Realizing the importance of volunteerism
Chloe Hutchinson
Senior, Off-Campus
The importance of community seems particularly notable as the country celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 9-15, 2000. While this serves as a time to recognize the efforts of volunteers in bettering their communities, it also provides an opportunity to encourage volunteerism. At a place like Notre Dame, where the student body is overwhelmingly committed to service, these efforts seem misplaced. It is always important, however, to recognize the positive impact we can and do have on the South Bend community. In addition, National Volunteer Week reminds us to consider how we will incorporate volunteerism into our lives after Notre Dame.
I volunteer at the Legal Services Program of Northern Indiana, Inc. For a few hours every week, I assist with intake — helping potential clients complete applications for free legal assistance or representation. The education I have received at Legal Services definitely exceeds any experience I could have had in a DeBartolo classroom. While it is often easy to become consumed with our lives on our secluded campus, we isolate ourselves from the opportunities and lessons of the surrounding world and ignore the impact that we could have.
When I first talked to my supervisor at Legal Services, she asked what I would describe as my weakness. I told her that people often say I am too idealistic. She warned me that I might become discouraged by the situations I would encounter at Legal Services. At times I am disheartened when I hear detailed accounts of the effects of failed government benefits programs, discriminating employers, irresponsible landlords and abusive spouses. My conversations with clients inevitably end with many thanks for listening to their problem, often explaining that they have been turned away or ignored by everyone else. At these moments, I recognize the impact of the work Legal Services does. And I realize that idealism is never a weakness.
As a volunteer, I am constantly reminded of my own good fortune and I am inspired by the dedicated efforts of many to improve this community. I witness the selfless generosity of countless community and student volunteers. Finally, I am convinced of the need for us to more fully commit ourselves to the future of our communities. Only when we recognize that we are a community and not merely a collection of individual interests, can we truly work toward a promising future.
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, April 13, 2000
