Volunteer, make difference in community
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
10:44 am Friday, July 8, 2022

Volunteer, make difference in community

Are you a volunteer? What is the definition of volunteerism?   

Volunteerism is defined as a concept or practice of offering services in a charitable organization or social agency without accepting any pay for it.

Volunteer work is one of the best ways of bringing transformational change in a community. It encourages a strong civic sense and the willingness to give something without expecting a monetary return.

You do not have to be a member of an organization or club to volunteer; however, most of these organizations are motivated by values like freedom, citizenship, promoting equality and improving education that propel them to do something good for others.

I have been an advocate of volunteerism throughout my career – starting in high school, where I had dedicated teachers who were my mentors and encouraged me. I was involved in numerous clubs and learned leadership skills, which prepared me for future volunteer opportunities.

As a retired teacher, it’s been a pleasure to see my former students achieve success and makes me even prouder witnessing them as they give back to the community through their volunteerism.

What are some volunteer works?

  • Raising funds for worthy causes
  • Planting trees and creating awareness about the benefits of the environment
  • Cooking and serving food at community halls
  • Talking and guiding the younger generation on a path that will help them to achieve desired goals
  • Assisting with Vacation Bible School or church events
  • Helping at an animal shelter
  • Taking part in relief projects

What are some benefits you receive as a volunteer?

Dedicating your services for community work helps in making new friends, strengthening existing relations and improving social skills.

Children watch their grown-ups doing volunteering work, and it fosters in them the same feeling from an early age.

The significant advantages of volunteer work are that it helps to fight depression and anxiety. Volunteer work is a booster and builds self-esteem and self-confidence, and it often requires a person to stay physically fit.

Volunteering is all about helping others without any ulterior motive. It is the best way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Through volunteering, you can make a difference.

Also on Franklin County Times
Main Street gets new director
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — New Main Street Director Erica Childers said she hopes to build momentum downtown through community events, business cooperation and in...
Legion will dispose of old flags
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, officials are encouraging residents with dilapidated U.S. flags to dispose of them safely and properl...
Red Bay OKs website redesign
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
June 10, 2026
RED BAY — Town Square Group will redesign the city’s website, a move officials said would improve communication with residents and visitors while help...
Grand jury charges 2 in child porn case
News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The next time Abigail Roberts enters a courtroom will be to say whether she is guilty or not guilty of charges ranging from first-degre...
Sentencing for Dowdy is set for Aug. 4
News, Russellville
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Almost nine months after being convicted of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Brandy Dowdy will finally learn how long sh...
Progress in education pays off for Alabama
Columnists, Opinion
June 10, 2026
Public education is powered by dedicated educators who believe in Alabama’s children — from the classroom teacher helping a student discover a love of...
Study club prepares for next chapter
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
June 10, 2026
The May dinner meeting of Book Lovers Study Club featured guest speaker Cynthia Geis, GFWC Alabama North District director. Geis and I have been frien...
Bendall takes role in ‘Waiting for Godot’
News, Russellville
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
June 10, 2026
Konner Bendall has been chasing the stage since he first put on a Santa suit for a school program at seven years old. Now, the Russellville native is ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *