VOLUNTEERING SPECIAL
Involuntary Volunteering
Or How I Was Raised to Always Get Involved
By Stephanie Matlock Allen Currents co-editor & AWCH communications chair
My earliest volunteer experience began around age eight , when I would spend summers toiling on political campaigns at the behest of my mother , who worked for a local US congressman . My siblings and I called it “ involuntary volunteering ,” but the supply of free snacks kept us coming back .
Somewhere in those innumerable hours spent stuffing envelopes and delivering flyers doorto-door , I accidentally learned a lot about community , public service , government , and the value of making connections . I was often inspired by the passionate volunteers who were there voluntarily !
Those lessons in community organizing and volunteerism stuck . As a young adult , I found myself saying “ yes ” to all sorts of interesting experiences . In Oregon , I co-founded a “ friends of the farmers market ” group . We signed up members and organized farm tours , canning classes , book exchanges , and fundraisers . We switched the entire market to a “ zero waste zone ,” eliminating disposable plates and utensils at the food booths .
I replied to a newspaper article where a neighbor sought help publishing a printed newsletter and a website showcasing the history of our town . At age 25 , I found myself drinking tea in the parlor of a spritely and tech-savvy 80-year-old woman who became a lifelong friend , collaborator , and mentor . We launched lots of new projects together , and she showed me the value of building a stronger community . We still talk often .
One of my more unique volunteering experiences was directing a TV show at a public-access
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20 Special Theme : Volunteering