Don’t underestimate the significance of volunteer service to your local government job. Those of us employed in the public sector already “serve” our communities, so why is an additional dose of community service important? Don’t we already give enough of ourselves to our cities?
The work we do as a volunteer in our communities can be just as worthwhile as the work we do for a paycheck, but in a different way. There is a whole other perspective that comes from serving alongside residents and constituents; it’s a perspective you may find very valuable to the performance of your day job. Aside from the intrinsic good that comes from volunteer work, it’s healthy to hear what ground-level folk think and say to you when unencumbered by the trappings of job titles and business protocol. You may think you know your community, but do you really know your city? You might be surprised to hear what people will tell you once they get to know you on a personal level. Stepping outside city hall and becoming involved in a service capacity may be one of the best business decisions you make.
Civic duty comes in all shapes and forms. There are civic clubs, service organizations, social service agencies, boards of directors, scouting organizations, religious groups, educational and humanitarian organizations and a host of others – all of which seek talented, creative, well-intentioned persons to serve in various capacities. It sends a powerful message to the citizens of the towns and cities where we work when they can see us giving our valuable time in service to the community. Becoming a part of your city by becoming part of its volunteer infrastructure speaks volumes about your commitment level to it. People like to see that and respond well to it.
One of my personal heroes, Marian Wright Edelman, wrote in her book, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” While spare time may not be in great supply in your life, consider making non-job-related community service a priority nonetheless. You will be pleasantly surprised by the personal and professional rewards you reap.
(Article submitted by Carol Zolnerowich, Deputy City Manager, Mesquite. If you have interesting news or helpful topics to share, please submit them to Kim Pendergraft at [email protected]. Please keep the information to fewer than 250 words.)