One problem with volunteering is that you often don't see a long-term impact of a project. Indeed it is a problem in life itself. We can see and measure the short-term cost, but rarely see, and almost never measure, the longer-term benefits (and positive ripples).
Of course, you sometimes see instantaneous results. We can see the homeowner moving back in after a disaster, or seeing a physically challenged person use his/her new wheelchair ramp and knowing that it will give safety and the ability to live at home. Likewise, we see the smile of a child when you give them books or school supplies. We see the water running in the wells we fund in less developed nations. We may even see the report cards of the students we help attend school through our scholarship programs.
But you just never know. You are never certain that the work is worth it. On days when I am tired or busy or after a defeat (and yes, there are defeats), I would be lying if I didn’t admit to questioning the longer-term impact of some of our projects. And I am sure I am not alone.
This weekend I was fortunate to see some of those longer-term impacts and the stories are heart-warming as well as motivational.
This weekend we worked at the Remote Area Medical Pop-up Clinic in Belmont New York. I want to start this story by publicly stating that we had nothing to do with the actual planning or organizing of the event. That task was on Anne, Nikki, and others who worked for over a year to get the event to Allegany County. And they did a great job!
A RAM event takes many, many volunteers. I do not know the final number for this event, but for the one in Olean we had almost 500 volunteer shifts and I am confident that this one was similar. Each person who volunteered made a difference and without them, the events would not be successful (the same is true for virtually any event!)
I spotlight the importance of all volunteers to single out a small handful of volunteers at this event (they will remain nameless). These volunteers had been patients at the event in Olean a month ago. Now they were giving up their weekend to help others. In volunteering, they became but the latest in a long list of people who after getting a hand-up, come together to give back and help others up. In doing so, they became a great example of the BonaResponds’ mantras that from time to time we all need a helping hand and also the basic tenant in all of our work that all people have value and can share that value to make the world a better place.
The next story is only loosely tied to the RAM event. At the RAM event, like most events, I got the job that required the least skill. It was to patrol the parking lot and help get people signed in. It was a job that truly anyone could do and indeed I encourage you all to do it the next time that RAM returns to the area! But I will confess that two days of very little sleep and much standing led to the short-run consequences of sore feet and tired legs.
So in the five hours between the end of my overnight shift and the start of the take-down shift, I drove home for a few hours of sleep and a short run on the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail in Hinsdale. To say it was a slow run is an understatement. My legs had zero energy and each step hurt my feet, but I did it. And as the run went on I felt a little better.
I tell you the story not to discuss my lack of fitness, but to mention what I saw on the trail: a family out walking. I know it is not earth-shattering news, but to see them walking on a trail that BonaResponds has worked so hard on was very encouraging and uplifting. Yes, there are "maybes", but the "maybes" are all good: Maybe the kids will appreciate nature more. Maybe the parents will have less stress. Maybe the whole family will be more healthy. Collectively, the "maybes" dwarfed the memories of the work needed to help make the trail.
The last story I want to tell of the weekend has to do with another project that BR has worked on, that was not universally popular within the BR volunteer team: work at Gargoyle Park in Olean to help build a disc-golf course. It was hard work (especially when the City would not allow us to use chain saws back in the spring) and when we had few volunteers this fall. The goal of the project (for which Rich deserves most of the credit) is to give people something to do outside that is a good family activity as well as providing some exercise and maybe serve as a draw for the Olean area. This weekend all of those things happened as they hosted the first disc golf tournament. Participants came from hundreds of miles and over 80 competed. A great start to a project that I hope continues to spread positive ripples for generations to come.
What is the takeaway? The good effects of volunteering can be felt long after the short-run weariness is gone. Think long-term! Volunteer and change the world!
