While eating lunch today, I came across an article in my Volunteer News Alerts about volunteers working in Joplin to clean up after the devastating tornado that swept through that city this past spring. I was touched by the continued support and dedication of these truly wonderful volunteers, working tirelessly in 100+ degree heat daily! All so the residents can get their lives back on track as soon as possible. I was moved by the article and by the energy of the volunteers. How selfless to give of themselves during this disgusting heat wave instead of doing as many of us do - sit in our AC or with a fan pointed on us and try to stay cool.
Then, I thought about the Save The Bay Volunteers who deserve some major kudos for offering to work at the Annual Save The Bay Swim this year. Approximately 80 volunteers will turn out on Saturday morning and help to check in swimmers and kayakers in Newport. An additional 120+ volunteers will be taking to the water on boats and kayaks, will be in the water to help greet swimmers and kayakers, will be on the beaches to get all swimmers a towel, shirt, medal and drink, and will be at the lawn to help feed the many swimmers and spectators from the event. This Saturday, we'll have over 200 volunteers helping with our signature fundraising event. And these volunteers are going to brave some crazy heat.
That's the thing about Save The Bay Volunteers - they are tough! I am consistently amazed by their strength, dedication and passion for the organization and their work. Whether they are stuffing thousands of envelopes, answering phones, digging in the mud, counting scallops, working with visitors at our Aquarium, marking storm drains, monitoring water quality, surveying the coast, assisting at events, or collecting trash from the beaches - they do it with 100% of their effort - always.
Each year I ask some of our volunteers for quotes about why they volunteer for Save The Bay. I keep these emails in a folder in my inbox. On days when work is challenging, I will refer to these messages from volunteers. Reading about their passion motivates me and inspires me, and makes a challenging day not so bad. One of my favorite emails is below.
"First, I think alone I can only make a small difference, but when I volunteer with like minded individuals, I can be a part of something bigger that will have a real impact. And I love to be involved with driving positive change. Second, I don't think anyone has the right to complain about a thing if they aren't willing to roll up their sleeves and do something to help. Third, I like to give back. I find it keeps me grounded, puts things in perspective. I volunteer for Save the Bay because it is a stellar organization, that focuses on one of my great loves in life, the shoreline. I used to complain that the shoreline and ocean were changing, that my kids didn't have the same opportunities there that I did as a kid. Now I can work with a good bunch of people, to improve something I love, and I don't complain any more."
I hope these words inspire you to brave the elements (heat, rain, sleet, snow), and get out there and volunteer with Save The Bay or another organization you are passionate about. Volunteers are key to the success of non-profit organizations, we can't do it without them!
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