The Benefits of Volunteering
An article by HelpGuide.org notes that volunteering is a way to support people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community — but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. (See “Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits.")
Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Working collaboratively with others in the community towards a common goal can help you reduce stress, strengthen friendships, meet new people, and learn new skills. Making progress on a volunteer-based community project is a great motivator for the entire community. Completion of such a project provides a sense of personal accomplishment, builds community, and strengthens pride-in-place.
The GICCA Stage Project at Schoolhouse Park began as a dream of islanders who successfully raised money to save Guemes Mountain from development. Much progress has been made at the GICCA Stage site and many in the community have been involved at various times. Everyone who has donated their time, money, or materials has the sincere appreciation and gratitude of the entire community.
The Guemes Island Community Center Association (GICCA) announced some Stage Project enhancements (see related article) that will better position the project for successful and timely completion. We hope that those of you who have volunteered with us over the years (and all of you would-be volunteers as well) will rally around the progress to date, the latest project enhancements, and the ongoing community support to (re)engage with us on the Stage Project. We all need to come together to help drive this project to completion. We look forward to having this lasting resource available as a venue for the many fun and enriching times that islanders can enjoy together as a community.
When it comes to volunteering, the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are an open mind, compassion, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed — with a positive attitude. Please join us.
GICCA thanks you! We look forward to engaging with you to make our community even better — however you might choose to get involved.