“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” ~Lily Tomlin
Years ago I wrote this post for the La Honda Voice on the topic of volunteering. Mostly, it was because the Cuesta La Honda Guild needs some bright, upstanding citizens to serve on the board of directors. At first, I didn’t do it because I was too busy going to a lot of meetings. Then, I didn’t do it because I didn’t know how to begin. I thought I’d be preaching to the choir, or putting on airs, or churning out other clichés dealing with futility.
“The highest reward for a person’s work is not what they get for it, but what they become because of it.” ~John Ruskin
I know there are many people in La Honda who volunteer a lot. Many venerable Cuesta residents have done their time on the BOD at some point. There are numerous folks who help out at the school, work the food tank, clean up here and there, build trails, and come to the aid of their neighbors every which way. Then there is the volunteer Fire Department! Would the town ever suffer from donor fatigue?
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ~Albert Schweitzer
Then I did think a bit about folks who don’t seem to be involved, or connected, or frankly doing their fair share. But I also thought, whoa cowboy – homeboy, maybe they’ve got their reasons, and we all have a right to mind our own business. In fact, folks usually appreciate it when we do! I was flummoxed with befuddlement.
“When were the good and the brave ever in a majority?” ~Henry David Thoreau
Stymied by writer’s block, I dug up a few quotes to get me going (and because I knew there’d be others who’d already said it better. One of them went like this: “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” La Honda is the kind of community folks want to live in, but that is because other people have made it that way. It takes work to keep it that way, and/or there is evolution, revolution, and revitalization…
“It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” ~Tom Brokaw
I also know there are folks who just need a little encouragement, so I hope I have provided that here. In case you don’t know, there is a Cuesta La Honda Guild directors’ election coming up and candidates are needed. There are many ways people can help at the schools, in the Guild, with the Fire Department, and around town. Think about it. Do something about it!
“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Actually, it is exciting to be a part of decision making processes. It is enlightening to learn about the myriad issues in a community. And it is inspiring to work with other active, engaged people in trying to make a difference. In fact, it’s an honor to serve the community with your neighbors, and occasionally it’s even fun. So, consider participating, for the first time or again – we need you! At the very least, come to our board meetings and engage…
“Unless someone like you cares a whole, awful lot. Things aren’t going to get better, they’re NOT!” ~Dr. Seuss, The Lorax