The Sunshine Report It’s Just Plain ‘Good!’ ‘Karen and Jay describe the many positive benefits of volunteering and show their enthusiasm for getting involved!' “Helping others.” Typically, when we think about volunteering, we immediately conjure up thoughts about the good that can be done by helping others. Pitching in to make a difference and supporting a worthy cause in need of help. And, while this is true – and the most obvious benefit of volunteering, there at least two other important outcomes that occur when you get involved and volunteer. One of these derives from the people you meet – especially your fellow volunteers. You’re joining into a group effort – centered around a worthy cause and largely working alongside volunteers who share your core values. You get to meet them, interact, become friends, and who knows? Good things just seem to happen as a result. Meanwhile, beyond the impact you have in helping others and the untold benefits that derive from interacting with like-minded volunteers, there is perhaps the most important outcome of all. It’s how the volunteering experience makes you feel about yourself. It just makes you feel good, knowing that you are making a positive contribution the world. You’re active. You’re making a difference! As I’ve actually experienced, volunteering is a noble act that not only benefits the communities and causes it serves but also has a profound impact on the lives of individuals who choose to give their time and skills to help others. One of the most compelling reasons to volunteer is the sense of fulfillment and purpose it brings. When we engage in acts of kindness and selflessness, we experience a deep satisfaction that often eludes us in our daily routines. Volunteering offers an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world, and it is this sense of contributing to something larger than ourselves that can lead to a profound transformation in our own lives. In speaking with a friend, here was her personal experience that illustrates how volunteering is a testament to the transformative power of giving. Several years ago, she began volunteering at a local animal shelter. She had always loved animals, but had never realized how much joy and fulfillment they could bring to her life until she started dedicating her time to their care. The shelter was home to countless dogs and cats in need of love and attention, and as she spent time with them, she witnessed their resilience and capacity to trust, even after experiencing difficult circumstances. She recounts how this experience not only deepened her love for animals but also taught her valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of nurturing the vulnerable in our society. Another significant benefit of volunteering is the opportunity it provides for personal growth and skill development. Volunteering often requires individuals to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges. It allows them to hone existing skills and acquire new ones, from communication and leadership to problem-solving and teamwork. In the case of my friend, volunteering at the animal shelter improved her ability to connect with others, both human and animal, and taught her patience, perseverance, and resilience in the face of adversity. Volunteering can also be a gateway to new friendships and a sense of community. When individuals come together to work toward a common goal, they form strong bonds that extend beyond their volunteering activities. I, too, have forged lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and experienced a sense of belonging and shared purpose that have enriched my life in unexpected ways. These friendships have provided a support network in times of need and have expanded my social circle in meaningful ways. And, I suspect you may have had similar experiences as you have engaged in volunteering efforts. We at the Sunshine Initiative are huge proponents of volunteering, as I’m sure you can tell. The benefits of are numerous and far-reaching. The fulfillment, personal growth, and sense of community that volunteering offers are invaluable. I wholeheartedly encourage us all to embark on our own volunteer journeys to experience these benefits firsthand. It’s an uplifting and energizing experience for all involved! Read The Report Sunshine Food Drive – Helping Sullivan County and Beyond! Read More Sunshine Volunteer Management Systems – Scaling Our Efforts Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Hillary Seeger This week, we are delighted to highlight an individual who truly exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism here in the Granite State – my friend, Hillary Seeger! Hillary Seeger is a tireless individual committed to her community and to ensuring the best for all those in her community and beyond. An Air Force veteran, she knows and cares deeply about service, and that is why she dedicates so much of her time today to giving back and supporting veteran causes throughout New Hampshire and across the nation. Even in her small town, she has served in several roles and capacities at her local VFW and plays an instrumental role in ensuring that veterans have the care and services they truly deserve. A staple in the community and around New Hampshire, Hillary’s dependable and supportive nature makes her a go-to for key endorsements for any political candidate wanting to seek public office. From the White House to the State House, Hillary and her husband Tim can be seen holding signs, attending events, encouraging people to get involved, and doing everything they can to ensure the person they support and believe in crosses the finish line first on election day. Hillary never stops and truly is the fuel that fires inspiration and positivity when it comes to making a difference in the community. She has served in town and local government herself and is a steadfast leader. Someone whose many positive attributes we can admire. Hilary is also a small business owner herself and understands the fundamentals of fiscal responsibility and accountability. I am blessed, like so many, to call her a friend. I truly believe that if we want to solve the world's toughest problems, one great way to get there is to have so very many more Hillary Seeger’s. Quote of the Week "Volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our society. It is offering time, energy, and skills of one's own free will. It advances both the common good and the quality of the individual volunteer's life." — Sue Hine     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]