CITY NOTES … Charles City needs to fill the gap in volunteer leaders
By Mark Wicks, Community Development Director
Once upon a time, in a community very much like Charles City (Ok, it was Charles City), there was a vast wealth that was shared with everyone. That wealth was in the form of volunteer leadership … of time, skills and expertise donated back to the community by individuals not only willing to lend a hand, but help lead the way to a better place to live, work and play.
They did this during a time of hardship and uncertainty in their town, when the chips were down following the closing of its long-time tractor plant.
As a result of their volunteerism and leadership, Charles City survived and learned to thrive again. Things got better, because volunteers helped get things done.
In fact, Charles City became a showcase example of innovative ideas and community betterment. We continue to lead all 52 Main Street Iowa communities in the total number of volunteer hours donated over the years.
On the Chamber of Commerce side of things, volunteer leaders helped turn the annual Fourth of July holiday celebration into something special that now attracts visitors from all over. Business leaders gathered to figure out ways to enhance and promote the retail sector. The Charles City Area Development Corp. leaders took a chance on spec buildings and saw it pay off with the filling in of a new industrial park.
Volunteers are critical to the overall success of a community because they can help get things done that otherwise might not, as well as bring new ideas to the table. We have been blessed in this town to have had such a large number and variety of volunteers, and we are so appreciative of that.
We just recently held a Volunteer Recognition Event to honor and say thank you to some of our top volunteers. That recognition was well deserved.
However, there is a disturbing trend developing when it comes to volunteerism. The number of new people stepping forward to volunteer their time has been shrinking over the last few years. We continue to see the same people involved and carrying the volunteer load. That is not only unfair to them, but can result in burnout.
Moreover, the number of new volunteers willing to take one step further and serve in a leadership role is declining at a shocking rate. Whether that be as a group leader, committee chair or board officer, it seems as though it is getting harder and harder to find someone willing to help lead.
I think part of the problem is we have had such tremendous volunteer leaders in the past who did so much for so long. We kind of got lazy and complacent as a result, leaning on those wonderful folks too much and not continually cultivating the next generation of leaders.
As a result, when the long-time leaders are ready to step, down, it is more and more difficult to find someone ready to step up to replace them.
Without a peer leader, volunteer groups can drift aimlessly. Worse yet, the group may lose volunteers without that encouraging peer support and guidance.
Leadership comes in many forms and can be as subtle as an encouraging call or comment. Organization, enthusiasm and the ability to listen to others are all great leadership traits as well.
Perhaps the biggest one, though, is to just lead by example. Step up, even in the smallest way, and it can inspire others to do the same.
I know I was inspired to do more at the Volunteer Recognition Event just listening to what those honorees do — and almost every one of them will tell you what they do is no big deal. Yet it is a big deal in the overall scheme of things.
I believe we still have a wealth of volunteer talent in our community. We just need to tap into a new vein to keep things going in the right direction. Potential leadership starts with just getting involved.
See what other volunteer leaders do and bring to the table, think about how you could put your own spin on that, then consider giving it a try. It costs you nothing, but the rewards of leadership can be of great benefit, in terms of personal growth and career-wise, as well as to your community. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people and be introduced to new adventures.
Think about it and contact Community Revitalization or the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce to learn more about volunteer and leadership opportunities. Call 641-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber. com. Are you ready to step up? Your community needs you!
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Speaking of volunteer opportunities, Community Revitalization is looking for someone(s) to help out as Saturday market manager for Farmer’s Market between early May and mid October. Tasks are few and easy, it’s a great way to socialize and meet new people, and only requires about four hours in the morning. We are looking for friendly and reliable folks to help fill this community role. Use the contact information above to learn more!
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