An estimated 91 million Americans are volunteers. They spearhead and sustain important educational, cultural, recreational, political, religious, health-related and environmental activities.  Their service contributions amount to more than $64 billion annually.

The Volunteer

The Volunteer does not get paid

Because no amount of money exists

That could pay for the gift of

Time and talent

Shared with others.

The Volunteer never receives enough credit

Because as in the case of love,

Words are never strong enough

To express deep gratitude.

The Volunteer is a person

Who has dared to care

To risk being known

As well as taking the time to know.

In caring, the Volunteer

Knows that they are the student,

And the person being served is the teacher

We will always learn life’s greatest truths

From those who have nothing to hide.

Perhaps this is the real prize for the volunteer.

Each involvement lifts us one step further away

From the prison that self can be.

As we choose to reveal more of that divine sparkle in us,

We hope that the darkness of the world will be lifted