Volunteer Profiles
The New Americans
Halting a 50 lbs hiker’s backpack, Melena sat down at an empty bus station in Lesvos, Greece. She has just missed the last bus that would take her to the refugee camp. This will be the first, but not the only time she experienced prolonged fatigue and hunger. The next time she would endure it with the refugees she came on this very trip for. For Melena, volunteering at the refugee camps gave her life a new purpose.
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As media is widening its coverage on the plight of immigrants and refugees, an increasing number of volunteers in Utah are finding their own ways to serve. As volunteers come to know those they serve, their perception of a faceless problem transitions from news headlines into personal mission and lifelong friendships. As a result, the volunteers are coming to a realization that this kind of service requires a long-term commitment, one that may last a lifetime.
According to Gerald Brown, Utah’s State Refugee Coordinator, the number of refugees that Utah receives has recently increased since the Syrian Refugee Crisis appeared on news headlines. At the same time, reports from The Corporation for National and Community Service stated that Utah has nearly 50% of its resident involved in some form of service.
"It's not just understanding. At the foundation of everything, it's love. [Refugees and volunteers] establish a relationship based on deep friendship, love, and appreciation for each other."
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-John D. Purcell on Refugee Action Network
These volunteers began with a desire to serve and eventually reached a turning point where they needed to answer questions such as “how will I make a difference?” and especially, “how much do I want to commit myself to making a change?” As they put in the time and efforts to their individual service, the people they helped changed from projects to relationships. Building up people becomes no longer a trend, but a way of living for these individuals. These volunteers showed that making lasting changes requires a change of heart. And that change of heart sometimes starts by putting time into it first. The willingness to give of yourself; of your time, not just things, is the key to finding the drive to serve.
