Lessons Learned from Lifelong Volunteers

LESSONS LEARNED FROM Lifelong Volunteers BY LURA ROTI

Each summer I have the privilege of interviewing South Dakotans who give back to their communities, and then write profile articles about them for various recognition programs.

There are a few reasons I love interviewing folks who are motivated to give of their time to make their community and our state a better place. For starters, they motivate me.

These folks don’t volunteer because they want to be recognized. They donate their precious time because it is the right thing to do.

Time is a precious commodity. Give with intention. After I interview someone who volunteers to help build community, while running a business and raising a family — it’s tough for me to make excuses about not having enough time because of my work or family obligations.

Granted, there is a limit. I believe every working adult with children has enough time to volunteer for one thing and do it well. For me, the entity I volunteer my limited extra time to is my neighborhood, the Cathedral Historic District.

I love spending time with other neighborhood volunteers discussing activities that will build community, increase safety and enhance pride of place. And because of involvement in our neighborhood, I know most of my neighbors. Together we clean up boulevards, have potlucks, help with plant watering or dog sitting and share tips for preserving our old historic homes.

Together neighbors have created a small community within South Dakota’s largest city. It’s truly a special place.

If it matters, show up. There is quite a bit of wisdom to be gained from visiting with seasoned volunteers. During a recent conversation with a volunteer from Woonsocket, I was reminded of the value in showing up. For years I’ve heard the adage, “the world is run by those who show up.”

But it really sunk in after visiting with Dale. I asked him why he got involved in his community and he shared a story about skipping his all-school reunion planning meeting as a young 20-something, only to be elected as president during said meeting. The humorous story made me reflect.

If I don’t show up to a meeting, and decisions are made during that meeting I don’t agree with, then it’s on me.

I don’t know everything. Volunteering in our neighborhood is rewarding because I don’t do anything by myself. All decisions made on behalf of our neighborhood or activities planned for our neighborhood are made by a group of neighbors or voted on by a group of neighbors. And the work is done by a group of neighbors.

During a recent interview with former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Walt Bones, he brought up the fact that he enjoys working with others to achieve a common goal because, and I will quote him here, “I don’t know everything. Our diversity of thoughts and talents are our greatest strength.”

His comment resonated with me. A few years ago, several Cathedral neighbors worked to save one of our neighborhood’s oldest homes. A developer wanted to tear it down. More than 60 neighbors made time during the work week, on a school night, to attend a meeting and urge decision makers to save this historic landmark.

The feeling of working together with neighbors and friends to save a piece of Sioux Falls’ history is one many of us will not forget.