I just noticed that the past week was designated as National Volunteer Week. What better time of year than this to say a big “Thank You” to the many volunteers who support our Extension programming efforts? I don’t have to look far to see the volunteers who give freely of their time to help others. Just this week Joyce Esfeld, known for her bread making expertise, shared secrets to making that perfect pie crust with an enthusiastic audience. Last week, my husband, John, completed teaching the Kansans Optimizing Health workshop with me to residents in Hoisington. And twice this week several accomplished seamstresses helped young sewers gain basic sewing skills in workshop settings.
Volunteers are an important part of any active and growing community. Volunteers demonstrate to others that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change – discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, demonstrating the enduring importance of recognizing our country’s volunteers for their vital contributions. I hope you are thinking of ways you can become a volunteer; a mentor or a friend through an organization that you are active in. I know our 4-H program, locally and across the state, relies heavily on its volunteer base to lead project groups and pass on leadership skills. Churches and civic organizations have similar needs related to volunteerism.
For more information about volunteering and leadership opportunities feel free to give me a call at the Barton County Extension Office.
Donna Krug, is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu