Speak Out: Why I volunteer

By Hank Provost 

Growing up in a large Catholic family, my mother was very in tune with keeping the household in some sort of organized chaos, assuring that everyone had her or his chores in mind. One of her more common phrases was, “everyone is doing something.”

When I consider why volunteering in the community is so essential, I’m reminded of this phrase. No real social change happens in one major event. Most major social changes (i.e. ending slavery, women’s right to vote, civil rights, gay rights) were the result of small, incremental movements over a very long period of time. And very rarely does that change come from the top, whether it’s change in government, the workplace or the community in general.

Remembering the first time I watched the original documentary The Times of Harvey Milk, I was most moved by his words: “Burst down those closet doors once and for all, and stand up and start to fight.” It took me some time to fully appreciate what he was asking each of us to do.

For me, it has meant that every one of us in our own way has the power to make great social change happen in the LGBT movement, one person at a time. Whether it is by giving of our time, donating our money, or merely watching out for those who don’t have the power and influence. In some small way, each of us can take on the fight.

I have chosen to take on the fight through my leadership of Human Rights Campaign, Colorado. It is my small way of bringing the resources of the largest national LGBT civil rights organization to support the important work here in Colorado. By building this local committee of committed and inspired leaders, I believe that I can make a difference and move us closer to the prize.

I invite you to join me and other members of the HRC Colorado Steering Committee in the movement. There are many ways, big and small, that you can make a difference. Talk to one of the committee members soon and let us know how you would like to make a difference. Join us in assuring that “everyone is doing something.”

Hank Provost is the Chair for the Human Rights Campaign in Colorado. For more info on volunteer opportunities, email Volunteers@HRCColorado.org.