Volunteering is the ultimate experience in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. (Anonymous)
The fact that you are reading this blog indicates that you appreciate the Refuge: whether it's viewing wildlife; photographing and painting scenery and birds; hiking; launching your kayak or fishing boat; visiting the lighthouse; or any other of the myriad reasons that we visit. Maybe you just want some good revitalizing time away from your work or busy lifestyle.
Research shows that there are 5 Reasons why you should consider volunteering.
Volunteers live longer and are healthier
Volunteering establishes strong relationships
Volunteering is good for your career
Volunteering is good for society
Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose
Although it is not well-understood why volunteering provides such a profound health benefit, a key factor is assumed to be that volunteering serves to express and facilitate opportunities to carry out one's sense of purpose. (Psychology Today, March 2014.)
There is something incredibly satisfying in helping to support the Refuge's diverse environment and its history. Working with the Friends group is working with like-minded people who want to give back to the refuge.
Would you like to give something back to the place that provides so much joy for you?
The Friends organization can always suggest volunteer opportunities that will help us fulfill our mission. We would not be able to continue doing our work without people joining the effort.
Perhaps you are interested in planning activities or working with fundraising or bookkeeping. Maybe you are only able to work inside at the Visitor Center. There are plenty of things to do. Even the simplest tasks can fill you with joy and satisfaction. From pulling invasive weeds to organizing an event, the satisfaction of donating your time and skill is extremely fulfilling.
Everyone has expertise to offer. We would love to have you volunteer with us, work with us, and help us.