This blog was supposed to be posted a week ago; but guess what? The best laid plans of The Trio were interrupted with the revival of the “clean out the garage” project. (Read our previous blog dated 11-27-11.) BTW, well before our memory chip fails again, here ist he blog titled, “One of the Twilight Moments.”

We know that these random, spur-off-the-moment thoughts sound confusing; but, they remind Me, Myself, and I of the spirit of Christmas and the importance of serving others – especially in times of need. Earlier this morning, The Trio gradually woke up with several thoughts bouncing around in their minds. These thoughts were random, and in no particular order or sequence; but Hammerhead thought they might possibly end up being another volunteer project for groups that would “hit he nail on the head,” and be of great benefit for organizations and agencies that that depend upon volunteers in order to achieve their goals and carry out their missions in a more effective, efficient, and economical manner.

Me was thinking of the quote, A difference to be a difference, must make difference. Is this something that drives volunteers and motivates them to serve others without pay?

Myself was reading the newspaper and came across Gaye LeBron’s reference to a book titled, “How to Lie With Statistics.” Eagle-Eyes wondered why the title wasn’t, “How NOT to Lie with Statistics; but, How to Demonstrate the Value of Services Provided by Volunteers.” (Dollar-wise?) Do some volunteers feel that their volunteer hours are wasted doing “this and that?” Would it be possible for students to volunteer for a research project that would document – statistically – in an accurate and non-biased manner the dollar-value of donated volunteer time. This is not to say that the “dollar-value” figures are the only way to assess or evaluate the “value” of volunteer services. Many volunteer groups enhance “human” values that far out weigh the dollar value.

Does the greater Petaluma community have any idea how many non-profit organizations use volunteers in order to fulfill their mission? I wonders how many agency have ever recorded the number of “hours” doing “what” is “worth” dollar-wise? Are their any objectives ways to determine the psychological or sociological benefits for the volunteers? What motivates volunteers to do what they do year after year?

Do any of readers think such a project is worth undertaking? Ever since The Trio moved to Petaluma almost 20 years ago, they have mingled with volunteers serving both government agencies and NGOs. Community volunteers come in all ages; they do what they do without any salary. Maybe some of the answers to the above questions will be recorded and reported in year end reports. Stay tuned.

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