Generated with AI and edited by Lea Wetzel, Family Peer Supporter

April 16, 2024

Embarking on the path of peer-based work, my journey began with volunteering in groups and local recovery meetings. Guided by mentors who have walked the path of recovery themselves, I learned the importance of striking a balance between receiving peer support and giving back through volunteering. This journey has led me to immerse myself in various councils, committees, and boards, contributing my time and skills to initiatives close to my heart.

One significant volunteering opportunity emerged when I joined the local human trafficking and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) task force. Three years down the line, I found myself at the helm of the organization as its director. This experience not only allowed me to make a tangible difference in my community but also opened doors to further engagement. Presently, I serve on three Montana Department of Corrections councils, alongside continuing my voluntary involvement in other statewide and community causes.

Volunteering in the world of recovery has proven to be a profoundly impactful tool for personal growth and community contribution. Research substantiates the notion that volunteering not only enhances individual well-being but also fosters a sense of purpose and connection. For those of us in recovery, giving our time and support is deeply ingrained in our culture. Whether it's lending a hand at family gatherings, participating in community events, or championing larger causes, volunteering serves as a poignant reminder of our commitment to the greater good.

Beyond the altruistic benefits, volunteering allows me to transcend self-centeredness and engage in meaningful work that uplifts others. It serves as a constant reminder of the journey I've traveled and the support I've received along the way. By giving back, I not only express gratitude for the help I've received but also create opportunities for others to experience the transformative power of community support.

In essence, volunteering in recovery is a reciprocal act of healing and empowerment. It provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, offer support, and work towards collective well-being. As I continue on this journey of peer-based work, I am reminded of the profound impact that volunteering has had on my life and the lives of those around me. It is through acts of service and selflessness that we truly find meaning and fulfillment, both in recovery and beyond.
Volunteering is a powerful force that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It's an act of selflessness that not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of volunteers themselves. In this article, we'll delve into the facts surrounding volunteering and explore some of the best practices to make your volunteering experience impactful and fulfilling.

Volunteering is Universal: Regardless of where you are, there are opportunities to volunteer. From local community initiatives to international humanitarian organizations, there's a cause waiting for your contribution.

Diverse Benefits: Volunteering is not just about giving; it's also about receiving. Studies have shown that volunteers experience improved mental and physical health, increased happiness, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Economic Impact: The value of volunteering is enormous. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers in the United States alone contribute billions of dollars worth of service each year.

Social Cohesion: Volunteering strengthens communities by fostering social connections and empathy. It breaks down barriers and brings people from different backgrounds together to work towards a common goal.

Skill Development: Volunteering offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether it's leadership, communication, or project management skills, volunteers often acquire valuable experience that can enhance their resumes and careers.

Best Practices for Volunteering:

Identify Your Passion: Start by identifying causes that resonate with you. Whether it's environmental conservation, education, or healthcare, choose a cause that aligns with your interests and values.

Research Organizations: Once you've identified your passion, research organizations that are actively involved in addressing the issues you care about. Look for reputable and transparent organizations with a track record of making a positive impact.

Assess Your Skills: Assess your skills and strengths to determine how to contribute best. Whether it's through hands-on work, fundraising, or providing professional expertise, there's a role for everyone in volunteering.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand the time and resources you can commit to volunteering and set realistic expectations accordingly. It's better to make a consistent and sustainable commitment than to overextend yourself and burn out.

Communicate Effectively: Clear communication is essential for successful volunteering. Make sure you understand the organization's mission, goals, and expectations, and don't hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Be Reliable and Flexible: Reliability is key to building trust and making a meaningful impact as a volunteer. Be punctual, dependable, and willing to adapt to changing circumstances as needed.

Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Respect and embrace diversity in all its forms within the volunteering community. Recognize and value the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from different backgrounds.

Practice Self-Care: Volunteering can be emotionally demanding, so it's important to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when needed, seek support from fellow volunteers or professionals, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Celebrate Achievements: Take the time to celebrate achievements and milestones, both big and small. Recognize the impact of your efforts and the positive change you're making in the world.

Reflect and Learn: Reflect on your volunteering experiences and identify areas for growth and improvement. Learning from both successes and challenges will help you become a more effective and fulfilled volunteer.

Volunteering is a powerful force for good that has the potential to transform individuals and communities alike. By understanding the facts surrounding volunteering and following best practices, you can make a meaningful difference in the world while also enriching your own life. So, whether you're lending a helping hand in your local community or embarking on a global humanitarian mission, embrace the power of volunteering and let your actions inspire positive change.

by Kayla Myers, Family Peer Supporter

July 11, 2023

Throughout my life service work and volunteering were something I regularly did without a thought. I did it because I wanted to and cared deeply for human beings in general, even just having met them. I can remember volunteering was something I started doing as a young girl. My mom and I would drive from our small town to the bigger city with Wal-Mart or Payless, to buy shoes for children in our community through a non-profit that ran off donations. Or volunteering to help with children in classrooms, buying food for the homeless population, or giving clothes away that I no longer needed to someone who did. I became a Big Brother Big Sister when I was going to college. I was paired with a little boy who was a 1st grader who had experienced a lot of traumas at a young age. I remember at my age then, going to do something out of the “fun” college realm, felt like a chore. Not hanging out with him though. I always made sure I showed up to our Friday hangout at school, because I knew that I was one of the few adults in his life who did. And every time he saw me, he took a deep breath, a smile would emerge on his face, and he never stopped talking to update me on the week. I knew how much it meant to him. From then on, I truly understood the impact of how doing something for those who need someone to care about them so they don’t lose faith that people still can. This makes the difference, even when it doesn’t feel like you are making a difference at the time.

Now in my 30’s, after everything that has happened in my life, and the work I have done to overcome it all, I understand this concept more than ever. I say this thing a lot when I explain myself to people and some may take it as a weakness and maybe some respect my realness. I guess it’s truly the only way I know how to best explain my purpose on this earth. I say, “I am not great at a lot of things. I’m mediocre to say the least. Most people are great at something. For example, some are artistic, others are sport prodigies, etc.  I am good at people.” I can get people to open to me because I make them feel safe in my presence. No matter who they are, their age, or what walk of life they come from. It is something I can always remember being natural for me to do, or people gave me feedback on. Communicating and connecting with humans as they are, that’s my gift and I am great at it! What I have learned and believe now, the pain and heartache I have endured during my life, it wasn’t for nothing. And while I never wanted my story to define me or be my identity, it is. I had a choice awhile back, let the hurt hold me prisoner, or use the hurt to break out of the cage I let myself stay in far too long. And now I choose to help nurture others while they find the courage to do the same for themselves.

All in all, what I am trying to say, is give back to others. I know it can be hard to give more of yourself when a lot has been taken, but I can promise from experience, it is just a mindset adjustment. Service work and volunteering your time is healing and when you give to others without the expectation that they won’t need to do anything for you in return. This way, without the expectations held to the idea of serving others, it’s simply something I am going to do because I want too. I feel better after every time I do, it is a gift I am giving by choice without an expectation attached to it, and it is healing the parts of me I needed. Be the person to others, as you wished you had when you needed someone the most. That is what life is truly about in my opinion. Not objects, things, or accomplishments, but how do I feel at the end of every day? If that answer is anywhere close to fulfilled, you are doing it right.

by Mandy Nunes, Assistant Director

July 4, 2023

Service work and volunteering hold a profound place in the hearts of individuals in substance use and mental health recovery. As someone who has embarked on a personal journey of recovery for the past 7.5 years, I have come to appreciate the transformative power of giving back. Though many people in substance use recovery will see service work and volunteering through the lens of 12-step programs, there is purpose and value in volunteering outside of the 12-step communities too, especially for those on a different recovery pathway.

1. Finding Purpose and Meaning:

When we are trapped in the depths of addiction or struggling with mental health challenges, it is common to feel lost and disconnected. Engaging in service work or volunteering provides a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our personal struggles. Through helping others, we discover that our experiences, strengths, and vulnerabilities can be utilized to make a positive impact in someone else's life.

2. Building a Supportive Community:

One of the key aspects of recovery is the need for a supportive network. Service work and volunteering offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of addiction and mental health. It creates a sense of belonging and cultivates relationships built on empathy, compassion, and shared experiences. Being surrounded by individuals who are committed to helping others reinforces our own recovery journey and provides an invaluable support system.

3. Enhancing Self-Esteem and Self-Worth:

Recovery often involves rebuilding our shattered sense of self. Engaging in service work allows us to witness our own capacity for making a difference. As we see the positive impact of our actions, our self-esteem and self-worth grow. Volunteering helps us recognize our inherent value and the potential we hold to contribute meaningfully to society. It reminds us that we are not defined by our past but by the choices we make in the present.

4. Developing New Skills and Abilities:

Service work presents a unique opportunity for personal growth. As we volunteer, we acquire new skills and refine existing ones. Whether it's developing effective communication, problem-solving, or leadership skills, each experience offers a chance to learn and grow. These skills not only enhance our ability to serve others but also become valuable assets in our personal and professional lives.

5. Gaining Perspective and Gratitude:

Engaging in service work allows us to step outside of our own challenges and gain perspective. Witnessing the struggles and triumphs of others reminds us of the progress we have made in our own recovery. It instills gratitude for the opportunities and support we have received along the way. Service work acts as a humbling reminder that we are not alone in our journey and that our experiences can be a source of inspiration and hope for others.

6. Breaking the Cycle of Stigma:

Substance use and mental health conditions are often stigmatized, leading to isolation and shame. Through service work, we become advocates for change, breaking the cycle of stigma by openly sharing our stories and educating others. By challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding, we contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society.

7. Sustaining Long-Term Recovery:

Service work and volunteering may not be just a temporary commitment; it can become a lifelong practice. By continuously engaging in acts of service and volunteering, we reinforce the values and principles that underpin our recovery. It provides a sense of accountability and reminds us of the importance of giving back even as we maintain our own wellness.

Recovery happens via many pathways; no 2 journeys are exactly alike. Service work and volunteering may also vary. Here are some ways one can volunteer:

• Chairing a 12-step meeting
• Being on a board or committee
• Volunteer peer coaching work for an agency
• Joining an advocacy group
• Donating your time to help at a church function
• Helping a friend in recovery move
• Joining a consumer advisory council
• Volunteer mentoring
• Sharing your recovery story on a podcast or at an event
• Volunteering for the Red Cross or other humanitarian organizations
• Being a volunteer firefighter or EMT
• Babysitting for a friend so she can have some time for self-care
• Volunteering at an animal shelter.

Service work and volunteering hold immeasurable value for individuals in substance use and mental health recovery while also making a difference in the lives of others and our communities. Giving back has enriched my life as a woman in long-term recovery, and I hope you each find your own rewarding way to be of service.

by  Beth Ayers, Family Peer Support Lead

July 4, 2023

I have always enjoyed volunteering and service work. In Girl Scouts, they were called service projects. I can remember doing clean up projects and singing at retirement homes. As kids, those of us in the neighborhood would pick up trash around a nearby church. I had a reading “grandma” in 5^th grade who I continued to visit for many years after. I also volunteered as a Candy Striper at the hospital delivering mail and flowers. As an adult I learned the importance of service work to my recovery, whether that was opening and closing a meeting, sponsoring others, or being the treasurer for a group. When our kids were little, we would volunteer as a family. Our favorite was volunteering with Family Promise, a local organization that provides housing to families through local churches. We would get to eat dinner with the families in the program and the kids would play afterwards. There were lots of things I loved about it: 1) My kids got to learn about homelessness in a way they could relate with, 2) They got to see that kids without homes or a lot of possessions were the same as them, and 3) It taught them to be grateful for what they had and share with others who have less. My son, in fact, at 4 years old held a free garage sale where everything was free for everyone. Any money that was donated he gave to Family Promise. This turned into a yearly family tradition which grew beyond our wildest dreams.

But I think where volunteering, service work, or helping others has made the biggest impact in my life is when our family was struggling with the affects of mental illness. As a parent, I put in countless hours and endless energy into getting services for our child. Not to mention the emotional toll it took on me. It is so hard to see my children sick or struggling or sad. And parenting was extremely difficult for me, partly because I didn’t feel confident in myself and my parenting, and partly because I was parenting children who had struggles and behaviors that I didn’t understand. But during that period of my life, helping others became so important. Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t volunteer lady of the year by any means. Most days I couldn’t even think about what to feed my family for dinner, let alone how to help someone else. But occasionally, an opportunity to serve came that I could participate in. And what I found was that helping others got me out of myself. It gave me a different perspective. It helped me see the good things in my life amidst the hard stuff. It caused me to be grateful for all the things that can get overshadowed by illness and conflict. Serving others connected me to people. Raising a child with a behavioral health challenge or any special healthcare need can be isolating and lonely. I found it hard to relate to other families with kids the same age. My world felt so different from theirs. Helping others reminded me of all the thoughtful acts of kindness others showed me and my family. Volunteering and service work brought me joy and gave me as much as I gave others, if not more. When I love others, I feel more loved. When I comfort another person, I feel comforted. When I support others, I feel more supported. And when I help others, I feel myself healing little by little.

For me, being a Family Peer Supporter does just that. It helps me heal. It gives me a purpose for the difficulties and hardships I’ve walked through. It allows me to show empathy to other families who are raising kids with behavioral health challenges and special healthcare needs. When I get to serve another person by walking beside them down a familiar, overwhelming, hard road, I feel less alone. By bringing hope into someone else’s situation, hope shines brighter in mine.