When you don't know what to do, volunteer.

 by Jamie Soltis

I was recently quite moved by an article written by long-time friend of the Guild, Francesco Pireddu. (You'll be able to read it soon in the next issue of The Eaglet.) His compassionate message about volunteering inspired me, and I told him so. "Yes," he replied, "volunteering should be on the calendar, like anything else. It’s truly enriching and powerful."

The matter-of-fact way he said this made me wonder if I could train my brain to look at the world in the same way. I never think that I have enough time to add anything extra to my calendar; yet magically, more time appears when I want to schedule, say, a Moms-Night-Out with the neighborhood delinquents. So I feel like if I reeeaaallly wanted to, I could Make Some Time.

Because I work at a nonprofit, I get to see the immense power of volunteering almost every day. I don't say that lightly. First of all, volunteers help us (the staff) physically execute tasks that need to be done: they shop for food. They carry food, multiple avenues and up the stairs to our food pantry. They fold, seal, and stamp letters. They manage humongous yard sales and organize events! They teach acting classes and get us to exercise. All in the name of supporting the arts and artists.

Secondly, being reminded that we are actually surrounded by selfless, joyful people is the medicine that can help our poor panicked brains find a sweet respite from the incomprehension of cruelty and confusion that we are witnessing these days. In my 7 years with EAG, I have yet to work with a volunteer that wasn't so happy to be donating their time to help others in need. And that happiness is contagious. 

I think that's why I especially advocate for volunteering as a way to improve our states of mind. I don't know what the purpose of life is, but if you can find a way to make yourself and others happy at the same time...I think that's a pretty good way to spend your days. 

Many of the people we serve ask about ways they can give back. This always touches me, because when they reach out to EAG, they are at one of the lowest points in their lives. I think they know something I didn't always know--that volunteering is an act of healing. Mentally and socially, for sure. But physically, too! (Carnegie Mellon performed a study that showed volunteering lowers your blood pressure.) And like therapy and medication, it's thought to be a great tool to combat depression. 

So listen--if you feel like adding volunteerism to your calendar, let us know!
There are a variety of ways to help:

PANTRY PARADES: Meet at Trader Joe's (about 5 blocks from EAG) to help us pick up and cart food back to the Actors Pantry at EAG. (in-person, 1 hour) **This is our most-needed**

MEMBER PHONE-A-THONS: Call recently-expired or soon-to-expire members to see if they would like to renew their membership in EAG. (remote, 1-2 hours)

THANK YOU TEAM: Make thank-you calls and/or mail short, hand-written cards to donors. (remote, on your own time)

EAGLET & MAILINGS: Put together EAG mailings, including The Eaglet. (in-person, 2 hours)

EVENT STAFF: Help us run our events and receptions. (in-person, usually 3-4 hours)

EAG AMPLIFIERS: Find places to list our events, leave information about our emergency services, hang posters, etc. (remote or in-person, on your own time)

BOARD SERVICE: Be considered for future service on EAG's Council, our governing body. Council meets 5x a year and members make an annual volunteer or monetary commitment to EAG.

​You can sign up for any or all of these opportunities at actorsguild.org/volunteer.

Alright. Now it's time for me to volunteer to make dinner for myself. And--and I can say this sincerely since I know who my audience is--thank you for giving so much of your self to EAG. Time is precious, and we don't take yours for granted. <3