Platform Statement
Name: Richelle Harris Title:
C.E.O.: Community Enrichment Opportunities In light of the current economic condition, it seems that volunteerism has been overshadowed by our need to prepare for future uncertainties. But, if we all take a moment to reflect on hardships of the past, we will find that volunteers have been a steady force on the road to recovery. For example, volunteers provide emergency services in the wake of natural disasters. I plan the spread the message that volunteerism provides an economic benefit to the community, enriches our daily lives through interaction, and creates an opportunity to use our talents to better our environment.
Community Economic Benefits
As budgets tighten, the community should not become a reflection of the saying, “you get what you pay for”. With help from volunteers, projects can progress without government or private capital. It is estimated that an hour of volunteering has a market value ranging from $18 - $500 an hour depending on the skill set of the individuals. Thus, volunteerism greatly contributes to the overall economic output of the community, county, state, and country without creating addition spending. Social Enrichment
Volunteerism unites communities by creating public trust. While promoting social harmony, it also adds value to the services provided. Furthermore, volunteerism creates public participation in non-profit and government decision making process and allows individuals to gain a first-hand experience in answering social concerns.
Individual Opportunity
For young adults, volunteerism provides work experience, scholarship opportunities, and a chance to acquire new skills. But most importantly, volunteerism creates a sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction within each volunteer. To volunteer is to give freely of oneself and experience the reward that is personal growth. I have experienced the benefits of volunteerism first hand. I began to regularly volunteer during my freshman year of high school as a way to prepare for college. But, I soon realized that volunteering could open many more doors. I was able to travel, meet people of high esteem, and position myself with others who shared interest in my goals and aspirations. Now, as a Girl Scout Leader, I am able to teach the importance of volunteering to the girls within my troop. Through partnership with the Saguaro Girl Scout Council, I have also had the opportunity to reach out to young ladies who don’t respond to the traditional “troop” setting but could still benefit from the Girl Scout message and volunteer activities.
Volunteerism is not a new concept. It simply has just slipped down on the list of importance. The Miss America Organization is all about bring important topics to the forefront and I truly believe that volunteerism is just as important today as it has ever been. I hope to spread the message that volunteering is not an inconvenient act that must be force into our already tight schedules. Instead I propose that everyone experience the power of one hour. If I can encourage 24 people to volunteer one hour a week, then that would be 24 hours of positive impact. By giving a little, we can all gain a lot.