“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

Anthropologist Margaret Mead knew what she was talking about. She observed cultures all over the world, and found in each of them that as human beings we are hard-wired to help each other, preserve our tribes and knit ever tighter the social fabric that binds us.  

To put it simply: we, as human beings are biologically driven to survive as individuals, and in order to do that, we need to ensure that we survive as a species because as the poet John Donne reminded us: “no man is an island.”

How does this relate to volunteering? It’s the survival of the species part.   

 Think back a few million years ago. Killing the giant woolly mammoth was a group effort – “giant” being the operative word here. So was the gathering of nuts and berries, the building and maintenance of shelter, as well as child-care and attention to the sick and elderly. Collaboration equaled survival. All through evolution, our brains reward us when we collaborate.

Science tells us that when we volunteer or do anything to help others, our brains release neurochemicals to make us feel good. That phenomenon is called a “helper’s high,” and it leads to feelings of pleasure and well being while reducing stress and negativity.  

Dopamine and serotonin are the “happiness hormones” and they flow in abundance when we are helping others. Endorphins are natural painkillers and mood elevators – also released when collaborating. And what about that “love hormone” oxytocin? Our brain floods us with it when we are volunteering. These brain rewards are self-generating, too. The more we help each other, the better we feel!

If you live in Maynard, you’re lucky to be among a wealth of volunteers who make things run: people who are invested in civic engagement, good-will and in sustaining community. The Select-Board and other town committees are all run by volunteers.  Social services, food banks, music events and other cultural celebrations: all produced by the hard work and bonhomie of volunteers. 

So, make your brain work for you by working for others. Get out and volunteer. You can read below to see all the ways your efforts will strengthen community and help you get up every morning loving the world all over again!

The Maynard Voice: start right here. Our fledgling digital newspaper needs writers, a volunteer coordinator, editors, fund-raisers, social media mavens and more. Contact us at [email protected] and be part of a rewarding volunteer start-up.

The Town of Maynard: From planning board, to finance committee, to community preservation, Maynard’s Town Committees keep our local government thriving and our services running. Add your voice and have an impact on your local government. Visit: https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/101/Boards-Committees to see how you can contribute.

The Maynard Cultural Council:  Do you love arts, science and humanities? Would you like to see even more of it all in Maynard? Then join the Maynard Cultural Council.  The Council gives annual grants for creative projects in the arts, sciences and humanities. It is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is comprised of a group of local, civic-minded and culture friendly residents.  Visit: https://townofmaynard-ma.gov/235/Cultural-Council to learn more.

Friends of the Maynard Public Library: A cultural center like no other, the Maynard Public Library feeds our souls with literature, musical events, art programs, movies and activities that expand our minds and enliven our spirits. You can volunteer for any number of programs to enrich your own intellectual life. Visit:  https://www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/friends  for more

The Maynard Cultural District: This group sponsors, plans, creates and promotes festivals, art programs and other cultural events in Maynard’s Cultural District. If you like to plan, organize, staff a friendly table, or work at community events, these and many other opportunities are yours when you volunteer for the District.  Visit: https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/319/Maynard-Cultural-District to learn more

Open Table: “More Love, Less Hunger” is Open Table’s guiding principle. You can help. Visit https://www.opentable.org/volunteer/

And there’s more: Visit these sites and organizations to see how you can do more to help yourself by helping others.

The Maynard Food Pantry
Maynard Community Chest
Boys and Girls Club of Assabet Valley
Maynard Public Schools
Maynard Family Network
Assabet Co-op Market
Domestic Violence Network
Neighbor Brigade