By  Barbara Kaufman

A while ago I came across a column written by Harvey Mackay. You may recognize his name; he’s the author of a highly successful book called Swimming with Sharks. Mr. Mackay also writes a weekly column for the business section of the Star-Tribune. One of his topics was volunteering. And I think he gets it just right.

Mr. Mackay believes that each one of us should spent 20 percent of our time volunteering for the following reasons:

• Volunteering is an opportunity to share one’s skills and talents with others who need such skills and talents. Whatever those talents are, they need to be shared.
• Volunteering gives each of us the opportunity to learn new things. You can discover unexpected talents of your own.
• Volunteering provides the opportunity to get outside oneself. For anyone afraid to try something new, volunteering is the chance to learn in a non-threatening environment.
• Volunteering is fun. You meet new people. You experience new things.
• Volunteering gives you the chance to sharpen your skills whether they are in sales or management or whatever.
• Volunteering is an opportunity to clear your head. It helps you focus on a larger world outside of yourself. Too often each one of us gets trapped inside our self. We focus on what’s inside us and ignore what lies around us.
• Volunteering is an opportunity to make a difference. One person can make all the difference. Be that person.
• Volunteering is a privilege. Being a part of a not-for-profit and its mission is an opportunity that benefits each one of us individually and all of us together.

To all of Mr. Mackay’s reasons, I would add one more: Volunteer and you’ll live a longer happier life.

So when you say “Yes!” to a call to action, you are experiencing all of these benefits. Your volunteer work becomes not just a blessing to the organization or the people you serve. It  benefits  you as an individual, too.

For opportunities to volunteer and make a difference for yourself and the Senior Federation, click here.