More thro’ selfless
Did this for the day job. Maybe I should hop back on
Unpaid work can make you happier.
Not a fact, admittedly, but I get many of my kicks off volunteering.
In Leeds, I’m in very good company. To me, it’s truly a volunteering city.
One example — from many I’d hazard — is illustrated by Leeds City Council staff.
Selfless means more with this council crew.
Voluntary work-wise they do loads. In volume, in variety.
And these aces go places. Leeds City Council volunteers go beyond the city, into the region and beyond.
How far? In their time, this council crew puts volunteering in vogue WORLDWIDE.
Why tell you this?
Well, we’ve (Leeds City Council) launched iVolunteerLeeds, chronicling what extraordinary folk do outside of the workplace.
Indestructible wonder, Down syndrome media | marktravisinfo.com | gplus.to/marktravisinfomarktravisinfo.uberflip.com
Why show you this?
As you’re reading this, I’d imagine it’s worth a few minutes of your time.
That small spell hopefully captivates you into understanding the magic around volunteering.
It was certainly worth my time helping put it together, on two counts.
Firstly, I didn’t expect I’d be using a map of the world to illustrate Leeds’ globe-straddling reach.
More importantly, there’s also what volunteers get in return.
Time and again I’ve had to coax selfless, self-publicity swerving people into telling their tales.
And guess what? In most cases each volunteer has played down their role by stressing the rewards. Not in terms of money — but wellbeing, satisfaction.
In short, feeling good.
The DS bit
Fortunately, I’m much more of a big-head than most.
I do it — helping Down syndrome advocates with design work — because it is enjoyable. Enormously enjoyable.
The most recent vivid example I can give is this bits’n’bobs done for Christmas.
Indestructible wonder, Down syndrome media | marktravisinfo.com | gplus.to/marktravisinfomarktravisinfo.uberflip.com
If this Advent calendar of West Yorkshire’s finest doesn’t ram home the message, try this for size:
Volunteers help do great things
A wonderful feeling for a cold, dark January day
If you’re in Leeds, take a peek at bit.ly/ivolunteerleeds. Same if you think volunteering is A GOOD THING.
After that, have a think about what you can do yourself.
For those needing a nudge, why not contact the likes of Voluntary Action Leeds and Leeds Ambassadors — many other equally great alternatives are available — for what can be done.
It could make you happier.
Mark Travis
Volunteer, council staffer, marktravisinfo.com
