National Volunteer Week Origins
Fourty-eight years ago, President Richard Nixon signed Presidential Proclamation 4288 establishing National Volunteer Week. It is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service as well as the power of volunteers towards society’s great challenges. Since then, a new proclamation has been issued by the American President every year recognizing the importance of this week. Points of Light, founded by President George H.W. Bush, is the leading organization in America behind volunteer work, mobilizing millions of people through affiliates in over 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of companies.
One Of Our Own
This is a perfect opportunity to shine a light on one of our employees who has dedicated much of his time being actively involved within the community for years. Since joining our company, Brian Langworthy, who many view in the community as “the tall guy”, has given countless hours to volunteer work. He was awarded “Champion” status by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2021 for raising over $6,000 in the fight against Alzheimer’s, deemed Volunteer of The Year by Sebastian Chamber of Commerce, awarded for Volunteer by Martin County Parks & Recreation Department, delivers Meals on Wheels each week for Council On Aging Of Martin County, Meals on Wheels for Senior Resources in Sebastian and countless other selfless acts throughout the community. It’s someone like Brian who encourages not only our company, but everyone around him to give back to our communities anyway possible.
To see how VIP continues to help our community, check out our blog showing how we give back on Valentine’s Day with activities for seniors.
Volunteering And Your Mental Health
Rarely, if ever, you hear someone say, “I really wish I didn’t volunteer today”. There’s a reason for that. Multiple studies have shown that volunteering has played a critical role in positive impacts on mental health for various reasons.
- Volunteering connects you with other people. Isolation can lead to worsening mental health overall. The only way to combat feeling isolated is to connect with others in one way or another. Inevitably, a bond will form when surrounding yourself with individuals who are also selflessly working to achieve a similar goal.
- Volunteering leads to a sense of purpose. We all strive for a sense of purpose. Without it, the motivation to continue growing, learning, and adapting to life would be slim. When you have a definitive purpose for doing what you’re doing, you’ll become naturally motivated to strive for more.
- Volunteering can change your perspective on your problems. The actions you take volunteering are usually benefiting someone or something that is less fortunate. Doing so can lead to a change in perspective with any personal negativity that is being experienced. To quote the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle: “the essence of life is to serve others and do good”.
- Volunteering can lead to a positive impact towards your career. Performing selfless acts for the greater good will be noticed by others. A current or future employer may ask if you’ve contributed to any community programs or volunteer work in general. Being able to say yes will inform your employer that you have experience with important workforce skills such as communication, teamwork, organization, problem solving, etc.
Local Resources for Volunteering
There are many ways to volunteer in your community. By simply contacting your county officials or visiting your counties website you’ll find volunteer opportunities available. Below are a few examples of local programs that we personally have experience with:
- Senior Resource Association of Indian River County
- Kane Center of Martin County
- Hope Healthcare of Southwest Florida
- St. Francis Reflections LifeStage Care, Space Coast
- Orlando Health, Orange County
- Department of Elder Affairs, State of Florida
- Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, Brevard County
- Seminole County Government Volunteer Services
We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light…we all have something to give.
-President George H.W. Bush
Founder of Points of Light
