Finding Hope Through Volunteering

At nineteen, I am part of a generation that has had to come to terms with the fact that the world can be an ugly, broken place. Growing up in a golden age of technology and communication, we received the benefits of innovation at the price of our naivety and optimism. We could hear news from anywhere instantaneously, but so much of it was bad, and it kept getting worse. We were handed a bleak image of not only our planet but of each other. Volunteering for Mutual Ground has begun to show me a better side of the world and the people in it.

From the very first time that I volunteered at Mutual Ground, I felt welcomed into a community full of passion, warmth, and purpose. I remember how positive the environment was as I and other volunteers put together the final details for the Shine Gala, and that sense of positivity has continued through all of my experiences at Mutual Ground. There is a common cause that brings all of us together — volunteers, donors, and staff alike — and it makes our community stronger, providing a baseline source of comradery and connection.

In a world where selfishness seems all too prevalent, volunteering continuously exposes me to the selflessness of others. Whether it’s helping with a donation or seeing the generosity of my colleagues, I consistently witness acts of empathy and kindness that are testaments to all of the goodness that exists in people. Because of this, I leave each day at Mutual Ground with a more positive outlook and more energy to resist the overwhelming tides of bad news.

I firmly believe that volunteering at Mutual Ground is more than just an opportunity to help others, although the impact of our work is still incredibly important. It can also be a remedy for the persistent negativity around us. Volunteering allows you to discover a world that often goes unnoticed — a world filled with kindness, resilience, and positive change. And the more of us that believe in that world, the more of us that work to support and expand that world, the greater it will become.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Mutual Ground, visit our Volunteer page or fill out our Interest Form.

Written by
Rebecca Anderson
Intern at Mutual Ground