Turn hopes into reality with volunteer efforts

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Hopes do not become reality by themselves, however, as anyone who has hoped for an "A" while actually earning a lesser grade can attest. Having realized this years ago, it is likely that we have already made the means to our personal success a priority.

We must not neglect to do the same for the social causes we believe in. Specifically, we should each volunteer our time, talents, and love to those who mean something to us.

I have again deliberately used the word "should" rather than "might," since each of us has benefited in some way from our society, and we are therefore compelled to make some return to those who have helped us, and to future generations. As many people of our generation know already, this is a joy, not a burden.

Almost anyone who has ever performed community service will explain that volunteers truly do receive more than they ever give. This does not mean that it is necessary, or even wise, to quit college, bid farewell to our friends and family, and set sail for a small developing country, though we can be thankful for those who do so.

If we truly care to, each of us can spare one hour a week to help at the philanthropic agency of our choice. Most of us waste at least that much time on some mindless activity already, so it is usually simply a matter of reallocating our time.

Volunteering, then, is not for the few who have too much free time and no social life. Some of the busiest and most loved people I have ever known are whirlwinds of service activity.

Once we have freed-up an hour in our weekly schedule, we are ready to decide which type of service we wish to perform. Personally, I have been especially rewarded in my work with the elderly, and newborns and their families.

These groups are special to me, but perhaps children, or people who are poor, homeless, abused, or neglected, or animals in need of shelter, resonate more with others. This is by no means a comprehensive list-the point is that if we are willing to give of ourselves, there are people who will gladly accept the gift.

If one particular agency does not come to mind, a good place to start is the Volunteer Center of Tucson (886-6500 or http://members.aol.com/voltucson/index.htm), which has a regular column in the Arizona Daily Star's Sunday Accent section. Religious organizations and friends who volunteer are also good sources of information.

Truly, no effort can be more vital than peacefully reaching out to those in need, our efforts mushrooming out like an "A-bomb," with the "A" standing for "Altruism."

It has been said before: The value of a society can be established by the way it treats the least of its members. We are poorer than the hungriest country in the world if we cannot say that our highest priority is serving those in need.

Let us make 1997 our most prosperous year yet.

Kristen Roberts is a pre-education sophomore. Her column, 'Life in Balance,' appears every other Thursday. Her homepage can be found at http://www.arizona.edu/~knr.