Volunteering is Fun!!
Having been an organizer for quite a few events in the last few years, I have always looked at volunteers as somebody we can use to get things done when we cant afford to reward the hard work in cash or kind and hope that the person volunteering enjoys what he does.
I have almost forgotten what it feels like to volunteer to help for something, not take responsibility (like a title or position to do the same) and expect nothing in return for the work we do. I have always been the kind who would rather enroll in a committee, or try to be a member, leader, etc, which would atleast give me a title and make me responsible for conducting or organizing events. Most of those positions have never paid me in cash but have atleast paid in kind in the means of title, responsibility which leads to valuable experience, name and fame.
Of late, I have been just a volunteer. Plain volunteer, who does the hard work, has no title, is not really held responsible for anything at the end of it either. this made me realize that I am on the other side of the table and the same event looks a whole lot different…and sometimes more fun too.
I realized that people who volunteer usually know what they are getting into (or so I hope) and know exactly why they are volunteering….well it is all about having fun……
The whole aspect of volunteering to perform on stage for a function suppose, the practice sessions are the best part..not the final performance itself. It is very satisfying when the performance goes well and people come back and tell you they liked it. But nothing can negate the amount of fun you have when preparing and participating for the event. It is very refreshingly different from routine and adds memories to your life.
The aspect of helping organize an event for a committee is a whole different fun aspect, because then you get to meet people, socialize for a reason, be useful occupied and busy, all for no cost of responsibility 
When you do the same work as a committee member, the fun part of it drains off a little, because there are deadlines to meet, checklists to adhere to, people to answer to, etc. ofcourse cant beat the recognition you get for a good event put together, but again, I think, you compromise fun for that…
Volunteering for non profit events that benefit someone else, like the book buddies program that I and my husband signed up for is a whole different fun because in that event we get to meet 2nd grade kids, a generation that I haven’t been talking to or have been in touch with for may be 10-15 years? It is very interesting to talk to them, and almost surprising to learn how they think respond and react. It is a great learning experience , very enriching, refreshing and playful…so a whole lot fun!
So bottom line, I have realized ‘Volunteering’ is an awesome thing to do if you want to have some fun and do something different on a routine day!