leader had been volunteering all year long through her leadership position with Student United Way. Don’t get me wrong – I’ll help them plan more volunteer projects next year, but I also want them to feel good about their volunteer role with us and to know how appreciated they are!
So, to our Board members, committee members and Student United Way leaders, thank you for volunteering with Metro United Way. You are so important to us and we are better because of you!
