Just before the holidays, I saw the following in Forbes:
Recent research conducted by Washington, D.C.-based Corporation for National & Community Service reveals that charitable work literally makes the heart grow stronger. Individuals with coronary artery disease who participate in volunteer activities after suffering a heart attack report a reduction in despair and depression, and that, in turn, rives down mortality and adds years to life. It's also true that those who volunteer have fewer incidents of heart disease in the first place. [...] Research from the Center for Work-Life Policy shows that high-potential employees--mostly women but also a significant percentage of men--are seriously motivated by a desire to give back to the world and increasingly seek out employers that allow them to participate on company time.
It reminded me of another article I'd seen earlier this year and meant to write a post on:
Her answer to why women volunteer was simple and sweet: “We volunteer because we get back more than we give.” And then she added the kicker: “You feel better about everything because you are part of something bigger than yourself.” (website now gone)
When we upgraded the website, I posted how much Single-Sourcing does for the community. I personally participate in every single one of those efforts. I also volunteer elsewhere: I've been an officer of the SF Bay Peninsula chapter of the ACM (founded in 1957) for over a decade and an officer or committee member of two other chapters nationwide. I'm also an active member for my local STC chapter.
Other Arbortext users really do want to hear from you. We're a tight community, always have been. If you'd like an introduction, join one of the Arbortext social media communities you'll know everyone soon.