What has happened to the participation of our population as volunteers? Are we truly so selfish that we cannot give a little time every week to helping others? Many give money to different groups and think that covers our obligations – not so. Time and an extra pair of hands are what are really needed. How did we get to this point? From personal experience I can say a lot has to do with children’s activities taking over. Also my husband’s commute went from forty-five minutes to two hours so he wasn’t available to help transport the children to their various activities. When I went back to work full time the overtime required also increased. The Green Party of Canada is committed to families and communities. One way to free up time so parents can participate in community activities is to allow income splitting at tax time. This could allow one partner to stay home with the children and work from home, volunteer or participate in community events. Another Green Party initiative is workplace childcare made appealing to the workplace through tax credits for those companies or groups of small business owners who provide on site childcare. This would give a parent more time with their children during the commute to and from work and employees are happier knowing they can check on their offspring from time to time. Families would be happier and more inclined to volunteer for a favoured charity or group. In case you think I am only advocating volunteerism to couples – not so. Parents who are active volunteers will pass this on to their children and children are encouraged to participate as well. For singles, volunteering can replace the bar scene on some occasions as more and more singles volunteer. What a great way to meet others with a common interest! There are many organizations who need volunteers, just pick one and call.