Be the change

You know how every image looks different? Each image is made up of different lines connected with one another in a unique way to create a picture to represent that object, place or person. For example, it is really obvious that an apple looks different than a banana. They may be both fruits, but an apple takes a round shape, whereas a banana takes on a long narrow shape.

Someone said to me this weekend that there is a difference between a volunteer and a leader; everyone can be a volunteer, but not everyone is a leader. It brought me back to the drawing board. If I was to draw a volunteer, and then a leader beside the volunteer, how would they be different? Both are people, with a beating heart, and able hands and feet. Both have a mouth to speak, ears to listen, and eyes to see. They may both have work clothes on and safety glasses just in case, but what distinguishes one from the other? Is it the size of the gloves that the leader wears? Or is it the bigger ear to hear more things? Or maybe, just maybe, it is the age of the leader, more mature and experienced.

I actually don’t think it is any of those. I think it lies within the intention; the drive and motive behind the action being done. Anyone can decide to walk up to an organization and say that they would like to lend a hand for a few hours on the weekend. Anyone can pick up a tool and hammer a nail. Anyone can fill out a volunteer application and put in their time if they decide to find some.

Here’s the thing though.

Not everyone will have the passion within them to sustain that commitment. Not everyone will stand up for something when everyone else just wants to sit down. Not everyone will look at something and decide that they are going to make it better, and actually do it. Not everyone will decide to make time when there doesn’t seem to be any, to do something to better humankind.

Notice something very deliberate in the last paragraph; it was repeated that not everyone “will”. Nowhere does it say that not everyone “can”.

We are all beings with a beating heart, a unique mind and something to contribute. It is so easy to say that the world needs to be improved, and sit back and cross our fingers that someone else is going to do it. It is easy to volunteer for a few hours a week and then go home at the end of the day and forget about it. Take your volunteerism a step further; instead of just giving your time, begin to give your mind, your heart, and your ambition for change. Instead of being the person that says that things need to change, be the person to make that change happen.

Posted by Becky Molly, ACTIVATE 2010 Volunteer