Long,, long post...

Just wondering if people lie or perhaps even overhype their volunteerism.

Is volunteering important in your life? Now or most of your life? Starting from childhood, perhaps?

Most friends and relatives volunteer now or in the past? Regularly or just sporadically?

Maybe one never volunteered until their 20s, 30s....or elder years when they have more time.

It's okay not to ever volunteer directly... as long as have other attributes for society and are generally honest, helpful and kind to strangers or everybody?

Sure, generous financial contributions are important, but can be done simply by clicking a website once a yea. Or one can give an occasional $1 or $5 to help the needy seen approaching in public...whereas, regular volunteer shifts of 5,10, even 20 plus hours week, regularly maybe is maybe even more admirable-- whether only recently or lifelong.

But maybe volunteering is too time consuming for most, who have many other responsibilities -- which can benefit society more by attending to them, not volunteering?

Many gay males at least here in America seem to be single ... So often more time to volunteer. No excuses, right?

I never volunteered in high school many decades ago; I didn't come from a family where volunteering was performed or even discussed or encouraged Shameful parenting? I don't recall my few high school friends or even my few college friends long ago volunteering, or even talking about it.

Maybe most simply volunteer in private, no need to brag?

Some or most pro athletes and celebrities reportedly donate big sums and/or also do amazing charitable work -- but don't want cameras around or any fuss. Others seem to want the publicity. It's good either way, I suppose.

Nowadays, maybe it's expected to volunteer, maybe starting even in grade school...plus it gives something impressive to show on Instagram, and talk about with relatives at the Thanksgiving table, right?

It seems many or most high schoolers and college students volunteer in the current and recent past generation. it could be expected, or even forced.

It seems almost mandatory to list volunteer activities nowadays to get accepted to a targeted college, even a professional job! As stated, and it helps if wishing to use volunteer pictures to brag via photos in social media.

...

Are you turned off by friends, partners neighbors, and family and relatives who don't volunteer -- whether currently or hardly ever...whether financial and/or time commitments.

Maybe all they can devote is a day or two annually for a neighborhood or beach cleanup, as they're very busy inside whichever ways.

As long as one seems to care, about something, whether a small or big time or financial commitment, is what truly matters?

Not everyone can raise amazing donations while running the Boston Marathon this Monday, right? Or attend $500, even $2,000 plus fancy galas to support a cause.

I carry a few one dollar bills, intentionally, to give to an occasional homeless person who asks during my subway rides or walks in boston... maybe once or twice a week I'll give $1, but I'm elderly and low-income, so can't give more. Plus I like to have $1 on me to occasionally give to a busker in the street/Boston subway.

Sometimes I'll donate to a local college radio station, $5, maybe $15 monthly or an occasional GoFundMe that inspires, maybe only $2-$3, maybe $5 a few times a year.

I always tip $1 for takeout at most coffee shops, ice cream shops, bakeries, pizza, etc., whether it's a $3 order or $20. Sometimes $2 in the pandemic or now, but rarely that much. That could count as a kind of volunteerism, right? After all, some who volunteer do not tip at takeout, or for delivery or rideshare.

Yes, I tip 20% or so if an Uber, Lyft, Taxi, barber.

My gay barber is $27, so I give $35-$37 cash.

....

Zzzz...I know. Too long a post!

...

Last paragraph, I promise!

So, some or most who volunteer, whether financially and/or many hours weekly, don't brag? Because perhaps it's uncouth to some or most who have to hear about it?