Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Someone who goes out and saves people’s lives? Unfortunately, many of us (and I include myself here!) simply don’t have the time or the physical ability to be on the front lines of firefighting, medical emergencies or rescue teams. But that doesn’t need to stop you.

I’ve worked with the Kamloops Search & Rescue Society (KSAR). According to KSAR’s website, in 2022 their rescue teams conducted 69 searches. Their volunteers donated close to 10,000 volunteer hours, less than half of which were actually spent in the field!

Many volunteer organizations rely on a variety of positions to support the front-line workers who directly interact with the people they serve. These behind the scenes roles include administrative tasks, fundraising, marketing, and logistics, among others. They are essential for the smooth functioning and success of the organization, and they help to ensure front line workers have the resources and support they need to make their work manageable and effective.

In other words, the front-line workers wouldn’t be able to save lives without them.

Having served in a multitude of organizations, I’ve seen first hand how neglecting the support roles hampers the effectiveness of the services offered. If no one provides mental health supports to a volunteer after a distressing shift, that volunteer may not come back. If there isn’t anyone to do maintenance, life-saving equipment won’t be available when it’s needed. And so on.

I’ve also seen how a strong support system makes everything else seem that much easier. Thanks to good communications, the public learns about safety measures so there are fewer incidents. Thanks to fundraisers, organizations have the financial ability to replace or upgrade vital machinery or purchase needed supplies.

Volunteering is good for the volunteer, too.

All volunteer opportunities give you a chance to learn and grow. You can gain new skills and put your current skills to work for your community. If you’re just getting into the workforce, volunteering can provide you with work experience and references. If you’re just leaving it, it gives you a chance to learn about a new field, or use the valuable skills you already have to help society.

Volunteering can give you a greater sense of community and belonging, allowing for social interaction, networking, and new friendships. All wrapped up in the knowledge that you’re making a real difference.

As I mentioned above, KSAR and other organizations need as many volunteers working behind the scenes as they do on the front lines. This leaves a lot of room for people to contribute in significant ways other than the physically demanding and time-consuming training and work often required by the teams in the field.

And you would still be saving lives.

You can be as much of a hero by being a member of a board of directors, or interacting on social media for an organization as you can by being in a line of searchers. The one can’t work without the other.

With the new year upon us, KSAR finds itself with a few openings for key volunteer positions. Openings such as board members, membership coordinators, and public relations people are just some examples of the opportunities to contribute and be a part of the Kamloops’ vital search and rescue team. If you’re interested in learning more, check out their current listings at https://www.ksar.ca/join/.

Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Well, here’s your chance.