Susan Richman
Why Volunteer?
Volunteerism is in fashion today. In fact, all the A-list people are seen in soup kitchens and disaster sites around the country. In years past, the volunteer coordinator in an organization was an unpopular figure, the one person every one hid from with thoughts of “oh, no what will s/he ask me to do this time?” Thankfully, this is no longer the case. Today, people are motivated to find ways that they can help further the cause of their favorite organization.
People are volunteering not only because it is trendy but also because it is linked to various social and health benefits. These benefits range from producing a general “good feeling” to a reduction in mortality rates. Most of us have experienced the “good feeling” that occurs when one “lends a hand”. It is therefore, not a stretch, to believe that these “feelings” have been studied, named and linked to mental and physical health benefits.
Alan Luks, a lawyer who co-wrote the book “The Healing Power of Doing Good” (1992) has spent much time understanding the benefits of volunteering. He invented the term “Helper’s High” for the positive feelings one receives from helping. The occurrence of this phenomenon can be scientifically linked, through brain imaging studies, to an increase in endorphins in the body when one helps another.
I want to volunteer!
At Sha’are Shalom there are different jobs to satisfy an array of interests and talents. Some of the jobs can be done from home, some require a computer, some require special skills and training, etc. All of the jobs will produce the benefits from the “Helper’s High”. So, join the A-list and find a job below that fits your talents and interest. If you aren’t sure, contact Susan Richman at 301-843-7170 or [email protected]
These are some of the many different volunteer opportunities available at Sha’are Shalom:
A. Religious Services
• Friday night service lay leaders
• Schedule and confirm onegs
• Oneg sponsers
• Prepare, print and deliver service bulletin
B. Scheduled Events – Coordinators still needed for:
• Oct 3 play at Harmony Hall
• November – Walk for the Homeless
• December – Chanukah Party
• January – Health Fair
• March – Purim Party
• 2nd night of Passover meal (Women’s Group needs a lead)
• Aug – Congregation Picnic
C. Social Outings and Committee Chairs
• Teen Activity Club
• Chorale Program
• Blue Crabs Game
• Wine and Cheese social and game night
• Back to Religious School Pancake Breakfast
• Men’s Group
D. Education services
• Schedule and coordinate speakers
• Yom Hashoah Program
• Adult Ed: History of Reform Judai


sm, and Reform Judaism Beliefs and Practices
• Life cycle events
• Dinner with speaker from Israeli Embassy
Bibliography:
Corporation for National and Community Service, Office of Research and Policy
Development. The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research, Washington, DC 2007
http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdfThe
Luks, A., & Payne, P. (1992).healing Power of Doing Good. New York, NY: Fawcett Columbine.
Krietzberg, Tricia. “Volunteering Good for Your Health-Charity.” BellaOnline – The Voice of Women. Web. 28 Aug 2010, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art41905.asp.