Resolve to volunteer in 2014

Now that my 2013 term as Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce President has ended, I wanted to highlight something that I feel makes the difference between a town merely surviving and thriving. Right now our town has a very strong group of people who volunteer in multiple organizations.

Many of these people have been on the same boards and committees for years. Almost all of these people would love to share their passion and talents with new volunteers. There are several new people who have moved to our community who I believe have talents that would benefit current organizations.

I know that as a new couple to town my wife and I have met several people through different volunteer activities that we probably would not have in our daily lives. Through the simple act of volunteering some time we have made some great connections with people.

During my year as President, the Chamber put on multiple events and activities and at each of these we typically had a new volunteer put in as little as an hour. Each of these volunteers seemed to thoroughly enjoy the work as it gave them ownership in the project and they met new people.

I know that everyone is busy, myself included and there does not seem to be enough time in the week to even think about volunteering. However everyone knows someone who is involved with a project, group, organization or committee, so please ask that person if they need any help even if it is just one hour.

If you are new to town or just have not been involved for a while contact the Ritzville Chamber and see if they know of any upcoming opportunities. If you are an organization seeking volunteers please contact the Ritzville Chamber to let them know of things you need help with.

The restoration of the Ritz Theatre has been a great example of what can happen when you volunteer some time. I know that the town is going to be proud of the project when it is done and for all of the people who volunteered on that project the first movie they watch will be especially gratifying.

So take a chance in 2014 and try to get involved through volunteering!

John Kragt, Ritzville