Volunteer Poems:
Bringing the Message Home

Like the sayings on my volunteer quotes page, these volunteer poems seek to express the incredible value of volunteer work to both the volunteers and the people who they serve.

Volunteers are richly rewarded and generously acknowledged within their paid jobs, careers and other parts of their lives for their volunteer work, which they include on their resumes.

The first volunteer appreciation poem is what radio host Bernard Meltzer called "My Golden Rule":

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all times you can
To all the people you can
As long as you can.

Next, poet Alexander Pope wrote this volunteer poem called "The Universal Prayer" in 1738.

It clearly expresses the “giving, then receiving” nature of volunteering:

Teach me to feel another's woe,
To hide the fault I see;
That mercy I to others show,
That mercy show to me.

Philosopher Lao Tzu offers some similar advice:

Learn to lead in a nourishing manner.
Learn to lead without being possessive.
Learn to be helpful without taking the credit.
Learn to lead without coercion.

Mother Teresa offers that,

Love cannot remain by itself -- it has no meaning.
Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.

Human rights activist and reverend Martin Luther King offers this encouragement for all of us to volunteer:

If I can help somebody as I pass along,
if I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
if I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,
Then my living will not be in vain.

And finishing things off are three volunteer poems from “Anonymous.” :-)

This one ...

We may not always realize that everything we do
Affects not only our lives but touches others too.

A single happy smile can always brighten up the day
For anyone who happens to be passing by your way.

And a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care
Creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand,
Every time you show a friend you understand.

Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give,
You help someone to find beauty in this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love,
And giving is the treasure that contentment is made of.

... This one ...

You Make a Difference

There are many who go the "second mile"
And greet each day's tasks with a smile;
Who spend their lives serving others
And look upon all men as brothers.

Who work for all children everywhere,
When there's a need - they are there.
Their time and talents freely dedicate
Serving in places small and great.

These are the ones we honor today
And to you we wish to say -
This world is now a better place
Because it looked upon you face.

... And finally this one ...

V aluable is the work you do
O utstanding in how you always come through
L oyal, sincere, and full of good cheer
U ntiring in your efforts throughout the year
N otable are the contributions you make
T rustworthy in every project you take
E ager to reach your every goal
E ffective in the way you fulfill your role
R eady with a smile like a shining star
S pecial and wonderful -- that's what you are!!

Volunteer Quotes from One's Who've "Been There"


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