July 20, 2016 – I have to admit it is my favorite day of the year – when well over 100 lawyers and judges give up a day of work to travel to the State Bar to attend the annual WisLAP volunteer training.
WisLAP, or Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program, is confidential assistance to help lawyers, judges, law students, and their families cope with problems related to the stress of practicing law. With its vital mission heavily reliant on them, volunteers are the mainstay of the program.
It always amazes me that so many lawyers and judges – and this year law students as well – give up a day of work for this volunteer training. The participants are dedicated and enthusiastic bringing loads of energy and optimism to the training.
What is going on with these people?
Volunteering Gives Health and Wellness Benefits to You
Frequently I hear from a volunteer that helping another legal professional helps the volunteer. In fact, volunteers often tell me they believe they receive as much if not more than they give by helping their peers.
Volunteering is shown to produce health and wellness benefits. According to a 2013 study done by UnitedHealth Group of Minnetonka, Minnesota, “people who volunteer feel better – physically, mentally, and emotionally better.”
The numbers in this study tell the story. Of the participants:
- 76 percent say volunteering makes them feel healthier
- 94 percent say volunteering improves their mood
- 78 percent say volunteering decreases their stress levels
- 95 percent say volunteering makes their community a better place
- 96 percent say volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life
- 80 percent say volunteering makes them feel they have control over their health
- 25 percent say volunteering helps them manage a chronic illness
Another Benefit – the Social Aspect
I believe our WisLAP volunteers also benefit from the social aspects of the training day. It is a time where everyone in the room is supporting and encouraging each other. Unlike the adversarial nature of the practice of law, it is a time when legal professionals can put down the zero-sum game and participate in the collective efforts of the program.
And participate they do! Every year professional trainers and speakers present to this group on topics of interest. Presenters often comment on how engaged the group is and how eager they are to ask questions and give feedback.
Afterward, staff are exhausted yet exhilarated, evaluations are overwhelmingly positive, and the research proves valid and reliable.
Volunteering is good for us on so many levels.