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Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 17:22 GMT by WISH-TV🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Invest Time, Not Dollars: A Call to Community Engagement in Wisconsin
The Wishtv community page titled “Invest Time, Not Dollars” is a compelling reminder that the greatest investment one can make in a community is often the hours one contributes, rather than the money one donates. The article, written by local journalist Kelsey L. Thomas, lays out a thoughtful argument for why time is a powerful resource, showcases concrete opportunities for volunteerism in Dane County and beyond, and invites residents to join a growing movement of civic-minded citizens.
Why Time Matters
The piece opens by framing time as an “unbounded” resource—once a person gives away an hour or a weekend, that time cannot be reclaimed. The article contrasts this with the finite nature of money, which can be spent, saved, or invested in other people’s efforts. Thomas cites studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison that show volunteerism boosts mental and physical health, fosters stronger social ties, and can even increase civic participation. The article also features a quote from Councilwoman Melissa R. Hall, who says, “When you give your time, you’re sharing a part of yourself. That’s a gift that can ripple through a community for generations.”
How to Get Started
One of the strongest aspects of the article is its focus on accessibility. Instead of a generic call to action, Thomas gives readers a clear step-by-step guide to finding a volunteer opportunity that matches their interests, availability, and skill set. The article links to several resources:
VolunteerMatch – The page contains a clickable link that directs readers to VolunteerMatch.org, a national database of volunteer opportunities. Thomas explains that the website allows users to filter by location, cause, and time commitment. She also shares a personal anecdote about how she used the site to find a weekend tutoring program for high school students in the Madison area.
Food Bank of Dane County – A link to the Food Bank’s volunteer page is highlighted, showing how individuals can help sort, pack, and distribute food. Thomas notes that the Food Bank has “no cost” to volunteers, but does require a brief orientation, which can be completed online or in person.
Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin – The article references a link to Habitat’s local chapter, which offers “Build Days” where volunteers can help construct homes for families in need. Thomas includes details about the skill requirements (none required—just a willingness to work hard) and the supportive community that surrounds each build.
United Way of Dane County – The link to United Way’s volunteer page is presented as an umbrella for numerous smaller local charities. Thomas underscores that United Way aggregates volunteer opportunities and tracks hours, making it a convenient hub for people who want to support multiple causes.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Volunteer Coordinator – Readers are directed to a page where they can sign up to volunteer with state health programs, such as health fairs, vaccination drives, or community health outreach. Thomas points out that this is especially relevant in the wake of recent public health initiatives, and emphasizes that volunteers receive on-the-job training.
Local Spotlight: Community Clean‑Up Day
To illustrate the impact of collective action, the article spotlights the “Community Clean‑Up Day” scheduled for the second Saturday in May. Thomas explains that this event is organized by the Madison Parks and Recreation Department and has been running for more than a decade. Participants gather at various city parks and neighborhood streets to pick up litter, paint benches, and plant native flowers. The event is free, requires no experience, and participants are encouraged to bring a friend or family member. The article links to the event page, which includes a sign‑up form, a list of supplies needed, and a map of volunteer stations.
Testimonials and Personal Stories
Thomas includes three short testimonials from volunteers in the area. Jane, a 35‑year‑old school teacher, shares how she started volunteering at the Food Bank after her parents passed away; the experience has become a way for her to give back to the community that raised her. Mark, a retired engineer, talks about his involvement with Habitat for Humanity, noting that “every time I lift a beam, I feel like I’m building a bridge between people.” Finally, Maria, a recent college graduate, reflects on her volunteer work with United Way’s health fairs, describing how she learned new skills and made professional connections that have helped her career.
The Bigger Picture: Time vs. Money in Community Funding
The article dedicates a substantial section to discussing the role of time in the broader context of community funding. While the public often focuses on fundraising events and grants, Thomas points out that “time is the most under‑valued currency.” She cites a 2023 report from the Wisconsin State Legislature that found that communities with higher volunteer participation have lower rates of crime, improved educational outcomes, and stronger local economies. The piece stresses that volunteer hours can offset costs for nonprofits, especially those that rely heavily on charitable giving. For example, the Food Bank’s volunteers save the organization an estimated $1.2 million annually in labor costs.
Call to Action
The article concludes with a direct, actionable invitation: “Pick one of the links above, sign up for a volunteer opportunity, and invest an hour this week.” Thomas urges readers to consider their schedule and identify a cause that resonates personally. She emphasizes that even small contributions—such as 30 minutes of tutoring, a single afternoon at the food bank, or a few hours at a Habitat build—can accumulate into significant community impact over time.
Additional Resources
Readers can find further information on the Wishtv community page’s sidebar, which offers quick links to:
- Wisconsin Volunteer Guide – A downloadable PDF detailing how to start a volunteer program in your local school or library.
- Community Service Corps – A program that coordinates volunteer work across several counties, offering a structured pathway for regular volunteers.
- Local News Stories – A carousel of recent community volunteer successes, including a youth mentoring program that has helped 250 students graduate high school on time.
In sum, “Invest Time, Not Dollars” is more than a suggestion; it is a blueprint for civic engagement in Wisconsin. By providing concrete links, personal stories, and evidence of the tangible benefits of volunteerism, the article equips residents with the knowledge and motivation to turn idle hours into meaningful community contributions.
Read the Full WISH-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wishtv.com/community/invest-time-not-dollars/ ]
