Published: November 01, 2009 09:50 am      

DAVID KNEPPER | Volunteerism touches lives and builds community spirit

“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead, famed cultural anthropologist.

Not only do I tend to get goose bumps with the approach of colder temperatures but also whenever I experience strong emotions, as was the case recently during a conversation with Jim Salony, founder and president of the Lilly-Washington Historical Society.

He described the marvelous participation of community volunteers in Lilly Borough and Washington Township during their 2006 bicentennial. It was largely through their dedication and hard work, Jim explained, that the local celebration become a smashing success capped by statewide recognition of a “living history” book that captured the spirit of this community.

Strong community participation is displayed throughout our region every day by our dedicated volunteers who are at their “posts” at fire departments, ambulance stations, nonprofits, hospitals, churches and schools. Space does not allow me to list the many special projects and yearly events made possible by legions of volunteers giving their time and talents without compensation or headlines.

One such example of note is the Christmas Village in downtown Johnstown, a wonderful display created each Christmas season.

Volunteerism is, undoubtedly, this region’s greatest testimony to the spirit of our people and hearts full of grace and love.

Then, I began to wonder if a new marketing strategy for this region should highlight the role of people, particularly the many volunteers who make this region truly outstanding. For those who are looking for a destination in which people still help their neighbors, where people are more than a demographic, and where people are not afraid to roll up their sleeves to build a better future for their children, then the Allegheny region should surely be distinguished as one of the 10 best places to live in the United States.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community, to meet new people, and to try new things. Bill McKinney, president of United Way of the Laurel Highlands, knows the importance of volunteerism to the life of a region in “mobilizing the caring power of our community to improve the lives of so many in need.”

For 18 years now, his organization has enlisted the support of local companies and organizations to work with nonprofits on community projects such as painting, carpentry, cleaning houses for the disabled, playing with or reading to children, landscaping and clerical work.

This “Annual Day of Caring” is a special time set aside for community volunteers to help spruce up their communities and to touch lives.

“The gift of your time can make a huge difference. Unite with friends and family. Team-up with co-workers, give an hour or a weekend ... give your best. Whether it is reading to children, mentoring youth or organizing a food drive, there are hundreds of volunteer options available. Give the gift of you! Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community, to meet new people, and to try new things.

“Whether you are new to the area, hoping to build your resume or simply want to help those in need, volunteering is the way to go.” (www.uwlaurel.org)

One organization outside our region that is demonstrating the importance of corporate volunteerism in improving its region is Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms. The people of Deloitte go that extra mile to join with community organizations through public service activities, such as planting trees, painting a community shelter, a construction project or teaching a better way to do something.

Their generosity in dedicating one day in September, called “Impact Day,” to give of their time, knowledge, and skills is making a strong impact in the revitalization and renewal of their communities.

What a difference a day can make when the private sector focuses and connects to its community and its people.

Could this same kind of commitment and spirit happen in this region on an even greater scale than may be occurring now? Unquestionably!

The mission is simple: To inform, encourage and inspire the volunteer spirit within all of us who believe that we can make a difference in our region.

It’s happening everywhere in the Allegheny region and it’s a celebration that all of us should share in and become a part of.

The “Flood is Over.” Let’s move forward with the same community spirit that our ancestors displayed in rebuilding their communities after nature’s fury left us dazed but not defeated.

David A. Knepper is president of Allegheny Development Group LLC and is currently the executive director of the Forest Hills Regional Alliance. He holds a doctorate in educational administration from Penn State. His column appears the first Sunday of each month.