This morning i watched an inch worm suspended by an invisible thread several feet above the ground and several feet from a branch, striving, struggling, sweating (do inchworms sweat? - get on that one, Everyman) reaching upward to attain its goal.
Within the context of contemporary conventional American cultural values, when confronted with a suggestion to get involved and participate, the typical response is. "What's in it for me?"
In the typical mindset of today, without promise of obvious material reward, there is little impetus to act. What a shame.
To struggle, sacrifice, contribute, give time and effort unconditionally is to know a supreme reward that is difficult to quantify.
Intangible.
To give of one's self for the good of the group, the planet, just for the sake of human expression is to know a deeply felt return of energy that comes as a result of sincere selflessness and love of all things beautiful, soulful, cosmic, honest, inspiring, transformative, stirring, and death defying.
I cannot stand here and try to convince you to give your time, to 'volunteer' (an inadequate term), to sacrifice, based on my experiences and what i have received and how fulfilled i was in so many instances. Everyone is different and everyone gets something unique out of it.
All i can tell you is that, if you are the least bit humble and sincere in your giving, you will receive beyond your imagining.
Talk to Javamama - she'll set you up!

You must be in a state of grace to receive grace.
You must be in a state of gratitude to receive blessing.
You must be in a state of humility to receive greatness.