With the dawning of a new year, many of us make resolutions – with varying degrees of detail – about things we’d like to accomplish over the next 12 months.

While there are many different stories about how people come to volunteer, certainly one reason is simply the desire, or resolution, to make a difference.

For more than three decades, volunteers – including our founders – have made significant contributions to the growth, service development and professionalism of The Center. We are fortunate to have many volunteers who have been with us for years – steadfast, dedicated and effective.

Center volunteers make a difference in so many areas. They work the front desk, assisting all those who call or come in seeking information and/or services. They serve our youth by supporting the work of the Hillcrest Youth Center, San Diego County’s only drop-in center for LGBTQ youth, or by helping to launch a cutting-edge housing project designed for LGBT and HIV-positive youth. They provide an array of support for our Senior Services and Latino/a Services programs. They do the hard work of educating San Diegans about the impact of discrimination, working to secure our equality.

Fortunately, there are also – intended and/or unintended – benefits for the volunteers themselves. Volunteering creates a feeling of belonging, a sense of ownership and pride in a job well done. Social science and medical research has long reported that volunteer work improves interpersonal and communication skills, increases job opportunities and enhances workplace performance. Volunteers often also feel a genuine sense of satisfaction from helping others, and develop new and lasting friendships through their volunteer service. Improved health and life satisfaction are also frequently reported results.

Some people wonder if our organizations really need volunteers. We do. We could not provide the scope of services and programs to our San Diego LGBT community without the meaningful work of our volunteers who bring a diverse range of skills and talents to this work. Everyone has something to offer.

Volunteers are invaluable resources for nonprofit organizations. They show us what is possible. Volunteers turn previously impossible or daunting tasks into realities. Creative, committed, thoughtful and energetic volunteers make a world of difference, not just for the organization they serve, but for all those served by that organization. For all that and more, we can never thank our volunteers enough.

If you are already a volunteer at one of our community organizations, thank you! If not, please join the ranks of some of San Diego’s finest by becoming a volunteer in 2006.

Start the New Year off right and make a resolution that will make a difference to LGBT San Diegans by resolving to volunteer. Come to a special community volunteer fair on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to find out all the ways you can help. This event is sponsored by the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council and will take place at The Center.

All types of incredible groups and organizations will be there. In addition to The Center, participants can find out how to volunteer with Mama’s Kitchen, AIDS Walk San Diego, ACLU, Being Alive, Equality California, Family Matters, Red Cross, San Diegans Against Marriage Discrimination, San Diego Democratic Club, Sushi Performing Arts, Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of San Diego and more. For more information on this special volunteer fair, contact Eddie Valtierra at (619) 692-2077 ext. 111 or at evaltierra@thecentersd.org.

Thank you for resolving to make a real difference in our community.