Good Karma

I think that every company should offer employees the opportunity to volunteer during work hours. I’m not talking lots of time – just a few hours a month or every couple of weeks.

I would make the argument that giving people the chance to take a break from the frenzied work day to volunteer for causes they care about will sustain a happier, more productive workforce. Individuals who volunteer their time not only improve interpersonal skills and confront new (and unique and exciting) challenges, but also grow as human beings – and then they bring all of these life experiences to the table at work. It’s a win-win situation for everybody involved.

I am lucky to now work for a company that values community service, so every month I have the privilege of continuing my involvement with The Walk-In Closet. I have been working with this group for a little more than a year, and every month I still look forward to the time I’ll get to spend with the amazing women there. It’s so easy to get bogged down by day-to-day life, to feel bored and sorry for yourself because you spend the day sitting at a desk, or because you have to get up early, or because it’s cold outside. But each time I walk into the doors of the Walk-In Closet and interact one-on-one with a woman who is trying to change her life for the better, I’m reminded of how lucky I am.

In the face of huge adversity, whether it be conquering cancer, healing an addiction or escaping an abusive situation, almost every woman I work with comes in looking for a fresh start - willing to work hard and fight for a positive outlook on life against all odds. I love this – I love seeing this resilience and often wonder if I pull more inspiration from them than they do from me!

I will be curious to re-examine the corporate mentality toward volunteering once I return to the US - I find that community involvement is a huge part of life in Canada (or at least in our little region that we've grown to know and love!) I supoose it goes back to that more "socialistic" mentality. Even though Alberta is the most conservative of the Canadian provinces, it is still more liberal than most parts of the United States, and there is a strong sentiment toward taking care of your own. Cheers to that, and let's hope the attitude spreads!