Volunteering is easy and fun, although many get stuck wondering, “Do I have the needed skills? Who could use me? What about over committing? What if I need or want time off? What if I sign up and then feel I’ve made a mistake?”

Most of us can find time to volunteer and know there are many individuals and organizations that need people just like us, with just the skills and experiences we have.

Assuming we have some time, let’s look at skills. How about assisting teachers in the classroom? They will show you how to perform administrative functions, read to children, hand out supplies, listen to kids read to you, supervise a playground. Think about checking clients into a food bank, stocking shelves, cashiering, receiving – there are on-site trainers for all of these.

Visit shut-ins that can’t get out for even socialization. Serve at your church as a greeter. Provide computer services from your home, perhaps managing data bases, etc? A neighborhood clean-up? Helping with your kids sport and academic teams? You don’t have to be the coach – keep score or do administrative or logistical things.

When I first meet those interested in volunteering, they are often unsure if they have the skills for volunteering or the passion – it just takes talking to someone who has “been there” or can answer some of their questions and show them what to do until they can function on their own. So – yes you can!

Volunteering is not only an opportunity, but a responsibility as well. What a message we can give to our children, to those around us, to those who work with us. So – yes you should!

Many will say “with work/kids, etc. I only have a little time.” Volunteering can take a little or a lot of time. A colleague of mine drives an elderly couple to church; another friend greets clients at the food bank. Both jobs take less than two hours per week. Another provides check-in services at a social service entity, from 5:30-7 p.m. once per week. Reading to kids in school can take as little as two hours per month.

So, yes you should – you are needed!

The rewards are plenty. Neighborhoods change, are cleaner and brighter. Kids read when they couldn’t before. Families are stronger. People have food and services they didn’t before. And you were part of the change. The personal satisfaction is enormous.

When I started reading to kindergarten kids, I was nervous and didn’t think I had much to offer. Now I am known as “StoryTeller” to the kids and parents as well, and the kids are excited about reading, greet me warmly and are eager to hear more about things they can find and do through reading.  Their self-image and confidence is greater, and they relate to others in a much more positive way.

Check out the following opportunities – just suggestions:

• www.pageahead.org – an organization committed to eliminating illiteracy in children.

• www.hope-link.org – an organization providing health, economic and social services to the low income.

• www.agros.org – an international organization based in Seattle focused on assisting economic and family stability in Central America.

Bill LaMarche is a 36-year Kirkland resident, retired, and active community, national and international volunteer. Bill’s prior career focused upon coaching and mentoring profit and nonprofit executives and company/organizational participants in professional development, leadership, organizational alignment and performance management – including planning for volunteer service as part of existing company/organizational culture. Submit volunteer opportunities or contact Bill at letters@kirklandreporter.com.