National Volunteer Week, April 24 to 30, seeks to recognize those who generously dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of our community. This year, the theme is Empathy in Action, affirming the connection between volunteerism and empathy. It is this human connection that is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Empathy helps people relate to others and build awareness of different experiences. It is through empathy that we are able to connect people in ideas and actions and helps create bonds forged in common goals and aspirations.
Volunteering can help us develop empathy, by allowing us to see the world through the eyes of others, experience their lives through conversation and support. Empathy can connect people from diverse backgrounds, expanding our views, and build our capacity to work as a team and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society.
Many jobs wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers. Clearwater has around 60 active groups in the area that work tirelessly to support the community, such as the food bank, hospice society and hospital auxiliary, as well as others that are the foundation of our local emergency support system, including the fire departments, highway rescue and search and rescue.
Then there are those that help us grow and be our best through volunteering as coaches for youth and high school sports, or in PACs to make breakfast programs and school fundraisers possible.
It is essential that we recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and that we recognize the power of people, organizations and sectors working together.
Small communities like Clearwater most often have the biggest hearts with volunteers who create caring, collaborative and compassionate communities. Next week, let’s celebrate the contributions of those volunteers: their actions, their understanding and their genuine concern for the world around them.
Volunteering, putting empathy into action, can build communities where people feel happier, healthier, and more welcome.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
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