Have you ever felt the need to volunteer? Without the support of volunteers, much of the work of some of our better-known organisation would never come to fruition.  When faced with a global polio outbreak, it took the dedication of over 10 million volunteers to immunise five hundred and fifty million of the world�s children; experts estimate the contribution of the volunteers at a net value of 10 billion, a figure that could not have been reached by any Government.

Closer to home, the Barbados Council for the disabled has had the support of some very dedicated volunteers. For many years they have been making a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.  The stellar contribution of these individuals, some with the support of their employers continue to be one of the pillars in which the organisation relies.  

There is a common misconception that volunteering only benefits the recipient organisation; this is far from the truth.  Individuals volunteer for a variety of reasons and the rewards are almost just as diverse as the causes that they serve.  Some choose to volunteer because it may be an issue in which they are especially interested.  They may wish to give back to their own community or simply share freely of their talent.  However, what they can get out of it goes beyond the �feel good factor� that comes from knowing that one has given selflessly. 

Volunteers can gain an opportunity to fine-tune their skills or freely explore a career path they might be considering.  Others may just need to be �needed� and thus volunteering gives them a chance to not only keep busy but to do some good while their about it.   Health expert�s advice that participation in activities that benefit others can make a significant contribution to the feeling of well-being of the volunteer.  Among the suggestions is to be a part of something that just simply helps out somebody else. 

One of the Council�s most long-standing core of volunteers is their Board of Directors. These individuals are elected from among the membership of the council�s affiliate organisations and they pledge their time to oversee the running of the Council�s operations.  During its 30 years of existence the Board has consisted of volunteers from all walks of life, all-working together in an effort to reach an objective and improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

Within recent times, the council has actively sought to widen its pool of volunteers.  It is hoped that this pool will not only represent resources from which BCD can draw, but also our affiliated organisations.  We�ve also made it easier for persons to register as a volunteer by placing the form on our website www.barbadosdisabled.org.bb which gives potential volunteers the opportunity to not only register, but to also get informed on the work in which we are engaged.

The Council encourages all persons who have a skill to share, their talent or a pair of willing hands to volunteer your time and talent.  You will never know how enriched your life could be until you volunteer.