According to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits of volunteering can range from reduced stress levels, a boost in self-esteem, and improved mental health, to lower blood pressure and an overall better quality of life. Life is a wonderful journey, and you never know where it will take you. Volunteering can help you be more than a passive traveler.

There can be many reasons for someone to volunteer. Volunteering for a cause can give a renewed sense of purpose to the newly retired. Volunteering can help students gain experience in skill sets that many employers want. Volunteering also helps people between jobs create new personal connections. People plan and actively build skills to enhance their professional lives.

Websites like VolunteerMatch and FoundationList have created a pathway to connect highly qualified individuals to opportunities they are passionate about. These sites connect millions of people looking to give their time and talents to take advantage of the benefits of volunteering that really don’t know where to begin.

So how do Colorado Elks Lodges tap into this stream of potential members? We must be willing to adapt to causes that potential members are interested in. Elks leadership should be open to building partnerships in our communities. Our Lodges need to be visible and seen as a place where someone can volunteer.

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! – Dr. Suess

Committee Chairs: Please inform me of your intentions for the new year beginning at the state convention. Budget request should be forwarded to the Secretary before July 1, 2023, so the 2023-24 draft can be completed before the annual budget meeting in August.