By Monica Jasso
“What is the best thing about El Paso?” often comes up as a topic of conversation. I’d confidently wager that most would answer with one simple yet profound truth: “the people.” There are many reasons for this — we are warm, welcoming, deeply rooted in community, friendly, resilient, and caring. It is that “care” that you will find woven deeply throughout our borderland and one way it is threaded is through volunteering.
The spirit of volunteerism is a sturdy spool of thread that binds us together, weaving compassion, strength and unity into the fabric of our beloved Paso del Norte region. During National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, 2025, we pause to celebrate the many individuals who dedicate themselves to crafting a stronger, more connected community. We pause to thank our volunteers, and I hope you will join me.
Volunteers are among us daily. They are our coaches, food drive coordinators, shelter workers, crisis responders, board of directors, youth leaders, conservationists, advocates, counselors, senior companions, neighborhood associations, gardeners, activists, animal foster caregivers and so much more. Volunteers touch our lives in immeasurable ways every day. Time and time again, volunteers have also risen to see us through our most difficult times, uplifting us in the process. Each volunteer contributes a unique thread and together, their collective efforts create a tapestry of transformation.
Apart from the priceless contributions of volunteers, the current estimated national value of each volunteer hour is $33.49, according to Independent Sector. This underscores not only the moral but also the measurable economic impact of volunteerism, making it essential to honor and fuel this spirit of service among us. Often, volunteering bridges the gaps between resources and the needs of its community. With every hour given and every act of kindness, volunteers stitch hope into our area’s identity and maintain the ties that unite us. This week, we honor the lasting impact of volunteerism.
As we move forward, let’s strengthen our fabric by offering our skills, our time and our hearts. Find an organization or a cause meaningful to you and volunteer! Bring others! Now, more than ever, volunteering can be the action that mends our frayed edges, and offers us hope, connection, and strength in return. Together, we can each contribute to a resilient and united community. National Volunteer Week reminds us to keep weaving a brighter future for generations to come.
To every volunteer across our county and beyond, to every person selflessly helping: thank you for being the weavers of service and hope. Your steadfast care inspires us to keep tending and weaving this singular tapestry that makes us uniquely El Paso.
How to get started volunteering
Reflect. Start by asking yourself, “Why do I want to volunteer?” Is it to give back to the community, develop or strengthen a skill, build connections, make an impact, or something else? Being clear about your motivations will help guide your choices. Tip: Make sure to set your time commitment level up front, whether it’s a few hours a month or more.
Stay observant: Keep an eye on what’s happening in your community. Pay attention to local events, initiatives or organizations in need of support. Take the time to research volunteer opportunities that align with your motivation to volunteer. Tip: Explore bulletin boards, community newsletters or social media groups for options.
Start small: Try volunteering with a group of friends or family for one-day events or short-term projects to get to know the organization before committing long-term. Tip: Organizations will often list their calendar of events months in advance.
Take action and follow up: Once you find an organization that interests you, familiarize yourself with their processes to become an on-going volunteer. Tip: Don’t hesitate to follow up with a polite phone call or email if needed.
Monica Jasso is volunteer coordinator for El Paso County. Email: Volunteer@epcounty.com
The post Opinion: National Volunteer Week celebrates the fabric of our community appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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