Volunteering to Make a Difference

When it comes to volunteer work, we've all heard the saying, "20% of the people do 80% of the work, while most of the rest do nothing."

It can be said that inequity applies not just to volunteerism, but to almost every aspect of life -- in homes, communities, governments, organizations and schools. Heck, it could even be a snapshot of our voting process.

Unfortunately, the catchy phrase seems to make those who "do something" come off as martyrs, while leaving those who don't participate comforted knowing someone else will get the job done. The bottom line is, there is a great deal of "need" throughout our communities. It really does take a village. And one person can, and does, make a difference, whether the world knows about it or not.

The other day, a 7th grade peer of my son's greeted me with, "Hi -- you're the mom who helped me learn my math facts in 3rd grade." Yep, I remember that. But was I ever floored this girl did. Hmm... I'd made a difference. Better yet, I love the idea that other adults are making a difference with my own children -- in class, in sports or in life -- without me even knowing.

I've had the opportunity over the years to profile numerous charities, those ultimate volunteers who put societal needs above profit. Those truly are some of my favorite assignments. I absolutely love getting the chance to toot the horn and promote the work of some of the "20%" without the organization having to pay for it. As an added bonus, most of the time I hear back from the groups about a surge in interest from readers following the article. Talk about job satisfaction!

The most recent organization I profiled was the Vision Coalition (www.edhcommunityvision.org) in Northern California, an ambitious effort focused on educating kids about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The nonprofit is led by D.J. Peterson, one of the original founders of the D.A.R.E. anti-drug campaign and a 40-year veteran in the fight to keep California kids healthy.

Ironically, despite his impressive street cred, Peterson's success these days comes from staying behind the scenes. He has personally advocated for, and chased grant funding (to the tune of $3.5 million) to support, the efforts of other established anti-drug programs. Yep, he may be one of the 20%, but through his work, he's empowering another 50+% to make a difference.

I guess my point is this. I know that far more than 20% of the people out there are doing something to make a difference. They have to be. There's so much work to be done. So whether you mentor a child, give a hand up to someone in need or step in to lead a vital program, you may not get publicly counted in the 20%, but you are making a difference. So please keep doing it.