“Annual Days of Caring”… The face of volunteerism in Dubuque!By Mayor Roy D. BuolLast year it was my privilege as Dubuque’s “new” mayor to be invited to greet the Leadership Dubuque Class of 2005 / 06 as it kicked off “Dubuque Days of Caring” on May 5 - 6, 2006.  That inaugural event, offered by our Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Clarke College, brought together over 200 volunteers from around our community to join local non-profit organizations for two days of volunteer labor and assistance on one-time service projects!  During last year’s greeting, I invited the Class of 2005 / 06 to continue in their leadership role to encourage the continuation and expansion of this remarkable program.  I am especially pleased to report that this year’s Leadership Dubuque Class of 2006/07 has picked up that gauntlet and is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Dubuque Days of Caring on Friday/Saturday, April 20-21!  Volunteerism is the backbone of our community.  During the inaugural State of the City Address I delivered on March 26, I spoke to this significance and shared just a few of the national recognitions Dubuque has achieved as a result of our passion about and commitment to volunteerism.

What does the face of volunteerism look like? I think Thelma Domenici describes it best: The first face of volunteerism is graciousness.  It is a state of being we invoke when communicating appreciation and warmth to people and organizations we care about!

The second face of volunteerism is kindness.  Kindness extended, received or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and well-being of everyone involved!

The third face of volunteerism is abundance.  Develop an attitude of gratitude where you recognize the unlimited source of can-do energy and ability!

The fourth face of volunteerism is love.  Love is cooperation rather than competition; it is community working together in harmony for the greater good of humanity!

The fifth and final face of volunteerism is commitment.  The promise to bind ourselves to a certain course of action until it is completed!We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave it the same way.  So we have this small window to give of our talents, our service, to make a difference, to improve our community … to change some lives.As poet Foley writes: Show me a person who spends hours in training without pay … and I’ll show you a volunteer; Show me a person where a cry for help brings split second dispatch … and I’ll show you a volunteer; Show me a person visibly moved at the strains of our National Anthem … and I’ll show you a volunteer; Show me a person who may be asked to give more than just dedication … and I’ll show you a volunteer; Show me a person who is graciously welcomed as a next-door neighbor … and I’ll show you a volunteer!

The most important resource our community has is its people … and our volunteers help to make long term changes that enhance the livability and sustainability of our community!  Join your friends and neighbors, whether for one hour or the two full days during Annual Days of Caring, April 20-21!  You can sign up right now at www.dbqdaysofcaring.org/OR attend the kickoff breakfast/registration on either/both days at the Dubuque Greyhound Park, 7 - 9 a.m. Thank you for putting YOUR face on volunteerism in Dubuque!