Why Become a KVIS Volunteer?
It has been said that volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. We vote in elections about once a year but when we volunteer, we vote every day about the kind of community we choose to be. The KVIS doesn’t have employees, everything we do is done by volunteers; people like you, who freely give of their time, talents, and skills to help make the Village of Kenmore the very best it can be.
Perhaps the founders of our great nation had groups like the KVIS in mind long ago when the ideas of our democracy were being formed. Perhaps they knew then what we know now; that for a community to fulfill its great commission, to purposefully strive to improve life for themselves, then that community must give of themselves. Paul Revere knew about volunteering and is still known for it today; though a fine silversmith by trade, he is most remembered for volunteering to take a midnight ride to warn his neighbors of a pending attack. Of course, he had good reason to use his time this way, it benefited him to do so just as it benefits us to work to make life better for ourselves today. So as you consider the work you’d like to join in to help improve the Village, please remember that volunteering is part of our American being, it’s democratic, it serves us individually as it serves others, and it provides a gift for those to come.
KVIS Volunteer Work
The truth about volunteering is that it does take a couple hours away from our usual activities. But unlike the often thankless job of doing household chores or the non-productive distractions of television and video games, volunteering does have benefits. Members had this to say when asked to describe their thoughts on KVIS volunteering.
“I live here. Where I live matters.”
“How else, beside making my own home look good, can I directly help make Kenmore look better?”
“I love the people I meet that I wouldn’t have met otherwise!”
“I come out to a meeting on a freezing cold night to talk about my community -it’s worth it to me.”
“My KVIS work is important, it makes me feel good”
“I like getting together with other people who have some of the same beefs as me.”
“I’ve lived other places and can tell you that we talk about things at KVIS meetings that I’ve never talked about with people other places I’ve lived.”
“Sometimes I ask myself why I do it (volunteer for KVIS) but then remember that if I don’t, who will?”
There are many, many ways for you to volunteer your support of KVIS events, campaigns, and initiatives. Please choose all the volunteering opportunities below that interest you and don’t forget to let us know which one interests you the most. You’re welcome to try on several of our volunteering “hats” until you find the one that suits you best.
I’m interested in volunteering!
Make phone calls. Distribute flyers/brochures. Speak to Groups. Be at the KVIS table at the Farmers Market. Make deliveries. Tell my neighbors about KVIS. Tend a garden. Join in the work of a focus group – Committee. Sign up to volunteer here.
