It was President Richard Nixon who established National Volunteer Week in 1974. His intent was to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers. Forty-one years later, we are celebrating National Volunteer Week 2015 from April 12 to 18.
Reflecting back on his years of volunteerism and volunteer leadership, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Phillip Ellis told Haylie Shipp in an interview that although there are some sacrifices made when volunteering, the good by far outweighs the bad. So eloquently put, he called it “selfish unselfishness.”
“There’s a selfish aspect to it,” he said, “because you are doing things for your own self-benefit to make your industry stronger and your family prosper.” Ellis explained that his volunteer leadership roles through the Wyoming Stock Growers and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association had also benefited him personally, ensuring that the industry was well taken care of. This means that his family is also.
It isn't all about titles. Just as important in Ellis’ mind are the numerous hours he’s spent with local groups, churches, and 4H clubs in his small community of Bear Creek Valley, Wyoming. In his own words, he’s been volunteering for well over thirty years now. The selfish act in these selfless local contributions, he explained, was making sure that those opportunities were still around for his grandchildren and their children after that.
He also touted the connections made during his volunteer time as huge assets for his personal and professional life. “Those contacts and the education and the learning you do just through having friends that you volunteer and work with are another benefit,” Ellis concluded.
© Haylie Shipp 2015
