Many of us, even with our hectic daily schedules, find that we have a few spare hours a week when we are relatively free of demanding responsibilities. The question is, what do we do with these free hours? I’m afraid a lot of us waste time with inane, nonproductive and unnecessary activities. Instead, how about volunteering for some community organization that really needs help? It will make you feel good knowing that you are helping others that may not be as fortunate as you.
Webster defines volunteer as: A person who of their own free will offers themselves for a service or duty. This service is freely given without the expectation of a tangible reward. One should never expect something in return for volunteering their services. Volunteering is generally considered to be an altruistic activity. To volunteer is an unselfish interest for the welfare of others.
Research has proven the positive rewards of doing for others and finding meaning in volunteerism. I find it extremely satisfying to be in two organizations that are very dear to my heart. These are the Danville Community Band (DCB) and the world-renowned Blackhawk Auto Museum. Many readers know that my wife, Jan and I founded the DCB in 2001. Locally, I am also a charter docent at the Blackhawk Museum. Both of these organizations provide opportunities for me to volunteer my skills and abilities. There is no monetary compensation but the rewards I gain are far greater than money.
Church work; museums; community music groups; schools; Red Cross; Salvation Army; hospitals; nursing homes; senior centers; service clubs; scouts; tutoring; veteran organizations; and many more are just a few examples of local volunteer opportunities.
The benefits of volunteerism are numerous: self-satisfaction; a way to learn new skills; relaxation; meet new friends; career opportunities; and community improvement.
Working with the band and the museum give me great satisfaction and joy and mostly, I get the feeling I have given of myself for the possible betterment of others.
Danville Community Band
Since my wife and I started the band 10 years ago, we have both given hundreds of hours to insure the success of the organization. The two hours of rehearsal each week are nothing compared to the number of hours spent each week doing behind the scenes organizational activities.
All ninety members of the band are also volunteers who unselfishly give up their time each week to rehearse for the concerts we present to the community at various times of the year. That, of course, is in addition to the amount of time spent practicing at home.
Many of the musicians volunteer even more time serving in various offices and on special committees for the band. The DCB is a great example of community volunteerism. The band members devote many hours for the artistic betterment of the community and surrounding environs. The band can always use volunteers – even if it’s only passing out programs at concerts – we’d love to hear from you if you can volunteer. (See below)
Blackhawk Museum
Since I have been a charter docent from the opening of the museum in, 1988 to the present, I have given many tours for school groups, senior citizens, auto club members, and other private/public tours. In addition to conducting tours there are numerous opportunities and occasions for volunteer work at the museum. These involve being gallery hosts and guides for functions including meetings, banquets, lectures, celebrity events, wedding receptions and many other varied activities.
The museum offers docent training programs for prospective volunteers. One must take a free class to become a docent. Volunteering at such a “world class” venue is rewarding indeed. A museum volunteer also informs the public about the educational offerings that the museum provides. One of the main functions of the Museum Guild is fund raising. It has been said many times that the museum could not run without the volunteers. To learn more about the museum volunteer program contact Jill Brennan, volunteer coordinator. For information regarding the docent training program contact Dr. Nora Wagner, head of the docent training program. Both can be reached at: 925-736-2280.
Remember, the more you do for others the more rewards you will reap and many others will benefit from you unselfishly giving your time and talents to those in your community. Volunteering is a great reward in itself.
Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville
Community Band.
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