Family Volunteerism Pays
Ask the Experts by Bill Wenzell
Q. I would like to get my family involved in being of service to others. I'm hoping to encourage them to experience the value of giving back to others through volunteerism. How do I help them to develop a spirit of giving instead of them always wanting to get paid for their efforts?
A. Why would anyone work for no pay? Doesn't that go against our nation's proud history of capitalism? Wrong. Americans have a long history of volunteering, going back to our nation's founding. Helping your neighbor, your community, or anyone in need is downright patriotic.
There are more opportunities to volunteer than ever before. The economy in Michigan has created more need. More people are dependent on non-profit service organizations - and those organizations have fewer resources, thus a greater need for volunteer support. There also are many reasons to volunteer. The most important is that it is the right thing to do. Someone once said, "Volunteer service is the rent we pay to be in this world." Whatever your political affiliation, I hope we can all agree that we are all part of the human family.
Volunteer work is something in which people of all ages can participate. Volunteering at an early age helps to build self esteem. Many high schools now require volunteer community service as part of the requirement for graduation. College students or recent grads can engage in volunteer service as a way to build their resumes through unpaid internships. In this challenging economy, building up experience in your desired career choice can only be a benefit. Not only will volunteering give you needed experience as you enter the job market, but it is also an opportunity to prove yourself to potential employers.
As adults, I think people sometimes have a limited idea about what volunteerism means. Volunteers can do more than stuff envelopes or serve food (although these are very important service functions). There are many opportunities to utilize your skills and expertise. Whether you are a carpenter, attorney, teacher, photographer, writer, fundraiser, accountant, electrician, computer technician, disc jockey or truck driver, there is a need for your service. For those who are unemployed, volunteerism is a way to keep your skills sharp during your job search.
Another way to volunteer is to serve on a Board or a committee for a local non-profit. This type of volunteering tends to allow more schedule flexibility.
Here are a few tips:
- Choose a cause in which you believe - Find an organization whose mission is something that stirs your passion. If you are doing something you love, it will be that much more rewarding.
- Choose a task that can involve family members - If you have limited disposable time, you may want to find a volunteer opportunity where you can include your spouse or children.
- Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for team building with co-workers.
There are many great organizations where you can volunteer. Whether you are looking to help children, the elderly, students, the physically challenged, the homeless, or people who may be unemployed, low-income, ill or abused, or whether you want to help animals, the environment, community beautification or safety, you can find organizations to support with a simple internet search.
Forget what I said earlier about working for no pay. You may not earn a paycheck when you volunteer, because the "pay" you receive cannot be measured by money.
Bill Wenzell of Grosse Pointe Woods is the Manager of Volunteers & Community Outreach for Focus: HOPE. He first joined Focus: HOPE in 1995, serving in a variety of capacities. He is responsible for a volunteer base of 10,000 and annual events such as the Focus: HOPE WALK. He also chairs Focus: HOPE's Martin Luther King Day Committee. He can be reached at 313.494.4343 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit their website, www.focushope.edu.
SAVE the Date
Volunteerism: Building a Stronger Sense of Self
WED. OCTOBER 12, 7pm, Beaumont Hospital, Connelly Auditorium (468 Cadieux, Grosse Pointe)
Bill Wenzell will be the guest speaker for this presentation which will also include a panel of non-profits and teen charitable clubs present the positive aspects of helping others. Giving back is a powerful way to engage others, establish meaningful connections within our community, develop gratitude, instill passion, and enhance self-confidence. Learn more about opportunities to nurture these core strengths in our community's adolescents.
RSVP: Betsy Schulte, Beaumont Hospital 313.473.1737
The Family Center, a 501C 3, non-profit organization, serves as the community's hub
for information, resources and referral for families and professionals.
To view more Ask The Experts articles, please visit our website www.familycenterweb.org.
Please email your questions to
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To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.
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