The Beauty of Volunteering

One of the greatest joys of starting The Lighthouse charity over ten years ago has been to observe the beauty of volunteering.  I honestly stand back in wonder at the creativity, innovation, unity, and power that has emerged as people have come together out of sincere goodwill, giving their time freely towards a shared cause.

The Lighthouse charity addresses a wide range of poverty-related issues, engaging with some of the bleakest situations in our county, so it could be easy to imagine that the work would be burdensome and sad. Yet, as volunteers come together to serve and love their neighbours, there is an energy, optimism and hope that conquers the despair. It sometimes takes us by surprise, as the essence of humanity rises with such strength.

And I believe this happens distinctly because this service and love is given freely - volunteered. We’ve all observed in history - or even in our own story - those significant moments during hard times, like war or crisis, where people have resisted the urge towards self-interest and self-preservation, responding instead with a communal spirit that reaches out towards others. Acts of sacrifice, self-denial, and putting others first are not just admirable; they are surely what it means to be human: the capacity to choose this action despite the cost.

This is why our volunteers at The Lighthouse say that, when they serve on our teams, they feel part of something larger than themselves, they feel caught up in the momentum of goodwill and love, they feel fully alive. Volunteering isn’t simply an unfortunate necessity because statutory services are struggling to cope. Volunteering is a privilege and joy, an opportunity to show someone else your humanity by offering kindness, dignity and care without expecting anything in return. Which in turn, reminds them that they’re human too.

For example, our Lighthouse volunteers serving in the foodbank or debt centre meet people every day who are so crushed and downtrodden by life’s circumstances that they feel reduced to worthlessness. Yet, as and hand of practical care is reached out, it can reawaken dignity, value and hope within, reminding them that they are not invisible or just a number. They are seen, they are loved, they are a precious human.

Because I’ve seen these wonderful things happen through volunteering, I want to urge everyone to find a way to participate. In small or large ways, just get involved. Do it as an act of defiance against the forces of self-interest and independence that undermine our communities. Do it as an act of courage, stepping beyond your own comfort zone. Do it as a supreme act of being human.