Volunteering as Wish Fulfillment

by Susan J. Ellis of Energize, Inc.

One of the exceptional things about volunteering is that is allows people to live out their fantasies. Many of us secretly wish we could spend our days on Broadway, or taming lions, or saving lives. But our career paths, and maybe our true talents, led us in more mundane directions. Volunteering is a way to make your dreams come true.

Instead of selecting a volunteer assignment that makes use of your professional skills, consider finding a form of community service that taps the "inner you."

Do you love show business? Well, there are lots of community theater groups, local telethons, and performing troupes that might welcome your involvement. If you can't act or sing, you might stage manage, sew costumes, or make the bookings. The point is that you would be part of the company and can smell the greasepaint.

Do you love animals? There are very few paying jobs that give you lots of contact with animals. But you can volunteer at the zoo to do everything from helping the keepers to giving tours. The humane society would welcome your help in caring for unwanted pets and finding adoptive families for them.

Do you envision yourself in a white coat? If you can settle for blue or rose, you can volunteer at almost any hospital and be where the medical action is. You won't be practicing medicine, but you certainly will be helping patients to recover quickly by adding all the nice, human touches that a friendly face can provide. If you are willing to undergo intensive training, you can join an emergency squad and, even as a volunteer, you will truly save lives.

Some dreams are not so dramatic. Maybe you may want the chance to be a manager or a leader. By chairing a volunteer committee, coordinating a special event, or being a team captain of other volunteers, you finally be in charge!

Volunteering also offers a change of pace. Are you desk-bound? Join the National Ski Patrol or volunteer for a state park and give service to others out of doors. Are you an executive who might relish the tangible accomplishment of painting a senior center, after work days spent on long-range goals?

Everyone's dreams are different, but there is a volunteer opportunity to match each one. Give yourself a change of pace. Follow the inner you.