By Paty Jager
We were asked to write about what we’re passionate about. I
would have to say what I’m most passionate about is giving back. Giving back to
the organizations who have made me who I am and giving back to the community.
When my children were small our next door neighbor girl
knocked on my door and asked if I’d be her 4-H leader. Her leader was retiring and
she wanted to continue to learn to sew and cook. I’d had one year of both while growing up and
decided I could do this. It was twenty-two years later when I hung up my 4-H
leader hat because we’d purchased land and I wasn’t home enough to fit in 4-H
meetings. Now, I travel around the state judging at county fairs and spreading
my little bit of expertise to the new 4-H members and leaders.
When my children were in school I volunteered in the school
in the classrooms, the computer center, and the PTA. I believe in helping out where you’re
needed.
Joining RWA(Romance Writers of America) was the best thing I
could have done for my writing career. And as I learned more and found the
organization to be the best thing for upcoming writers, I held officer
positions in the chapter I belonged to and then started teaching workshops at
conferences and on line. I’ve mentored several writers and believe in spreading
the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years to new writers.
A few years ago I joined COWG(Central Oregon Writers Guild)
and stepped into the role of getting speakers for their meetings and taught
several Saturday workshops as well as at meetings.
I donate a gift basket every year to Brenda Novak’s online auction
for diabetes, give money when a store is collecting for a cause, and click the
pink ribbon on the Breast Cancer Awareness site. I don’t do large donations to
any organization that I have to give my name. I don’t like them harassing me
for more money than I’m prepared to give. But my time… I’ll give it freely to a
cause. I help wrap packages for the Shop with a Cop program at Christmas time
and have wrapped packages at the Fire Department.
My passion is giving back and there are days I wish I could
give more. But I give what I can and believe every bit helps in some small way.
Do you have a passion that you give time or money to? What
is it?
8 comments:
I can attest to your passion, Paty! You've given so much to us here at RTG, helping us learn and grow.
Always wondered how you ended up as a county fair judge! now I know!
Thank you for your post! Giving back is one of my passions too, and I'm always glad to read about others who are giving back.
Hi Paty! I do the same thing -- I like to give back. I've put in many volunteer hours at the causes that are dear to my heart. It's a great way to show gratitude for what's good in my own life.
Sarah, Thank you.
Thank you, Mindy. I believe the world would be better off if everyone gave back just a little. There are too many takers.
Hi Helen! I agree. Thanks for stopping in.
Great post, Paty. I gave back as a cub scout leader, 4-H leader and a volunteer at the hospital in Grass valley Calif. I have been checking out volunteer positions in Bend, OR and come spring will be volunteering for one.
It always feels good to give back to the community!
Diana, Yes I think if more people gave back they would have a whole new outlook on life.
Hi Paty,
My volunteer activities have shrunk a bit - used to be very active in The William Glasser Institute, serving in varied capacities over the years. I still teach and mentor others but holding office, etc. Not any more.
I also donate my time and energy to the State Advisory Committe for the Independent Living Program whose mission is to support youth aging out of foster care.
Being a good neighbor - helping out where I can (going to the store, dog sitting, pitching in on a project) is much more my speed these days.
And, I've stopped donating funds to programs I do believe in because I get some much mail from them throughout the year - I'm sure my contribution is just mailed back to me instead of being used to support their cause.
Now I contribute what I can to Free Arts NW and Kinship House, local programs that provide much needed resources right here at home for children and their families.
It doesn't take much to make a difference in someone's life and that small thing we do gives back to us many times over.
I agree, Judith. You have an impressive list of volunteerism! Way to go!
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