Column: Don’t just stand there, do something

"Don't just stand there; do something," said at least one parent, community leader, or elder growing up. I'm sure many of us have heard this refrain numerous times throughout our lives. But that leads to the obvious question: What is there to do?

Let's meet the local social media variations. "What can I do in Lloydminster?" "Where can I go to make friends?" and we can't forget "This town is so dead" are not far behind.

The answers, which frequently end up with karaoke at numerous bars and game nights in various places, are the same almost every time.

I am new to Lloydminster, and after getting settled in, I have started to wonder what there is to do in our community. This led to a conversation between my wife and I on how we can give back.

Giving back to the community to make it a better place isn't foreign. For Boomers and many in Generation X, volunteering is almost as second nature as driving or family dinners. However, that is where it appears to have ended.

According to Statistics Canada, 65 per cent of non-profit organizations across Canada report a lack of volunteers. Given the "me first" society we seem to have devolved into, that statistic doesn't surprise me.

Excuses like being too busy, I can't afford the time, and the best one I've heard yet, "What do I get out of it?" aren't really reasons not to.

How many hours a day do you spend scrolling social media or watching Instagram and TikTok videos? What is the screen time many of us get on average daily at the end of the week? You, most likely, have time.

Volunteering can help you understand community needs, develop empathy, and increase your self-esteem. Additionally, it connects you with people who have some of the same interests. It develops social circles which is critical for mental health and fighting depression. Many of them are types where giving what you can in time and effort is all that is required. Depending on what you choose to help with, it may end up being a viable career opportunity down the road.

Is there a lot of glory that comes with giving time to organizations? No. Will you be recognized and get the same dopamine hit as you do posting about your perfect life on social media? Also, no. But, can you walk away and say you accomplished something in your community? Yes. It could be a Christmas light display, toy run, emergency response, or, yes, even helping those less fortunate, but it is something.

I can guarantee you don't have to be the next winner of the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers. In fact, your accomplishments may never be publicly recognized individually.

However, I assure you will walk away feeling better about yourself, making new friends, and knowing you left the community a bit better than when you found it.

Meanwhile, the advice most of us got while growing up probably stands true today more than ever.

Don't just stand there; do something. I have joined a volunteer organization locally. I implore you to do the same. If you want to know where to start, Google is your friend, or you can start here.

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