Just Thinking . . . .

When walking, you see things that you miss in a motor car or on the train. You give your mind space to ponder.
 

Tom Hodgkinson

This is some of the summer fun already . . .taking apart motors, making dirt bikes go fast, making something out of nothing, questioning- "Can we do it?"  Trying out hypothesis, sitting and tinkering, eating Taco Bell, drinking Mountain Dew, contemplating life.

Volunteering . . .

                So this morning I am pondering  . .Why do some people volunteer their time while others sit by and watch?  Why are some willing to help where needed and others can actually poke fun at those that are doing an act of kindness or volunteerism?   " what - you don't get enough snow shoveling at home?  - as one shovels the walkways at church . . .  " Oh don't worry Jason will do that . ."  " Oh Jason can do that"  " Just ask Jason"   But why?  Why do these individuals not step up themselves? Why always think that someone else will?  Is our time not as valuable as theirs?  Do those volunteering have skills that others do not?  - I could agree for some specialty things but not general things.   ( ie being an EMT vs helping at a Bake Sale)   Are people intimidated by volunteering, are they nervous or are they just lazy-?  " Oh the Walton's will do it - they always do"  This article from Volunteer Maine discusses some of the thoughts about why people Volunteer.

Wikipedia defines volunteering . . .

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.



Why do people Quit volunteering . . ?

.Number 7: No flexibility in volunteer opportunities or scheduling
Number 6: Too much wasted time in useless or unproductive meetings
Number 5: Lack of communication
Number 4: Lack of professionalism
Number 3: The feeling that the volunteer is not really making a difference
Number 2: No feedback from leadership about how the volunteer is doing

And the Number 1 reason: The volunteer leader who doesn't know how to lead

            So as I look at the list above, I can agree with many of the points . . . in other-wards every organization that needs volunteers must be organized like a well run business, I can totally agree and support except  - that to get to that point it is a lot of volunteer hours.
            I think one of my big issues is those that complain a lot about what is not happening or information that they are not getting but those same individuals are never the ones that are helpers. Step up folks, make a difference, or at least give support and thanks to those that do.  But do not make fun of your volunteers, they give their time and talents to make the world a better place.  

 

Happy Birthday to Rachel Carson

 


May 27, 1907  a Great Voice for the Natural World was born in Springdale , PA.  Rachel Carson, Biologist, Writer, Environmentalist.  She did groundbreaking research into the effects of Pesticides on the Environment.  Her Book Silent Spring is widely known ans the Gold Standard in Changing the way people think about the environment.
If you are not familiar with her- what follows are some images and quotes that will endear you to the work that she pursued at a time that women were not all that well heard . . .  Thank you Rachel  for my beautiful natural environment that I get to visit every day.  Happy Birthday!!!

 

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”
― Rachel Carson

 

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

 

“In nature nothing exists alone.”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

“To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of years, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.”
― Rachel Carson
 
“It is ironic to think that man might determine his own future by something so seemingly trivial as the choice of an insect spray.”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring  

 Died: April 14, 1964
in Silver Spring, Maryland

Thinking of Boston . . . .

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.” — Mister Rogers

I am thinking of Boston and all those around the world affected by the random act of violence yesterday.  Some days things just do not make sense. Keep all those affected by this both near and far in your thoughts and prayers.