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(Words to Inspire)
We list our newest submissions first...come back and see what's new! All the items in this area are submitted by site visitors. Energize requires that the source be credited for all quoted works.
I Think...I Know
Written and submitted by Laurie Eytel, CVA
I think & I see how good you are
I know I don't have to look that far
I think you are amazing for you help kids, moms & dads I know it's true, a better group cannot be had
I think the families know it too
I know it in the way they look at you
I think I learn from all of you each day I know it's a fact, in more than just one way
But wait, it's not just ME that says "thanks with a smile"
It's ALL of us, because you go that extra mile!
YOU are the BEST - You make this program what it is.
Thank you from ALL of us! This evening is for you.
And Then There Was a Smile
Written and submitted by Laurie Eytel, CVA
A parent came with a burden to bear
They came looking for guidance
And perhaps a kind word
You saw their challenge
And decided to help
Your caring voice opened a door
A child came looking quite sad
And then another, with defiance
And you welcomed them all
They all came with stories
Which were all unique
You offered your help – and you listened
You may have provided a meal
You may have provided gifts
You may have provided guidance
You may have worked behind the scenes
But slowly a change came about
The mood seemed lighter
And then there was a smile,
Maybe first from you
Then maybe from a child, a parent
It made all the difference to those you touched, The child, the parent looked to you And then there was a smile!
Thank you for the smiles you provide!
Author Laurie Eytel notes "[These are} two "poems" I wrote to recognize our volunteers and partners who volunteer with our Fairfax County Department of Family Services Children, Youth and Families Division."
First Day of School!
Written and submitted by Barbara Brady
It’s that time of year again,
Time to go to school.
I’m going to learn all kinds of things,
And study all the rules!
I have some brand new clothes to wear,
And shoes that are clean and white,
My hair is cut, my nails are clean,
I think I look “just right”.
I know I’ll meet new people,
I hope that they’ll like me.
It’s scary going off to school,
It is the first day, you see!
I hope the teacher is friendly,
And shows me what to do.
I hope she’s glad I’m in her class,
I think I’ll like her, too!
I’m scared that I will get real lost,
And totally lose my way,
Or need to find the bathroom,
I hope it’s not far away.
I hope the food at school is good,
The kind I like to eat,
I hope I get to sit with friends,
Maybe they’ll save a seat!
I think the day will go quite fast,
When it’s done I’ll give a cheer!
I plan to make a difference,
Since I’m a volunteer!
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."
Explore The Wonder
by Sandy Cavinee
The mystery of God's creation unfolds along our way.
Never fully revealed to us, just pieces every day.
The earth, the sky, the oceans hold their secrets but show to man- How
beautiful and mighty are God's works and plan.
The greatest gift He gave us-to share as here we dwell, are people just like you who know love so well.
And as we "explore the wonder" of what volunteering means, the WONDER is your service-you are the greatest theme!
(I wrote this several years ago and it was made into bookmarks for Volunteer Week-our theme was "Explore The Wonder-Volunteer).
To Our Volunteers
by Lisa Ellinwood
V is for the Very special people that you are
O is for the Overwhelming support & compassion you offer others during their time of need
L is for the Little things you do that make such a difference in someone's life
U is for the Unspoken words that sometimes mean just as much
N is for the Need you fill when others aren't able
T is for the Time you give of yourselves on top of your own busy schedules
E is for the Emotional support you continually give
E is also for the Endless energy you all seem to possess
R is for the Responsibility you have taken on & never once complained S is for the Smiles you bring to patients & families by just being you
Thursdays
by Dom Shalalo (Teacher/Librarian)
What will we do without you
on those quiet Thursday morns?
That workroom where..oh
those books stand so forlorn.
They wait for practised hands, you see
to process them with care
That shifty contact, bubbles
at our merest touch or stare.
But our volunteers have conquered
its wicked wiles and ways
gliding to book corners
it no longer dares to stray.
"Oh work is only work" some say and that may often be!
But to us your work is the work of love, giving so selflessly.
Namaste
I honor the place within you
Where the entire world resides
I honor the place within you
of hope, of light, of truth, of peace
I honor the place within you
Where when you are in that place within you
And I am in that place within me
There is only one of us...
Explanation for above verse:
I was selected by the Dooley Foundation to work with Nepalese natives in Kathmandu as a volunteer in 1972. I left Pan Am World Airlines as a flight attendant and took a 3 month leave. The Nepalese greeted each other every day with this beautiful greeting, which translated from Hindi into English as the above!
Submitted by
Lesleigh J. Tolin, MS, Volunteer Coordinator, Odyssey Hospice, Los Angeles
Do We Have As Much Sense As A Goose?
By Akbar Khan, Toronto in September 2003
A flock of geese flying in a formation ‘V’
Much research reveals what you do not see
Each bird in front by flapping its wing
Creates an uplift for the goose following
Flying in ‘V’ formation they change
By 71% plus their flying range
Common direction and a sense of community
Our efforts become quick and easy
If a goose falls out of formation by chance
It feels greater drag and resistance
If we have as much sense as a goose we’ll stay
In formation with those headed our way
When tired the lead goose rotates to the rear
Another taking its place in the air
It pays, while doing hard jobs, to take turns
Thus no one is over burdened or get burns
The geese in the back honk from behind
Encouraging, gentle and kind
We must encourage others as they strive
To meet the daily grind of life
If a goose gets sick and or wounded
If for some reason it gets grounded
Two geese fall out of formation
They keep it company and for protection
Stay with it until it flies or dies
Such are the depths of their ties
If we humans have the sense of a goose
Their way of life is what we’d choose
Viva Volunteers!
by Akbar Khan in 2002
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
Some volunteer for freedom and fun
Some out of goodness of heart
For many a reason, 1.3 million Canadian
Volunteers do their part
Feeding the physically challenged
Visiting with the old and lonely
Outreaching into the community
Beyond the call of duty
Looking after the elderly and sick
Delivering meals on the go
Around the clock, 365 days
Through rain or shine or snow
Being Big Sister to a young girl
Or Big Brother to a little boy
Sharing, caring and understanding
Spreading love, comfort and joy
Fundraising for charities
Canvassing door to door
You willingly do with a smile
What others consider a bore
So tonight we acknowledge your efforts
And in your honor proudly raise cheers
May God Bless you one and all
V I V A L A V O L U N T E E R S !
2/6/2009
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