After completing my training in journalism and photography, and following stints as a childminder and hardware store employee, I landed at the editorial office of a regional newspaper. One of the joys of regional journalism is diving deep into local stories that might seem minor nationally but hold immense significance in our communities—think interviews with youth club volunteers, recipients of royal honors, or those with extraordinary hobbies and collections. I worked full-time there for nearly three years, took a break, and now contribute as a freelancer.
I regularly interview volunteers who've organized multi-day evening events for years, raised funds through benefit concerts for cancer research, coached kids' football teams every Wednesday, staffed schools for decades, managed local swimming pools, or simply shared coffee with isolated seniors. Whatever the role, I've likely covered it.
These dedicated helpers often share a trait: profound modesty about their contributions. It could be a regional quirk—in Northeast Friesland, self-praise isn't the norm—but I believe it's inherent to volunteering. They give freely because they love it and, above all, to benefit others: the beaming child scoring a goal, the senior's smile over coffee, or the relief of a cancer research donation.
I often wonder what would happen if they all stopped at once: pure chaos. While some call volunteers the 'cornerstone of society' in polished terms, the sentiment rings true, even if the phrasing feels dated. Without tens of thousands of them, the Netherlands would grind to a halt.
A well-deserved pat on the back
As a seasoned journalist who's chronicled their impact firsthand, I say volunteers deserve far more recognition. They might demur—their motivation isn't applause—but we truly can't function without them.
Thank you!
Are you a volunteer? I'd love to hear what Mamsatwork.nl readers contribute to society! On behalf of the entire team, here's a virtual pat on the back: Thank you for all you do. More information about volunteering can be found here.
