“The challenge now that we have is in defining a refugee. Are we referring to an official refugee coming through organizations or is the intent to help those who are are struggling with similar things like fleeing from economic or political challenges. Utah county doesn’t have official refugees but if you expand your definition, then we have a significant amount of people to serve,” said Bill Hulterstrom, President and CEO of United Way of Utah County.

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As the CEO of United Way, Bill has had more involvement with volunteer service than most people have even come close to experiencing. His service doesn’t make him feel better than anyone else. Service is like second nature to him.

Bill got involved in service many years ago. His real focus began while he was involved with Student Government at Brigham Young University. Since that time, his desire to serve has escalated.

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Inspiration for action comes from a variety of means. Bill has always been observant of others and their needs, but also of their innate goodness. He said that it was through watching people’s good natures that he was inspired to reach out to others and make a difference.

Therein lies the one of the greatest motivations for all who serve; they have the wish to make a difference. Isn’t that the true purpose of service? It is not to receive personal recognition or receive personal benefits. People want to have an influence for good in the lives of others. There is always someone in need of help.

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Not only religious people have a desire to follow the words in the Bible that tell everyone to “love thy neighbor.” Basically, we all need to be striving to serve everyone. Bill said, “Don’t wait until someone has the official title of ‘refugee’ to love your neighbor.”

If people are trying to make a difference, they need to volunteer in a way that is most effective. Bill knows a lot about the kind of service done in Utah County and he has a hope that people will be put more thought into the type of service they give. “If [making a difference] is the most important, then it requires us to do our homework. We have to serve not only with our hearts, but with our minds. Giving too many things doesn’t help bring self reliance,” said Bill. “We want to work with groups to bring them self sufficiency. Don’t just give things. We have a lack of people who are willing to give their time on a consistent basis.”

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Time is one of the most precious of things we are given. We can never go back in time and so we cherish it and struggle giving of our time. However, the sacrifice is worth it. “When you give of yourself, your eyes will be opened to the needs of others. I have continued to work where I work because I see that there is always another challenge upcoming, and therefore always another opportunity for me to strengthen my community,” said Bill.