Opinion: Community Service a Major Key to Contentment

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

It has been an emotional year, overshadowed by a pandemic and punctuated by racial unrest and an emotion-packed election cycle. 

Many across the political spectrum are angry and frustrated, and are expressing as much on social media and among friends trying to make sense of where we are as a country and community.

But in the middle of it all, it is easy to overlook the obvious: that each of us has the power to make America a better place to work and live by engaging in our own community.

The dawn of a new year is traditionally the time to evaluate, to make promises to ourselves to do better, accomplish more, all in an attempt to scratch that itch that brings a modicum of personal contentment.

Almost all of those I know who have found some measure of personal satisfaction in life share one common attribute: service to their community.

It’s a Jesusy approach to life, to find your life by giving it away, and seems to make little sense in a world which largely measures success in financial terms. Service runs counter the culture, and while often fulfilling, it is almost always inconvenient.

And yet so many in our community devote their lives to making Anderson County a better place by leading organizations aimed in some way at relieving suffering and want. They are joined by thousands of volunteers who donate untold hours of their personal time to meet the challenges of helping our friends and neighbors who face some sort of obstacle to having any sort of decent life.

Often such service it requires giving up some leisure time or family time for a greater good. Many of these are busy people with demanding jobs who still make time to volunteer. 

Why? Other than the previously mentioned spiritual concept, there are measurable benefits to such commitment to community. 

At least one study found those who volunteer find it helps them stay healthy, mentally and physically, increasing physical fitness while combatting depression. Those in the study were also happier than those not involved in community service.

It also creates a sense of community with others who share the vision of giving back. Anderson has been wildly blessed by people who have moved here from other places, because they have brought the bright spirit of volunteerism with them. In many organizations, they outnumber native-born Andersonians.  

Both groups have also found that getting involved helps them know the community better, which leads to a deeper understanding and greater respect for others.

Doing something positive in the community also brings real change. 

Over the past few decades Anderson has seen the rise of incredible groups which have brought previously untapped benefits to our community. Hard for many to even image and Anderson with no AIM, Anderson Free Clinic, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, Emergency Soup Kitchen, Cancer Association of Anderson, Clean Start, Haven of Rest, Foothills Alliance or Good Neighbor Cupboard (there are many others).

Each of these organizations is led by amazing people with vision and drive for service to those in our community who need support and/or assistance. 

It’s impossible to know how much life-changing help each of these organizations have given to our community, but I hear great stories almost every day from those who have been helped. 

But they could not do it without your help. Volunteers are the chain that enables change, and in a year where pandemic has limited some efforts, the need for people ready to find creative ways to engage in the community is greater than ever.

Volunteers are able to put aside a wide divergent of political convictions for a common good, which brings me to the challenge of this column.

Social media is a soap box and at its best can be a neutral tool which can help bring change. Sadly, it can also be a place where some think weighing in on the issues of the day releases them from the real responsibility of helping make things better locally.

It must start here, with this question: 

“What are you doing to make Anderson County a better place?” 

If you struggle to find an answer to this question, your views on social or political issues are, to quote a wise man “meaningless” and “vapor.” Dogs can bark, but they can’t help pack groceries at AIM or deliver for Meals on Wheels. 

There are so many ways, big and small, to be a part of this movement. For some it might be volunteering at one the great organizations mentioned earlier (or one not on that list). For others it might be visiting (in a safe way) shut-ins, the elderly or physically challenged. Those who are spending more time at home, many with children, some all alone, can make encouraging phone calls or send letters of hope. 

If you are involved in church, ask your pastor how you can serve your church family. 

Get creative.

The options are so expansive, there are places to serve that fit almost any schedule. 

If you still need help, email me here, and I will help plug you into a place where you will make new friends and find refreshed hope for 2021. 

And, as always, if you can't give time, give money.