The Spring Mountains ECHO

VOLUNTARISM: How can I make a difference?

By Jack Borden

TIME * MONEY * EFFORT ! ! These are the three essentials of Voluntarism ... and no combination of any of them is so small that it doesn't make a difference.

A VOLUNTEER can be defined as any individual who freely elects, by choice and with purpose, a gratis willingness to enter into or offer himself for any service.

Within the Las Vegas Valley there exist many splendid examples of the three categories of Voluntarism:
   - Individual
   - Group
   - Corporate

Each of us is not limited to any one of these categories and many of us already enjoy being part of a combination of them.

Historically, our political planet has been comprised of (A) the private sector, that part of an economy which is free of direct government control, and (B) the public sector, that part of an economy, industry, etc., that is controlled by the government, The United States is unique in that, for more than 150 years, it is one of few nations which can claim a third sector: (C) VOLUNTARISM, in which the greatest strength of America lies on individual and collective efforts to improve our communities and our nation.

Particularly now, with state and federal governments bogged for lack of financing, the NEED for volunteers is at its greatest.

There are two types of volunteers: 1) Active - those who are engaged in physical activity, and 2) Passive - those who are engaged in physically less strenuous activity, but no less important, such as paper work and/or organizing. A volunteer is free to select his/her own forte. Individual initiative and independence are of supreme importance. We can needle and cajole, but voluntarism must come from the heart, with a desire to help improve a given circumstance.

By volunteering through our partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we can make a permanent mark on our Community by serving people, and on our Environment by caring for our land.

Las Vegas is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States and the impact upon our forests by residents and tourists is growing with it. Our once pristine mountains are endangered by vandalism, human-caused forest fires, litter, destruction of private property and just general overuse.

Now, more than ever before, the SMA needs you. By actively or passively volunteering 1 or 2 or more hours a month in the Spring Mountains Association . . . . .

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

John O'Donnell and Dale Morrison received their training as Kyle Canyon Visitor's Center Volunteers, conducted by Jack Borden, the SMA Volunteer Coordinator. Being a Visitor's Center Volunteer is a fun and rewarding way to spend the day, high above the noise and confusion of the city, and it is your chance to give something back to the Mountain. Please call Jack at 642-9144 and become a volunteer today! We'll all be glad you did.