We at the Spiritual Naturalist Society are putting the word out that we need more hands on deck! We’d like to take a moment in today’s article to help our readers and members get a better picture of what volunteering for the Society is like. I hope you will consider it, and possibly even see participation in our spiritual community as a part of your practice…
We are so fortunate to have a team of people who volunteer some of their time to make everything the Society does possible (you will hear from many of them below). Our volunteer staff handles administration, communications, writing, art, education, podcasting, IT services, editing, publishing, networking, outreach, and more. But as much as we have going on now, there are still many areas that have yet to be covered, and more help needed in the areas we are already covering.
The volunteer staff members come from all over (we handle things as a team virtually, via email and video chat). They are people just like you! If you enjoy our articles or subscribe, or are a member, then I’m betting you find the idea of naturalistic spirituality appealing or even exciting. We believe it to be a means to make the world a better place, helping to inspire greater compassion and reason. As such, we think these efforts are worthy of our time.
But also like you, our volunteers have lives of their own. They have demands of family and the need for free time, and so on. Fortunately, volunteering for the Society is a very flexible process. Whatever amount of time you have, be it 1 hour a month, or some time each day, there is no amount that is ‘too little’ or not useful to us. The virtual nature of our coordination also makes it easy to fit in what you do for us on your schedule. Our hope is, when you volunteer with us, that it be something sustainable – meaning, something that fits comfortably in your life and is fulfilling, rather than being a burden or too much for your plate.
Here are what some of our volunteers say about why they volunteer for the Society…
“For me, volunteering is about putting legs to my spiritual practice. In order to make a difference in the world, we have to combine our efforts for the good of the planet. The Spiritual Naturalist Society allows me the ability to do just that. Here I can make a difference in the world, however small. It also helps my own spiritual practice. I recommend it to everyone.” –Jay Forrest, Technical Director
“I enjoy being part of a positive, encouraging, compassionate organization that promotes freethought, science and balanced spirituality. All of which I find difficult to find all in one place! I definitely recommend others to volunteer for the SNS society. Not only are more volunteers needed, but the SNS has so much potential for really affecting the world & people around us. The SNS team is kind, respectful and an all-around great bunch to alongside!” –Michelle LeBlanc, Community Facilitator
“Volunteering is all about being a part of something. I feel I’m making something happen, something that I care about deeply. I find I put in far more time and effort than I would at a paid job, simply because the work is meaningful. At the same time, I get to meet lots of like-minded people. I’ve also made lasting friends.The SNS staff are a good-natured bunch of laid back yet dedicated folks who are in it for the right reasons. I’m proud to be part of it all.” –Brandon Newberg, Education Director
“I volunteer for the Society, because I wish to support the unique sort of perspective it encourages that also brings together spirituality and an interest in science and philosophy that encourage them to be brought together without having to sacrifice one or the other. I feel volunteering helps me more easily by having access to many people who also volunteer to build my own spiritual naturalism and allow it hopefully to grow so others have access to it in the present and the future. I volunteer to help others as well as for some selfish reasons to engage this community of creative people, too.” –Aron Gamman, Membership Director
“I volunteer because I hope to help grow a community around spiritual naturalism. And of course, to gain experience along the way.” –Nicholas Johnson, I.T. Associate
As Brandon said, another benefit of volunteering is the wonderful friendships we have formed. We would love to hear from you, so please contact us if you’re interested in being a part of our mission!
Sincerely,
All of the staff at SNS