Volunteers vote for better communities with their time

A few weeks ago, during the annual Socorro Chile Harvest Triathlon, I couldn’t help but notice the enthusiasm of our local volunteers. They cheered us on, offered water and rushed to help with any need.

Later that day, I realized something obvious but somehow it hit me differently: nearly every enjoyable event I participate in would not be possible without the selfless efforts of volunteers.

In emails, brief conversations, and on long drives, all the things that trouble us in our country and in our communities are bound to surface. Volunteers recognize that they may not be able to save the whole world but they don’t give up in having a vision.

I started to really think about what our communities would look like without volunteers.

On a national level, it can feel like your vote is just a drop in the bucket, and which is why I’ve always been a big believer in voting with your dollar. Do I want a cafe, farmer’s market and a gas station in my village? Absolutely. I also want burro races, triathlons and ultramarathons in Socorro County. I want events, parades, live music and rodeos. I want libraries, wildlife sanctuaries, open spaces and everyone to have access to spaying and neutering for their pets. I also want summer reading programs for kids and a community that supports veterans and seniors. It’s not just investing dollars in your community, it’s also individual focus and energy.

I’ll never forget my first time as a reporter covering a city meeting for The Guadalupe County Communicator. The meeting quickly turned chaotic, featuring a new mayor unfamiliar with Robert’s Rules of Order, a frustrated councilor, and a divided vote on renewing the contract for a contentious city attorney. I had never heard the phrase “point of order” yelled so many times in succession before or since. As I watched a police officer move between the lawyer and the councilor, I thought to myself, “This is not for me.”

When I told my editor the next day, he just gave a hardy laugh and expressed disappointment that he had missed it.

Since that first meeting eight years ago, and after hundreds of hours spent in public meetings, I have developed a deep respect for those who serve in local leadership positions. Although I may not always agree with their decisions, at risk of sounding naive, most people in these roles genuinely have good intentions. At the core, I’ve noticed that they often share the same goals; the argument is in the path of achieving the goals.

Right now our neighbors, family and friends are considering whether to enter the realm of local politics. While most positions offer some monetary benefits, individuals often end up volunteering a lot of their time on top of sacrificing their private lives and personal goals to serve others. It is a significant and noble decision to step forward in hopes of being elected as a public servant. Transitioning from a regular citizen to someone accountable to the public is a substantial shift. It’s not always pretty, and there’s rarely a time without a bit of drama. Add a layer of social media to it all, and it can get out of hand.

But it’s all worth it because when local governments, businesses and communities come together to support the greater good is when you see the magic happen.

What I really want to express is my gratitude for all the volunteers who sacrifice their time for holding on to the vision of a happy and healthy community. I’d hate to imagine what our communities would look like without you.