Live United by Ann Austin

The United Way of Freeborn County has three focus areas: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Each of the three areas is significant — but volunteerism is more important now than ever before. Volunteerism is something our community, in particular, is focusing on more directly.

In the nonprofit world, just as in the business world, there have been many changes over the years. Nonprofit staff are being pulled in many directions at once and, though the programs nonprofits offer are vital to the health of the community, we can’t do everything.

This is where volunteers come in. Area nonprofits count on good volunteer leadership for boards, programs, events and fundraisers to be successful and continue to meet the needs of the community.

Volunteerism is considered so valuable that the current federal rate for volunteer contributions is $23.07 an hour. If you think of everything volunteers do in our community — from renovating homes through Habitat for Humanity and Shinefest to providing rides through Senior Resources Ride Services program, to being a victim’s advocate through the local Crime Victim’s Crisis Center — there are many different specialized skills that volunteers are providing to benefit our community.

According to the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration, 88 percent of organizations in rural communities have as many or more volunteers this year. However, the dynamics of volunteerism have also changed — 98 percent of organizations have experienced changes with volunteer involvement. Some changes include a decline with older volunteers — people are busier and rising gas prices have caused challenges with availability. However, volunteerism in general has continued to increase as people want to make an impact in their community.

There are many benefits to volunteering — no matter one’s background or experience. Through volunteering people can:

• Learn or develop skills/Gain work experience: Volunteers are often given training and instruction to do their respective roles — this adds value to resumes and can lead to employment opportunities that weren’t an option before. Some volunteer work provides skills with home improvement or organization which will benefit individuals personally.

• Broaden your perspective: It’s easy to become isolated in certain groups — depending on one’s work, hobbies or area of town. Volunteering allows for engagement with other people from various backgrounds and experiences. This enriches one’s life and allows for a greater understanding of humanity.

• Build self-confidence: Many youth benefit from volunteering because it provides structure and a supportive environment to learn new skills and interact effectively with others.

• Improve your health: Retirement is one of the most risky points in a person’s life — if a person doesn’t have a plan to be involved and active, they can quickly become isolated. By volunteering, people are able to have flexibility with hours and involvement, but still have regular engagement in a community and meaning in life.

• Make a difference in someone’s life: Every volunteer opportunity will provide hope for others — if it’s helping to meet basic needs and giving out food through local food pantries, mentoring a child, holding babies at Adult Basic Education — engaging directly with other community members builds trust and offers compassion for people who are struggling.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Denise Tipton, volunteer and outreach coordinator at the Community Resource Center: 507-473-2718, or e-mail volunteer@crcalbertlea.com.

By volunteering, you help make our community a better place to live, and you become part of the solution.

Ann Austin is the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.