Hello there friends, countrymen, and brethren,
That may not be the exact quote but it works for me right now. I have written before on the importance of volunteering, and the large role it plays in my life. As of right now, I only volunteer for one organization, SARSSM (Sexual Assault Response Services of SOuthern Maine), what a mouth full, I know. But it definitely a life changing organization to be with. I started in October, and it has been such a good choice. I had my first morning shift, and it only reaffirms my decision to volunteer and advocate for women and men in such difficult times.
When I attended Elmira College, I advocated for women and feminism in all aspects of my life. It is something that is very important to me, and something that I feel quite strongly about. My beliefs that women and men should be equal influence me on many levels, from where I work, how I build and formulate relationships, and now where I volunteer. This position will take up much of my free time (the little that I do have, between two jobs and chores), but I gladly give it to such a worthy, admirable, and remarkable cause. SARSSM allows me to return to that part of my values, to help those who need a listening ear, to help those effected by this plague of sexual violence we find in our society. But as I give to those I help, I find that I am learning more about myself. We are all students in this life, and may I never stop learning. Volunteering with SARSSM has helped me discover more about myself, and I believe this is such a huge aspect of volunteering. It is about the give and take. Giving myself to others leaves me feeling whole and content, knowing that I, in some way, have lent my ear to someone else who needs to voice the feelings they have is a very rewarding experience. For those of you who know me personally, you know if there is one thing I can do well, it is talking. I love to talk. I love to have conversations with people (even if I dominate most of it). I always have something to say. I always have an opinion or argument on hand. And volunteering with SARSSM helped me realize listening is just as valuable and needed as talking. Maybe more so. My listening skills have definitely gotten better from my service.
Don't worry, I still talk enough for three people.
Any who, I love volunteering for SARSSM. It's just so rewarding. I am helping a cause I feel strongly about, and I feel like have some purpose again. I like having goals and something to work for. Although I am advocating for a phenomenon experienced mostly by women, I know this is a bit quieter. This is something that has an impact on those who experience abuse, sexual or otherwise, this helps their families, this helps a large range of people. And sometimes it doesn't help. I realize I will not have a direct impact on anyone's life, and I'm okay with that. All I can do is offer my time, my ear, my compassion and empathy. I can't do anymore than that. I give what I can, because that's all I can do. And the reward is knowing I can do that, I can volunteer, that I can help others.
That may not be the exact quote but it works for me right now. I have written before on the importance of volunteering, and the large role it plays in my life. As of right now, I only volunteer for one organization, SARSSM (Sexual Assault Response Services of SOuthern Maine), what a mouth full, I know. But it definitely a life changing organization to be with. I started in October, and it has been such a good choice. I had my first morning shift, and it only reaffirms my decision to volunteer and advocate for women and men in such difficult times.
When I attended Elmira College, I advocated for women and feminism in all aspects of my life. It is something that is very important to me, and something that I feel quite strongly about. My beliefs that women and men should be equal influence me on many levels, from where I work, how I build and formulate relationships, and now where I volunteer. This position will take up much of my free time (the little that I do have, between two jobs and chores), but I gladly give it to such a worthy, admirable, and remarkable cause. SARSSM allows me to return to that part of my values, to help those who need a listening ear, to help those effected by this plague of sexual violence we find in our society. But as I give to those I help, I find that I am learning more about myself. We are all students in this life, and may I never stop learning. Volunteering with SARSSM has helped me discover more about myself, and I believe this is such a huge aspect of volunteering. It is about the give and take. Giving myself to others leaves me feeling whole and content, knowing that I, in some way, have lent my ear to someone else who needs to voice the feelings they have is a very rewarding experience. For those of you who know me personally, you know if there is one thing I can do well, it is talking. I love to talk. I love to have conversations with people (even if I dominate most of it). I always have something to say. I always have an opinion or argument on hand. And volunteering with SARSSM helped me realize listening is just as valuable and needed as talking. Maybe more so. My listening skills have definitely gotten better from my service.
Don't worry, I still talk enough for three people.
Any who, I love volunteering for SARSSM. It's just so rewarding. I am helping a cause I feel strongly about, and I feel like have some purpose again. I like having goals and something to work for. Although I am advocating for a phenomenon experienced mostly by women, I know this is a bit quieter. This is something that has an impact on those who experience abuse, sexual or otherwise, this helps their families, this helps a large range of people. And sometimes it doesn't help. I realize I will not have a direct impact on anyone's life, and I'm okay with that. All I can do is offer my time, my ear, my compassion and empathy. I can't do anymore than that. I give what I can, because that's all I can do. And the reward is knowing I can do that, I can volunteer, that I can help others.
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