When I first considered volunteering seven years ago, I had no idea how profoundly it would change my life. Like many, I thought volunteering was simply about giving time to a cause. But as I’ve discovered through my work with Team Rubicon, the power of volunteering extends far beyond that initial act of service. It’s a transformative force that has reshaped my perspective, enhanced my skills, and connected me deeply to communities in need across the country.
My journey into volunteering began with a desire to make a real difference in the face of disaster. That’s when I found Team Rubicon, an organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. From day one, the impact was clear—we were helping communities rebuild after hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. But what I didn’t expect was how this experience would affect me personally.
As I continued volunteering with Team Rubicon over the years, I noticed significant changes in myself. The stress and anxiety that often plagued me began to diminish. There’s something incredibly grounding about stepping outside of your own concerns and focusing on others, especially in their darkest hours. I found a new sense of purpose and fulfillment that spilled over into other areas of my life.
Professionally, my work in Team Rubicon opened doors I never anticipated. The leadership and crisis management skills I developed caught the attention of my employers. The networking opportunities were unexpected but invaluable. I met people from all walks of life, including veterans, first responders, and civilians who shared their expertise and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
The impact on the communities we serve has been profound. As I became more involved, I saw how our volunteer efforts created a ripple effect. When we come together to address disaster-struck areas, we’re not just solving immediate problems, we’re helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. I’ve witnessed shell-shocked disaster survivors find hope, seen devastated areas transform through our clean-up efforts, and helped restore a sense of normalcy in the chaos that follows a catastrophe.
One of the most eye-opening aspects has been realizing the economic value of our volunteer work. Organizations like Team Rubicon stretch limited disaster relief budgets further thanks to volunteers. In countless towns across America, our volunteer-driven efforts have provided crucial support that local governments couldn’t otherwise afford, improving outcomes for numerous disaster-affected families.
Of course, getting started with disaster response volunteering isn’t always easy. Like many, I initially wondered if I had the right skills to contribute effectively. I’ve learned that Team Rubicon provides excellent training and that it’s okay to start small and grow into more complex roles. The camaraderie and support within the organization have made it easier to contribute, even with a busy schedule.
As I look to the future, I’m excited by the evolving landscape of disaster response volunteering. Technology is making it easier than ever to coordinate rapid responses, and the rise of skilled volunteering means we can contribute our professional expertise to disaster relief efforts. Corporate support for organizations like Team Rubicon is also on the rise, recognizing the benefits not just to communities, but to employee engagement and satisfaction.
Reflecting on my seven-year journey with Team Rubicon, I’m struck by how the act of volunteering has enriched my life in ways I never expected. It’s improved my mental and physical health, advanced my career, and given me a deep sense of connection to communities across the nation. The power of volunteering lies not just in the impact we make on others, but in how it transforms us in the process.
To anyone who has ever considered volunteering but hasn’t taken the plunge, I encourage you to give it a try. Organizations like Team Rubicon are always looking for dedicated volunteers. Start small, find a cause you care about, and be open to the experience. You might just find, as I did, that in giving your time and energy to others, you receive far more in return. The power of volunteering is real, and it’s waiting for you to discover it.
Become a Greyshirt
Want to test out Johnson’s theory on the power of volunteering? Sign up with Team Rubicon and become a Greyshirt, now.
