One thing I’ve noticed about living in Sandpoint is that it seems to be much easier for people to volunteer here than it is in other places. For such a small town, this community supports a tremendous number of non-profit organizations and has some of the most active volunteerism I’ve ever seen anywhere.
I know that when I lived in "the big city," I never volunteered for anything or took advantage of any educational opportunities. I took a few adult ed classes, but didn’t really enjoy them. Something about being here made it easier to get involved in the community. Since moving to Sandpoint, I’ve been involved with endless non-profits and educational programs.
Anyway, I’ve always wondered why it seemed so easy to get involved, almost from the moment I moved to Sandpoint. About two months after we arrived, I went to the animal shelter and adopted a puppy, which led to four years of volunteering. Although I don’t volunteer there anymore, I have since done pro-bono or discounted design work for many other non-profits around town. As for classes, my husband and I took the forestry short course the year we moved here. Later I went through the Master Gardener program. Recently I took a small business/entrepreneur course and even now I’m taking a quilting class.
Given that, by nature, I’m kind of a hermit, it amazes me how many classes and organizations I’ve been involved in since moving here. It’s not like I have more time than I did when I live in the big city. In fact, I probably have less. Yet I still feel compelled to get out and help or get out and learn.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels that way. In fact, tonight the Community Cancer Services is having a big fund-raiser. When I stopped by there a couple days ago, the CCS house was buzzing with people and activity gearing up for tonight’s big event. It’s just one more example of Sandpoint volunteerism in action. Here’s hoping that aspect of Sandpoint Life never changes.