The League of Women Voters of New Castle County (LWVNCC) President Richard Johnson's message for May 2024 is included below...

As president of the LWNCC I continue to look for more members but more importantly motivating our members to be more active volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. This year volunteering will help in the upcoming elections and your efforts can help to ensure that our freedoms are preserved for the future. So here are a few benefits of volunteering.

• Volunteering connects you to others.
One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

• Make new friends and contacts.
One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

• Increase your social and relationship skills.
While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

• Volunteering as a family.
Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you’ll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.

-- Dick Johnson