I respect highly also people that volunteer for animal centers, kids and so on. Those volunteers are an investment that is a MUST for not only the better survival of our society but as well for nurturing our true nature, compassion. Well, for moi, I do that everyday on top of being a Mister Mom, training in Martial Arts and being there for others children too.
How do I volunteer? Via my current free service, here:
I help people in the USA, and now, U.K, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada...for FREE...
Just go on:

www.infogatherer.com

I agree that we need to do our part, but it is really a special person that wants to spend their free time volunteering in some remote part of the world.

Now that is dedication!!!

To my experience volunteering is for the most part fun, and while I usually do not go out of town on my vacation and often stay home to relax I find myself volunteering at the local shelter. Also as an ex Americorps member I'm used to spending my vacation as a full time volunteer, since everytime we would get "vacation" from our tutoring sites we would concentrate on helping the community. Some memories are not as pleasent as others but in the end you feel rewarded with this unusual satisfaction.

Actually I vividly remember my last summer, which I spent painting a school with very low funds, and it was harsh! As you see summers are not friendly here where I live at with temperatures rising to 120! Nonetheless, the whole team felt extremely accomplished in the end.

That's great that you are so dedicated.  I really am impressed with the work you have done and continue to do.  I can't say that I have volunteered to the extent that you have and mostly my tiime goes to my kids school or the community somehow.  I think it would be a great thing for my boys to do one summer!!!

but not for me. If there is anything I devot my entire being into making it what it's meant to be are my vacations. Especially if I am traveling or going away to some remote place, I'll take preventative measures that won't affect the environment or others but that is my time to practice my hermitical instincts.

At least you are honest!!!  I too tend to think that will continue to keep my vacations to myself.  But my kids are another matter.  They are still learning about the world and about obtaining some work ethics.  A little hard work never hurt anyone.

I don't know about the other groups but the Boomers got Civil Rights.  They have been volunteering since, well, forever.  Their retirement is a time to totally commit to what they believe. Habitat for Humanity, Climate Change, Rowanda, AIDS relief, The Invisible Children, and on and on and on.  One somewhat younger once told me to donate your money but never your time, energy, and soul.  I have been sued, jailed, publicly humiliated, and I disagree.  Your time, energy, and soul are building blocks of a new future.  To pass this on is the only true legacy.

 

R C Chopyak

It's sad to say, but many people don't see it that way.  Unfortunately they seem to loose steam instead of getting more invigorated.  My mother-n-law volunteers at a low income shelter  and reads to the kids after school lets out.  It keeps her busy and humble.

I have always wanted to volunteer and actually did one summer when I was a teenager. And then my life got busy. What I need to do is make the time to look into volunteering and then do it.
And who's to say you can only do it on your vacation, why not any ol' time of the year?

I agree, but thats dedication when  you go and do it on vacation.  Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and it makes you feel so good about yourself.