COMMENTARY:Throw your bread upon the waters; the virtue of volunteerism in building the beloved community

The ancient biblical wisdom from Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again,” reminds us of a timeless truth: that giving selflessly—without expectation of reward—sets in motion a ripple of kindness that will return to us in ways we cannot always foresee. In today’s world, this lesson is more urgent than ever.

As a senior at Penn State University studying Digital Media Trends & Analytics as my minor, I am constantly struck by how much of my generation is absorbed in virtual worlds. Hours are spent in video games, scrolling through social media, or living behind screens. While technology connects us in extraordinary ways, it can also isolate us, dulling our sense of shared humanity. Too many young people today are losing touch with the simple, powerful joy of helping others. We risk forgetting that we are, above all, social beings—designed to live, learn, and grow in communities.

Volunteering is a way to reconnect with ourselves and with each other. It is where we build the beloved community: a place rooted in mutual care, compassion, and justice. It is also where we begin to shape our character and refine our values. The late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., often spoke of this beloved community—one where people seek to uplift one another rather than exploit or ignore each other. Volunteerism is how we make that vision real.

At the Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian & Associates, LLC, our managing partner consistently emphasizes the principle that a life of significance is rooted in dedicated service to others. He often shares how his closest friends and lifelong allies—like Canadian Judge Dr. Irving André, Boston attorney Tony Blaize, former Dominica Association of Washington DC president Simpson Gregoire, and Rebuild Dominica leaders such as Major Francis Richards, Ladana Drigo and Reginald Vigilant, Ambassador  Curtis Ward and Dr. Claire Nelson —were people he met not in idle comfort, but through the shared labor of volunteerism. Whether with the Popular Independence Committee, the Dominica Cadet Corps, the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, or organizations such as the Red Cross and PTA, he forged bonds through action and shared purpose.

Individuals involved in drugs, crime, or dishonest activities are less likely to participate in volunteer work for meaningful causes. Those engaged in harmful or unlawful activities are rarely the ones who mentor youth at the Boys & Girls Club, support disaster relief efforts, or organize scholarship fundraisers. That’s because these acts require a higher calling—a commitment to others over self. When you volunteer, you enter a virtuous circle. You begin to surround yourself with good people, those who live with integrity and who strive to leave the world better than they found it. And in doing so, you too become one of them.

Our managing partner often mentions that even those no longer with us, such as the late cadet corps Majors, Patrick Skeete and Earle Johnson, Dr. Clayton Shillingford, and Raglan Riviere of the Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences, as well as Alessandra Benjamin of Rebuild Dominica, have left behind legacies steeped in service. Their lives were monuments to the quiet, enduring power of helping others. Their memories are honored not just in words, but in deeds.

So, to my fellow young people: get out of your comfort zone. Step away from the screen. Look around your neighborhood, your school, your place of worship, your community center. There is always someone in need. There is always something to be done. Whether you tutor a child, help clean a park, serve at a soup kitchen, or join your student government, you are not just giving your time—you are shaping your soul.

And don’t do it to be noticed. Do it because it’s right. Because in giving, you grow. Because your bread, cast upon the waters, will surely return. Not always as you expect, but always when you need it most.

Let us be the generation that chooses kindness. Let us volunteer not because we must, but because we can. In doing so, we will build a beloved community—one good deed, one helping hand, one act of courage at a time.

“Volunteerism fosters stronger communities by encouraging individuals to give their time and talents to support others. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to be intentional with how I spend my time. It helps align my actions with my values, ensuring that even the minor things I do every day are meaningful and impactful. Using my time to help someone in need shapes my perspective, preventing an overly selfish mindset, and reminds me to respect the human condition.” – Samora Christian

“While it may not be glamorous or seem extremely important, one of my more recent activities in volunteerism has been roadway clean-up.  It was something small; it was at least something I could do to help my community look better. I spent time with other people assisting in the effort, who have done this more frequently than myself. When we concluded for the day, we all took a walk through the area we had just helped clean, and the difference was staggering. To me, being a volunteer is anyone making a small change to ultimately have the world become a better place for everyone.” – Makonnen Christian

“Since a young age, I have been no stranger to volunteerism. From helping out in the church to feeding the homeless at food drives, something about volunteering is very fulfilling. Seeing the smiles that are created  by lending a helping hand makes you realize that some of the best things in life come from helping those around you and giving back to the community that you come from, or even brightening the day of a random stranger.” -Marcus Palmore

The Importance of Volunteering and Its Laws

Volunteering is a powerful way for individuals to give back to their communities, support important causes, and help those in need. It fosters social bonds, promotes empathy, and reinforces the fabric of society. Through volunteering, people gain valuable experiences, develop skills, and often discover a greater sense of purpose. From mentoring youth to assisting in disaster relief, volunteers fill crucial roles that improve lives and support services that governments or organizations may not be able to provide on their own.

Equally important are the laws that govern volunteering, which ensure that the process is safe, fair, and respectful for everyone involved. These laws help protect both volunteers and the people they serve. For example, legal guidelines may require background checks for individuals working with children or vulnerable populations, thereby helping to maintain trust and ensure safety. Other laws, such as the Volunteer Protection Act in the United States, shield volunteers from certain legal liabilities when acting in good faith, encouraging more people to participate without fear of being sued.

Additionally, laws help distinguish between volunteer work and paid labor, preventing misuse of unpaid labor in for-profit settings. Clear legal standards also ensure that volunteers are not placed in unsafe or exploitative situations and that organizations follow ethical practices when recruiting and managing volunteers.

In conclusion, volunteering is essential to the well-being of communities, and strong legal frameworks are necessary to support and protect this vital work. Together, they create a system where service can flourish safely, effectively, and honorably.

 É’Lize Royer was born in the state of Massachusetts in the U.S., to Dominican parents. She is a student at the Pennsylvania State University.