By: Allison Graham, Western Washington University Communications 318 student

Recessions are not fun. They are not fun for the millions of unemployed adults with families to take care of, not fun for people suffering massive pay cuts, not fun for small businesses, and especially not fun for the non-profit sector. When people in the community are lacking money, they naturally donate less to non-profit organizations than they normally would. This is why it is particularly important to spend time volunteering during a recession.

Last summer, I spent a month and a half searching for a job. After two unsuccessful interviews and over fifty applications, I finally gave up, realizing that as a college student with limited availability I was probably the last person anyone would want to hire. Reluctantly, I contacted the Snohomish County Red Cross about volunteering. Their kindness and enthusiasm about my interest really made me excited, and within a week I was an official “Special Events Intern,” working with the fundraising and development department.

My Red Cross advisor and I laid out a plan that would benefit both the organization and myself: I was gaining valuable experience in a real office setting, while also occupying myself for the three months I was out of school. During my time as an intern, I helped plan various large annual events such as Real Hero’s 2009 and Legacy of Hope. I did much of the communication between event guests and the Red Cross, while also completing small tasks to help in the efficiency of the office. Once every few weeks, I joined the staff at Red Cross Live events, where we traveled to various businesses and educated people about safety and the functions of the Red Cross. When I wasn’t helping plan events, I did other things, like organize the disaster relief vans and inventory the supplies in of them.

Looking back on my experience at the Red Cross, I know it was a better choice than working a dead-end job for two months. Sure I would have made some money to cushion my expenses this year, but I learned so much about myself and my community that wouldn’t have if I stayed home. Getting involved helped me find a direction for my life and career, and also taught me the value of volunteering. Whether we are in a recession or not, I will always try to find time to give back to my community.