Why not now? Add volunteering to your 2026 resolutions

This article reflects my thoughts on why many are noticing that towns, counties, states, and the nation are seeing less and less volunteerism. I would like to focus on Waushara County with the comments I continually hear.
Something is changing. It is deeper and far more troubling about the way the current culture has taught us to think about being involved in our immediate community. There seems to be an undeniable shift in the way people are defining freedom. Yes, freedom, but with an absence of responsibility rather than a deeper sense of purpose.
What do I mean by that? It appears there is the insistence that responsibility is a threat to a good life, rather than the very thing that gives it shape. Too many want the “freedom” of not being involved with nearly anyone. Far too many of us (me included) find it easier to slip into my phone relationship rather than engage with other humans on deeper levels, other than perhaps a passing hello. Gaming has the same effect, although I have no experience in that realm.
Do you see an increasingly encouraged behavior to delay commitments, avoid permanence, and treat responsibility to the community as a passing thought rather than an obligation? Someone else has always taken care of it, right? You just get to show up if it is worth your time.
Have you ever stopped to really look at who is volunteering in your community? After four years covering the county as a photographer and writer, my observation would be that the majority of long-term committed volunteers are over 50, many retired, and have been involved for years and even decades. Sure, they have all the time in the world, right? Look closer, many of these dedicated men and women are well over 70 now. Who is coming alongside them to carry the volunteer load?

Why do they keep helping create many of the events, programs, and opportunities many of us like to engage in or benefit from? Because they want to invest in their communities to create something that outlasts themselves. They choose to experience a type of freedom to act and accept responsibility. They want this area to succeed for generations. Many of their lives are oriented toward legacies and optimized to avoid constraints.
But so many are aging in years with physical or financial abilities. They are growing weary of trying to create engagements for their communities. Sometimes with very little recognition or, even, thanks. They long to see younger, energetic volunteers stepping up with new ideas. To pass on pride in living here.
Far too many believe life’s purpose is to remain perpetually available to experiences and upgrades. Not realizing who makes that happen. That elusive “somebody” that makes life enjoyable in Waushara County will make it happen. Why aren’t you stepping up?
At some point, we have to ask ourselves whether a life optimized only for personal freedom is actually freeing and whether avoiding sacrifice is the same thing as flourishing. Outside of a paying job, have you really worked on a project with anyone?
Deep down, most people instinctively know experiences don’t replace the slow, unglamorous volunteerism it sometimes takes. Too often, we participate in events but blindly ignore the people who worked hard for weeks or months to make it happen.
So where do we go from here? Are you ready to meet new people, give yourself to your neighbors, and maybe donate hours rather than funds? Perhaps you are more willing to help people that you have a personal connection to in your town, but where do you start?
Our county has many service clubs that provide various opportunities, such as the Lions, American Legion and Auxiliary, VFW, Rotary, Kiwanis, and 4-H. This type of group usually starts by having you become a member, then you have the freedom to select what projects you want to help with. Some are once-a-year events; others are ongoing. Monthly meetings provide an opportunity to become familiar with other members and utilize your personal abilities to address a specific need.
The county has several food banks that require only a few hours once a month. You can sort, organize, load vehicles, or perform simple maintenance. This is an easy way to ease into volunteering.
Love animals but cannot have one? No problem, the county animal shelter needs people with a love for pets to spend a few hours just helping with feeding or daily care. Perhaps you can do this on a regular basis once a month. Another easy way to get involved.
Love nature? The Ice Age Trail Alliance team helps prepare trails and introduce hikers to the county sections. Maybe you could be a greeter, photographer, or mower over the summer. They always need help with occasional chainsaw work to clear trails and people to repaint signs.
The county has many libraries and historical societies that need volunteers for occasional events. If you love history, why not share county lore with visitors or school children? You could even take photographs and update webpages.
Last but not least, you could also be a correspondent or guest writer for the Waushara Argus. When we moved here from out of state, we knew no one. Being the extrovert in our family, I contacted the paper and have been traveling in western Waushara ever since. If I had not gotten out of my comfort zone (me and my phone/laptop), I would never have met so many wonderful acquaintances, some of which have turned into dear friends.
We would not have seen so many back roads filled with peaceful rural life and nature. We have seen how much work volunteers have done to bring events and programs to our citizens. There is so much going on in Waushara County; I want to be a part of it.
I am retired, in my 60s, a bit slower than I used to be, and I say, “Can you repeat that sometimes,” which is not going to stop me from being involved. This is where I live, and I want others to enjoy it too. I want to give, not just take.
Why not you? Why not now? You have something to give back to your neighbors. The county has much for you to explore. There are new friends waiting to meet you. The first step is yours.