OP-ED

December 2005

Volunteers of all types serve our communities and our state

By Kevin Brinegar

During the holiday season, many of us are inspired to "give back" to our communities by volunteering for nonprofit organizations. We might roll up our sleeves and serve lunch in a soup kitchen, stand on a windy street corner to collect coats for needy children or drive around town delivering gifts to disadvantaged families.

Without this kind of volunteer manpower, human service agencies couldn't afford to do the good work they do. By donating our time, we can play a pivotal role in our communities.

Even as we act on our holiday cheer, though, we need to remember that human service agencies are not the only organizations that rely on volunteers, and soup ladles are not the only tools volunteers can use to make a difference. Thousands of people throughout Indiana contribute to their communities every day by serving in less visible, but no less important, ways.

A few weeks ago, the Indiana Chamber was pleased to give its annual Volunteer of the Year Award to three of those people, Purdue University President Martin Jischke, MMM-Invest President and CEO Dick Miller, and AuthorHouse human resources director Christopher Schrader.

Like other Chamber volunteers, these three men make a difference by volunteering in efforts to help Indiana businesses and build the state's economy. Even as they lead their own organizations and operate their own businesses, they serve their fellow Hoosiers by donating their time and talent.

In addition to leading Purdue University to new levels of national prominence and helping it increase its contributions to the Indiana economy, Jischke has served on the Chamber's board of directors for five years, and he has contributed his expertise by serving on committees focused on economic development and building bridges between higher education and business.

Miller has presided over his growing Warsaw-based family company while chairing the Chamber's Congressional Affairs Policy Committee, participating in the Indiana Business for Responsive Government political action group and working on other government-business initiatives. Based in Bloomington, Schrader has lent his expertise to Chamber human resources initiatives for years, as well as to health-care and congressional affairs work.

By honoring these three men, we are in a sense honoring many others who volunteer in similar ways: men and women who serve on the boards of trade organizations, lead regional economic development efforts or hold local council seats. We're recognizing those who take time away from families to attend meetings, read reams of documents and participate in planning sessions and community events. And we're applauding those who lend expertise to groups, organizations and agencies that help our communities and state prosper.

If you can count yourself among those people, we're also applauding – and thanking – you. And if you can't? Well, in that case, I'm encouraging you to consider how you can put your talent and expertise to work. What local, area or statewide organization could use your leadership abilities, professional insights or personal involvement? Don't underestimate what you have to offer – simple brainpower is needed by all types of organizations. As Jischke told the Chamber upon receiving his award, "I have a responsibility, as well as a desire, to lend what I can to the larger debate."

If you, too, are feeling the urge to "give back" this holiday season, certainly consider spending some time on the front lines, delivering human service or collecting for human needs.

But also look beyond that frontline and consider how you – like Martin Jischke, Dick Miller and Christopher Schrader – might contribute your time and talent to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Hoosiers. No matter what you can do, your work will be important, and appreciated.