Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

ENGAGEMENT

On Sunday last I opened the Goosewell Primary school annual crafts fair, organised by its Parent/Teacher Association. It is the sort of thing I do whenever I can, an always pleasant duty. Our daughter and grandchildren came with us, so we even got to see inside Santa’s grotto. What a busy chap he is.

I was struck once again by just how important it is for people to engage with their community on a voluntary basis. I have visited the school a few times and its professional leadership is excellent. Within minutes you pick up the orderly, nurturing environment and it is clear that the head teacher and staff are doing a great job. The government has pumped more money into education than ever before and you can tell that from the computers and facilities on display.

So why do we need parents to be involved in the school, raising money, putting on events and generally helping out? Because it adds tremendous value to every organisation when people volunteer to get engaged and give of themselves. The extra bits of equipment that will be bought with the cash raised will doubtless be welcome, but that is only a tiny part of the story. It is the unseen benefit of teamwork, the involvement of wider talents, fresh perspective, additional energy that all helps to build a healthier organisation. It strengthens relationships and deepens bonds between institution and community.

And best of all, those who volunteer also seem to benefit from the muscle aching fruits of their efforts. Have you ever noticed that the people who are at the heart of voluntary activity are some of the happiest people you meet? I wonder why?
Life is getting busier and busier for most of us. We are running to stand still. But I keep stumbling over hundreds of hardy souls in Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge who make time to put something back in to society: school governors, scout leaders, hospital visitors, charity activists, church carers and political activists, all make our society work. And they all benefit from serving the wider community. There is something about the human spirit that is enriched when we give out, rather than seeking to receive. No matter how much money we pump into public services, no matter how frenetic our twenty-first century lives become, there must always be space made for those who volunteer to serve, and they will always be the happiest people

posted by Nigel on Monday, December 04, 2006