“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
As we head full-speed into summer, it’s worth remembering that the winter months around here are for hibernating, and the summer months are busy, busy, busy with multiple events and activities and festivals and projects and all sorts of gatherings.
That’s great, we think, we could use some entertainment! But we can’t forget that all of those events and festivals and projects are organized and operated primarily by volunteers — people who have jobs and families and other duties, just like you and me, who dedicate their time and energy to keeping our favorite events functional. When the volunteers disappear, so do the events and organizations they serve.
Modern society spends a lot of time talking about the loneliness epidemic, how hard it is to make friends as an adult, how difficult it can be to break into a small town’s tight-knit social circle, and the assumed dearth of activities for various demographics. All of those issues can be resolved through some form of voluntary community service work.
You can join a service organization, like the Lions Club, or jump on board with 4-H, Hopewest, or the historical society, or the White River Alliance. Or you can sign up to help with an event, like Range Call, the Meeker Mustang Makeover, the Pioneers Association, or the Meeker Classic, to name just a few.
We’ve reached a strange place in our culture where we seem to think leaving a comment on a social media post or stirring up an argument and calling each other names while grumbling and complaining that “someone should do something” counts as taking action and supporting a cause. It’s kind of like saying “you’re in my prayers” but never actually praying for the person. It’s ineffectual, even if it assuages your conscience. Or insisting that the churches — not the government — should be responsible for taking care of the poor and sick, yet failing to provide financial support. It’s Ineffectual at best, hypocritical at worst.
There’s plenty to do, and there’s a place for you, no matter your age or ability. So put your hand to the plow and get engaged in your community. Yes, you’ll have to get out of your comfort zone, but it’s worth it.
