Volunteering with Tact: A Lesson from the Past

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my youth, a tale that taught me the importance of tact when volunteering. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life, and I hope it will resonate with you as well.

The Day I Learned About Tact

It was a bright, sunny day in the summer of ’65. I was a spry young lad, eager to make a difference in my community. I had signed up to volunteer at a local charity event, a soup kitchen for the less fortunate.

As I was serving soup, I noticed a man who seemed particularly down on his luck. His clothes were tattered, his face etched with lines of hardship. I felt a pang of sympathy and, in my youthful exuberance, I blurted out, “Don’t worry, things will get better for you.”

The man looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and anger. “How would you know?” he asked. “You’re just a kid.”

The Lesson

That moment was a wake-up call. I realized that while my intentions were good, my words lacked tact. I had assumed I understood his situation, but in reality, I had no idea what he was going through. I had unintentionally belittled his struggle.

From that day forward, I learned to approach volunteering with tact. To listen more than I speak. To offer help without making assumptions. To respect the dignity of those I’m helping, regardless of their circumstances.

Why Tact Matters in Volunteering

When we volunteer, we’re not just giving our time and effort. We’re also interacting with people who may be going through difficult times. Tact allows us to offer help in a way that respects their feelings and experiences.

So, my dear friends, as you go out into the world to make a difference, remember the importance of tact. It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it. And that’s a lesson worth remembering.

Until next time,

Kev