Social Capital
In-Kind by the Kind Hearted

Volunteers, Voluntolds, Volunteens and even Voluntots, Community Service ….whoever get you through the event/program/paperwork etc.….it’s all right!

There is a school of thought in academic circles which states that the real benefit of social service agencies is not primarily the support it provides, but the social capital that is gained by the volunteers who assist such agencies.  Social capital has been described as an interactive experience describing exchanges between individuals leading to the establishment of networks, trust and social norms. It makes possible organization and co-operation which is mutually beneficial, providing a sense of purpose for individuals and a connectedness which is regarded as significant to health, happiness and wellbeing.

The community’s sense of oneness and trust is developed and enhanced by these interactions.   Having worked with volunteers all of my working life, however, I KNOW that equally the good they do is unquantifiable and sends a message to our communities members that they are cared for and about by people who receive no financial compensation, a VERY strong message in today’s bottom-line world.

“Do all you can with what you have, in the time you have, in the place you are”.

-Nkosi Johnson, a Zulu boy born into dire poverty infected with AIDS, who died at age 12.  His quote is Included in the book:  “We Are All the Same: A Story of a Boy’s Courage and a Mother’s Love“

-Jim Wooten-

To gain a better understanding of the type of warm-hearted and very caring people who do all they can at social service agencies, I would like to share an exchange I had with a program ‘buddies’.  She was responding to an invitation for an appreciation event to be held during Volunteer Week one April.

“You are so very thoughtful in thanking your supporters and volunteers…it is my privilege and pleasure to be associated with the Centre and I do appreciate everything you do for us.  Thank you!”

Tracie

I casually responded that I was unclear what exactly we did for our volunteers, that it was really the other way around, wasn’t it?  Tracie wrote back:

“Sue, what you and everyone at the Centre first of all do for we volunteers (at least, in my opinion, for ME as a volunteer) is offer an opportunity and a place to provide whatever care and concern we can for the children to whom we provide our support services – so don’t ever question that!

So…having said all of that…THANK YOU for thanking us.  We do this from the heart, because we care and because we want to make a positive difference in the lives of these children and their families”.  

Tracie

Tracie's note speaks volumes not only about the remarkable people who directly care for our communities but identifies the equally incredible many who do so indirectly through their financial contributions and labour, allowing for the operation of these type of centres.  These supporters permit centres to provide for the support of people themselves, as well as be an outlet for community members who wish to engage in 'Social Capital'.  

Reflecting on the fact that volunteers also receive rewards from their efforts, Tracie has reminded us that within the Voluntary Sector, everyone benefits!

“It is what a person does rather than what they get which makes them a citizen.”

-A. Davidson-

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”   –  Mahatma Gandhi