Volunteers improve quality of life for neighbors, selves

In Maricopa, there doesn’t seem to be any shortage of volunteers willing to step forward and dedicate their time to making the community a better place to live.

Volunteers are all around. They help feed the hungry. They serve on city boards. They help maintain city landmarks. They fill positions one wouldn’t guess were unpaid. They quietly work behind the scenes to improve quality of life.

A common thread among volunteers is the importance of finding an activity, cause or group they love or identify with to make the time spent more rewarding.

Regardless of one’s skillset, there’s a way to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s from ability or wisdom gained in the workforce and other times through the sweat of one’s brow. In Maricopa, the two go hand-in-hand.

April is National Volunteer Month. InMaricopa is proud to recognize a few of the countless volunteers who donate their time, talent and treasure to the community.

How volunteers can find a good match
Before you offer to volunteer, it’s important to ensure your commitment matches the organization’s needs. Ask yourself:

• Would I like to work with adults, children, animals or remotely from home?
• Do I prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Am I better “behind the scenes,” or do I prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time am I willing to commit?
• What skills can I bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to me?

And, remember: volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

InMaricopa will be sharing the names and stories of some Maricopa volunteers in the next coming weeks.

This content was first published in the April edition of InMaricopa magazine.