Volunteerism Is the Backbone of Community. Here's How to Start

Opinion PieceThe Townie is an opinion website. The views expressed in this piece belong solely to the author, and do not represent those held by The Townie.

Each day brings countless acts of inhumanity in a tense and challenging world. One antidote—or at least a breather—is the very human act of volunteerism: freely offering time, energy, and skills to help others or support a cause without expecting payment. Where would any community, especially Newburyport, be without the selfless willingness of people helping others with no agenda?

Nationally, volunteerism is rebounding: 75.7 million Americans (28.3% of those 16 and older) now formally volunteer with organizations—a significant recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Collectively, they contribute 5 billion hours of service, valued at over $167 billion.

Without committed citizens in Newburyport, there would be no Yankee Homecoming, annual Garden and Holiday House Tours, among other community staple events throughout the year, or, more immediately, the upcoming Newburyport Documentary Film Festival.

I began volunteering in New York City before moving to Newburyport nine years ago, spending four to five years in the kitchen at God’s Love We Deliver, preparing meals for clients. Founded in 1985 during the AIDS pandemic, the organization provides medically tailored meals and nutrition care at no cost to people with life-altering illnesses. At the time, my partner was in the late stages of AIDS, and I was working long hours as Communications Director at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Jonathan couldn’t cook for himself, so each day a GLWD volunteer brought him lunch and dinner, ensuring he had healthy meals when I couldn’t be home. Two decades later, I joined GLWD and, with it, the added benefit of developing a new community of friends.

In 2017, I left New York and moved to this seaside town. I now volunteer as “mail boy” at AJH two days a week and serve on the Public Art Committee. My most time-consuming and rewarding role, though, is helping organize the annual Documentary Film Festival. Alongside my cohort and George Araneo, I curate the YES Award—Young Emerging Filmmakers Showcase—supporting the next generation of documentarians. In addition to our core steering committee and board members, over 50 seasonal volunteers make the festival possible.

One standout is Popcorn Patty (Sharon Kennedy), familiar to many Newburyport residents. She tirelessly attends every Festival event in her signature popcorn box couture costume and shocking red fright wig, always with an infectious smile, helping spread the word and encourage people to attend a documentary screening. In fact, Sharon has inspired an entire ‘flock’ of other Popcorn Patties now numbering 8 in total.

Sharon is just one example of how to contribute. While we can’t all be a local personality, there are multiple ‘points of entry’ for people of any age. If you’re interested in volunteering in our community, here’s how to start:

• Estimate how many hours per week you can commit to one or more organizations. A few hours – up to double digits – it doesn’t matter; every hour counts.
• Identify a subject or cause you’re passionate about, then research local nonprofits that match your interests. Topics range from environmental and health and human services to the arts/culture, etc.
• Keep an open mind. Take pride in every accomplishment, no matter how simple—your efforts make a difference.

Besides the personal satisfaction of volunteering, you may also make new friends—people you might not otherwise meet. By engaging with others, you help counter inhumanity and perform a vital act of social kindness and personal enrichment. And if you’re like me, it helps you sleep a little better at night.

Here are some websites to help begin, perhaps, a new chapter in your daily life:

https://www.newburyportchamber.org/volunteers/
https://www.samaritanscout.org/search?location=Newburyport%2C+MA&distance=20
https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/council-on-aging/pages/volunteer-opportunities