Why I Volunteer
Cabinet Secretary Gayle Manchin,
Education
and the Arts
Being involved in community service is much like attending a fund-raiser: you have a great meal, or party to attend, and you don't have to cook or clean up, and you have supported a good cause.
Selfishly, when I participate in a group, or even a solo volunteer service, I always leave feeling really rewarded inside--like I made a difference--ME, and that is one great feeling!
However, on the flip side of that coin, I have also helped someone on a project, made someone else feel good about themselves, or was just in the right place at the right moment to make a difference in someone's life.
The impact of that is pretty overwhelming--and it isn't about money--it's about caring--caring about other people. The important lesson for me, and for them, is that it is not about a hand-out, it is about a hand-up, so that person can become strong and then help someone else.
The cycle of service is never ending--we all need each other.
