You hear it more and more. The numbers of volunteers are shrinking.

At least that’s what they say. "They" being that invisible group of experts who always seem to know everything about everything.

If indeed, they are correct on this issue, and since this is National Volunteerism Month, I thought I’d share a few ideas on why I think every one of us should be volunteering somewhere.

When we volunteer, we give a part of ourselves for the greater good of our communities and, in many cases, for places around the world as well.

Each one of us has a unique set of abilities, interests and resources, and everything we are helps weave the best possible fabric of life for ourselves, our families and for the world around us.

Take it from a volunteer, there is no match for the feeling of self-fulfillment and the knowledge that you have made a difference.

Volunteering is a way of saying "thank you" to those countless other people who have made our lives richer and better through their own donations of time and effort. But there is more to volunteering than giving.

As volunteers, we reap a harvest of benefits that contribute to our own personal growth.

As volunteers, we enhance our social awareness by working with others. We learn to understand, appreciate and work with people’s differences, and to experience firsthand what each individual can contribute to the good of the whole.

As volunteers, our self-confidence grows as we adjust to new situations, people and experiences. The more we do this, the greater our self-awareness and self-confidence.

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Ask a volunteer why he or she works without pay and he will probably tell you he works for "the fun of it."

Much of volunteer time can be fun. Usually volunteers choose their "jobs" carefully and are appreciated for their contributions. They are having a good time because they are involved, and doing something for the love of it.

Volunteers at a music festival usually love music. Volunteers on the ambulance squad or at the hospital love giving care and comfort. But volunteering can also reveal hidden talents. Through volunteering at something we love, we may discover an ability to take on challenges we never knew we were capable of considering.

Are you a little timid? Do you wait for others to take the first steps? Try becoming a volunteer. Volunteering empowers us. It gives us a sense of control over our lives, helps us to learn to act independently and take the initiative. Trust me, you wouldn’t be the first person to develop a stronger sense of self.

The bottom line, as they say (there’s that "they" again), is that when we become volunteers, we receive much more than we give. It’s not the reason we give. It just works out that way. This is not a cliche. It is a profound truth! Volunteering can give our heart, mind, soul and body a jump-start.

Volunteering has been shown to lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, heighten the immune system and contribute to a better night’s sleep. So pick up the phone, roll up your sleeves and find someplace that needs your unique abilities, interests and resources. You’ll be happier and healthier and have a sense of purpose that paid employment often does not provide.

Take it from someone who knows: If you catch the volunteer bug, you will be giving yourself a lifetime of rewarding experiences and unlimited opportunities for wonderful relationships.

R. Carol Coltrain is director of the Schoharie County Office for the Aging.