A Year-Round Gift: Recognizing Volunteers

How many times have we heard that “it’s better to give than to receive?” Just from my mother alone, I’ve probably heard it over ten thousand times. Of course, this time of year, we’re all thinking about giving, whether it be gifts to family and friends, donations to charities or our time for a good cause. Although the giving spirit emerges faithfully each year around the holidays, there are a group of people who give year-round that often go unnoticed – volunteer leaders.

I’m talking about the folks who volunteer to sit on an organization’s board – the people who are hoping to make a difference by giving their time and sharing their ideas. These are the people who strike me as year-round givers. No matter how busy they are with their family, their work, their health, their home or their hobbies, they always find time to volunteer.

These volunteers often sit on boards that make decisions or set guidelines for an entire industry. They are sought after for their knowledge, passion and leadership, and rarely ask for anything in return. Many of them are never quoted in a newsletter, much less a newspaper or radio interview, yet they are eager and quick to engage in strategic planning or budgeting. They recognize that the limelight is dim at best; still, most of these volunteers are active in a multitude of organizations. Their selfless dedication is something I admire and appreciate, and I'm grateful for every one of them.

No, there’s not much glory in serving as a volunteer leader. But that’s what makes them all so special. They know that there’s no fame or fortune in sitting on a board before they make the commitment, and they give of themselves anyway. What a gift.

Happy Holidays!