Having seen another successful RiverSong pass this past weekend, and Water Carnival a few weeks before that, it seems appropriate to offer thanks to the backbone of such events.
Volunteers.
Big community events such as RiverSong and Water Carnival in Hutchinson, or Litchfield’s inaugural Parade of Bands and Watercade — or any other of the myriad community festivals in the area — do not come without a significant investment of time and energy by volunteers.
We were told by RiverSong organizers that they had more than 100 volunteers who helped make sure the two-day music festival went off without a hitch this year. Meanwhile, the 77th annual Water Carnival in June also benefited from huge volunteer support, as well as cooperative city departments.
Of course, volunteering takes time. Sometimes, a lot of time.
We’re willing to bet that some involved with this year’s RiverSong event already were thinking about next year before the final notes were struck on stage. And they’ll continue meeting throughout the next year.
As we assembled some thoughts about the volunteer army that makes community festivals — and other activities and events — successful, we wondered about the value of volunteering.
We found an answer via Independent Sector, an organization that tracks charitable activities nationally. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit estimates the value of volunteer time at $25.43 per hour, and that there are some 63 million volunteers nationally. Based on those figures, financial realities of volunteering are staggering.
Of course, people don’t volunteer for financial benefit. Most would say they want to give back, to better their community, to help those in need. And those are all worthwhile ideals.
But The Balance, a personal finance information website, says volunteers earn plenty of things besides money through their activities.
Among the more notable rewards:
- Volunteers can help stave off loneliness by getting involved, an important payoff when one in 10 adults today reports they have no close friends. Volunteering increases opportunities to socialize with others and can even foster friendships that last a lifetime.
- Volunteers also can benefit from improved self-esteem, knowing that what they are doing can make a difference. This can also play a role in reducing stress and heading off depression. The Journal of Gerontology reports that serving others, and the social interaction that promotes, can help delay or prevent Alzheimer’s.
- Physical health also can improve among volunteers. Think about the physical activity required to set up the stages, ensure the proper wiring for light and sound systems, or even selling tickets during RiverSong. That’s a lot of potential calories burned.
- Younger volunteers also can realize an improved high school or college experience through volunteer work. And, by the way, volunteering looks pretty good on a resume, too.
Serve others, serve yourself. That’s what volunteering is all about.
We’re fortunate to have so many in our community who are willing to give so much.
If you haven’t done much volunteering yourself. Many opportunities abound, from festivals already mentioned to other events and activities. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is one of many organizations that connects volunteers with service opportunities. In McLeod and Meeker counties, people can call Donna Whitcomb, coordinator at Meeker Council on Aging, at 320-693-0194 or email her at donnawhitcomb@ecumen.org.