I'm going to take care of my interests. I'm looking out for number one.

You know the old saying, 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. That's not an old saying -- it's true.

And the funny thing about that, it's usually the 80 percent that sit around complaining because so-and-so is always doing this or that. You know what, you're right. So why don't you get out there and volunteer to help?

Volunteerism has gotten so bad in this country, that schools have started programs where they are basically forcing students to take part in community service projects as part of programs.

Forced volunteerism. Kind of defeats the purpose. It's an oxymoron. You can't make somebody volunteer.

Volunteerism has to come from the heart. Volunteerism comes from the inner desire to help others. Volunteerism is a way to make a difference - be it big or small - in someone's life. And someone could be an awful lot of people.

But ultimately, volunteering of one's time and talents has to come from the heart. So what do we have to change? We need to change people's hearts.

We need to work to make people understand that there's something bigger than themselves.

Don't misunderstand, I'm not some liberal calling for a government mandated volunteerism program, although I'm sure there's somebody sitting in a Washington office trying to put one together that will require millions of dollars of funding and plenty of administrative oversight. All for volunteering.

But the truth is, we don't need government oversight. We don't need hearings. We don't need federal involvement of any kind. We just need people to step up to the plate and give something back.

Face it, we've been blessed. We're born in the greatest country in the world. That's not ego folks, that's just fact. You don't see people risking life and limb, and possible incarceration to sneak into China do you? The former Russia? Germany? Europe? Any other territory, country or continent? I didn't think so.

Back to my point, we are fortunate enough to be called Americans, so it's time we start acting like it and giving something back. One of the ways we can do that, is by giving back…or volunteering.

There are lots of ways to volunteer and there are many groups, agencies and organizations that could use your help.

Looking for something a little less time committed, I'm guessing there are probably people in your neighborhood that could benefit from just a little of your time.

Rather than sitting out there bemoaning the people who "do everything," why not get out and become one of those people.

Many hands make light work, but too often the work is plentiful but the workers are few. I think I heard that somewhere before.

We don't need to mandate volunteering in our school to teach it. We need to teach it by example. Encourage others to join you and show them by example. Let your actions speak so loudly, they can't hear a word you're saying.

You want to make this community a better place, this is one area where you truly can make a difference and have a positive impact.

Take your eyes off of yourself and put them on others. All it takes is a change of heart.