Poems and Invocations on Volunteering
(Reflections)

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Thank You! Volunteers
Written and submitted by Noble Allen
May 7, 2008

V   You show up, the very moment we need you most,
O   You look for opportunities to expand our learning coast.
L   You are listening when soft words are being spoken.
U   You understand and work to keep our hearts from being broken.
N   Never is a word you remove from your mouth,
T   Let’s take this to another level-even if we’re located in the South.
E   Everything is possible-You help us to believe.
E   Even despite all odds-our talented students will highly achieve.
R   You rise to the occasion-that is without a doubt-
Our Parent Volunteers-We can never do without!!!

Protégé
Written and submitted by Noble Allen
May 7, 2008

 P -Receives the wisdom passed on from voices of experience
R -Relieved that a mentor provides me with a boost over the great expectation fence
O -Over the bumps of numerous tasks we have come
T -Having someone to talk to during and when the day is done
E -At times making the difficult seem a little bit easier
G -Changing my Gray skies into blue skies when the day becomes even busier.
E -Eager to see this school year end – ‘but’ with zeal in my heart to try it all over again.

Your Name Is Volunteer
Written and submitted by Nancy Jo Grim
RSVP Director, May 20, 2005

Your Name Is Volunteer
Your name is love, because you showed me love and compassion when I needed it the most.
Your name is patience, because you took time to listen to me when my stories were long and my heart was heavy.
Your name is kindness, because you used your healing hands to touch my pain and guide me when I was lost.
Your name is mentor, because you taught me the lessons that life cannot teach so soon.
Your name is a volunteer, you are love, patience, kindness, a mentor and so much more…
We celebrate you the volunteer.

Secret (Volunteer) Service
Submitted by Elizabeth Ellis

How to make an impact today!
Open a door for someone
Pick up a piece of paper left on the street
Say "Good Morning" to someone you don't know
Plug someone else's meter
Say "thank you" to the mailman
Give the next person in line at the grocery store your leftover coupons
Keep shoveling snow after your sidewalk ends
Truly listen to someone
Say "good job" for a job well done
Recycle
Donate your used clothes and toys
Make a cake for your fellow employees for no reason
Join a committee
Let someone else go first in line
Give your used magazines away
Note good service on your waiter's ticket
Send a hand written note of thanks to a volunteer for no particular reason
Say "Have a great evening" to the night watchperson
Switch seats with someone on the plane if they've been separated by a family member or friend
Print on both sides of the page
Pretend your Monday at work is a Friday!
Refer a potential volunteer to another agency who might better fulfill a volunteer's interests and passion
Mentor a new volunteer coordinator
Bring your receptionist a treat just because
Wave to children on the bus
Walk, take the bus or ride your bike to work
Learn about a new organization and how they engage volunteers and community
Put flowers on your desk
Don't "almost" make a difference, do something today!

YWCA Volunteers
written and submitted by Barbara Armitage

Our city’s problems are many
Solutions seem  painfully few
It’s so easy to find yourself wailing
“Where to start; there’s too much to do.”

Yet for one group the answer seems simple
Their direction is always quite clear
They reach out their hands when the need comes
They’re first to volunteer.

The common vision they work for
Encompasses folks one and all
Peace, justice, freedom, and dignity
No matter how helpless or small.

They serve in a myriad of venues
That’s the most essential piece of this pie
No matter how young or how worldly
No matter how educated or spry.

Some help sell the dumplings in August
Some work our correspondance or books
Some keep us apprised of legislation
Some help in the kitchen and cook

They work to keep women off welfare
And so children will have school supplies
They organize home tours and golf games
See the world through the most needy eyes.

Some organize bulbs with pink ribbons
While others drive meals on the go
Some raise our racial conscience
Lend a hand to  Help Me Grow

Whether working for Appleseed Project               
Fund raising street to street; door to door 
They willingly do with a smile
What others might consider a bore

Some serve on the Board—on committees
Schedule classes for young girls and boys
No talent to small or too simple
Each volunteer act increases all joys.

So tonight I acknowledge your efforts
And in your honor proudly raise cheers
May God Bless you one and all
Our Wonderful  V O L U N T E E R S !    

Gifts of Time
written and submitted by Susan Greig
Partners in Care Family Liaison at BC Children's Hospital

Both night and day
you've given of your time
To make this hospital a better place
Every family here has benefited
And your efforts can never be erased

We send this note to tell you
That we are aware and all agree
Your gifts of time--large or small
Are special ones indeed!

Happy New Year Thank You
submitted by Rachel Altemus

We call and we email, we ask for your time
And you give of it so generously, never expecting a dime
Be it raining or snowing or at the last minute, you always come through
This program would be nothing without each of you
We express our thanks, just as often as we can
Please know that we, the Volunteer Services Department, are your biggest fans
You hock balloons and heart tattoos
You bring joy to many patients, who are singing the blues
You provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on
You become a familiar face, one families know they can rely on
You provide rides and shopping, which are no small feats
Because no matter what, we all have to eat
You wash windows and clothing, for the caregivers so tired
Walk dogs and play games, help get TVs re-wired
The list could simply go on and on
But it seems only right, that I move this along
So on behalf of Volunteer Services we offer a gift to you, our volunteers Sent with the warmest of wishes for a happy new year

Thank You to Our Parent Volunteers
by Christina Williams

I'm finally going to graduate, the day is almost here.
I learned to count and write this year, because you volunteered.
You shared your love, your time and smile, so I could learn to read.
I can’t believe I like this stuff, who knew that learning could be fun.
I hope you know just how thankful I am, that you took the time to be with me.
I had so much fun this year, I can’t believe that summer’s here.
I got to sing and dance and play, because you gave your time.
I gained so much confidence, because you cheered me on.
Now the time has come sadly, for me to say goodbye.
But your spirit will be with me, forever, all the time.

(This poem was written for the parent volunteers in my son's Kindergarten Class at Carrillo Elementary. I ran out of time to make them some photo mini albums, so I stamped a card and wrote this poem instead. I hope they like it.)

He Said, She Said
in the Volunteer world
by Joan Perry, CAVS
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

"How can I be of help?" she asked,
"I have a good idea," he said,
"Here, hold my hand," she suggested,
"We'll do it together," they offered.

"We'll be right here until it's done."
"Let's do it this way, its more fun!"
"It's what we're here for it's no fuss."
"Call us back if you should need us."

"She needs our help, God bless her heart."
"Oh, I'm just glad to do my part."
"Walk with me, I'll show the way."
"Goodness no, I don't want pay."

"You can do it, I'll show you how."
"You need it when? I'll do it now."
"If you need anything I'm right here."
"Who am I? A volunteer."

Like everyone else you face life’s struggles
Additionally, you volunteer your time
Though intrinsic rewards may be many
Wages you get nary a dime

Fundraising for charities
Canvassing door to door
You willingly do with a smile
What others consider a bore

 

10/1/2007

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