Editor’s Note: This piece was written by longtime Arlington resident Michael Armanious and his co-author Jared Padgett and submitted for publication. It is part of a research project exploring Arlington as a learning town, which is, Armanious says, “where lifelong learning happens everywhere.”
By Michael Armanious and Jared Padgett
In Arlington, Massachusetts, life is different. While the fast pace of the digital age can lead to isolation, Arlington is enjoying meaningful connections. “There’s a real community spirit here,” says Misha Peterson. “People volunteer to care for others, not to get anything in return, but for the joy of making someone feel welcome.”
In Arlington, volunteering is about learning, growing, and connecting. As Albert Lew puts it, “Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. It’s also a nice way to meet people and be involved in something bigger than yourself.” Whether you’re sorting donations or serving meals at NEAT, you gain skills, make friends, and find meaning at any age.
Volunteering helps you see the world through someone else’s eyes. As Charlotte Rota, age 16, shares, “Volunteering has shown me the importance of community. I’ve met so many new people and learned the ways they see the world. It’s helped me grow as a person.” These experiences build empathy, patience, and understanding. These qualities make our community stronger.
Volunteering’s Economic and Social Benefits
For many, volunteering can even help you find a new job or move forward in your career. Krista Fillion shares, “It’s rewarding to know that you’re directly helping people, and it gives you a sense of purpose.” By learning through action, you gain skills you can use anywhere, especially people skills. Volunteers often say they’ve become better at their jobs and happier in their lives.
Volunteers meet people from all backgrounds. The community is so connected that they might encounter neighbors, mentors, and even fellow volunteers. This opens doors to opportunities and lifelong friendships. It’s also part of what makes Arlington such a strong, caring community.
Organizations Powered by Volunteers
Volunteers help Arlington learn, grow, and succeed. By sharing their time and skills, they strengthen the programs and organizations that serve the community. These skills enable people to continue contributing to their communities, and some do so long after they have retired.
At Arlington EATS, nearly 700 neighbors work in weekly shifts to ensure families have fresh meals. Food Link rallies 600 volunteers to rescue, sort,and deliver nutritious food to those in need, while also reducing waste and fighting hunger.
NEAT (Neighbors Eating All Together) brings people together for free monthly dinners, with volunteers of all ages pitching in. The Arlington Center for the Arts encourages creativity for everyone. A highlight was the “GO FISH!” project, in which volunteers painted thousands of herring murals, brightening shop windows across town. Groups like these help people learn to work together and support each other.
Paul Levine put it well: “What I really want to do is make a difference in the community… that’s real labor. This is meaningful work.” When neighbors work together, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Intergenerational Learning
Volunteering brings all ages together, even whole families. Kids learn to give back, teens gain confidence, and seniors find purpose and friendship. Everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
As Christina and her daughter, Matilda, put it: “What started with a school garden donation led us to a wonderful opportunity to serve our community together.” As Maya, a high school volunteer, explains: “A lot of us aren’t very confident when we first start. Through volunteering, you see what you can do in real life, and it’s a great way to serve the community and build leadership.”
Designing Volunteering for Lifelong Learning
Arlington is becoming a learning town where volunteers continue to grow. Krista Fillion describes volunteering as “a huge part of lifelong learning, connecting volunteers to organizations and to other like-minded individuals.” Local groups show you the ropes and encourage you to try something new. Volunteering offers hands-on training and real responsibility. At Robbins Library, you can build skills and confidence. Project Zero gives students leadership experience and a chance to help the planet. You’re never too young or too old to keep learning.
All these programs show that volunteering in Arlington can help you find a career, get involved, and gain lifelong skills.
A Culture of Giving and Gaining
In Arlington, volunteering is more than helping—it’s how we grow stronger together. As Paul Gregory shares, “It’s rewarding to help people and see the impact directly. The connections I’ve made here are really valuable.”
Volunteers of all ages keep Arlington thriving and inspire others throughout the region. Why not join them? Explore opportunities in town or ask a neighbor how to get started. You might be surprised by where it leads.
This piece was published on June 29, 2026. Michael Armanious is a 34-year resident of Arlington. He has been active in the town’s civic life and served as a volunteer for several local organizations, including ACMi, Food Link, Arlington EATS, and NEAT. He has also worked closely with the Arlington Housing Authority, Arlington Police, and Arlington Fire, evaluating and documenting lifelong learning within their daily activities. Jared Padgett, DBA, is an independent researcher, consultant, and entrepreneur whose research explores organizational learning, high-reliability organizations, and systems thinking. Based in Ventura, CA, he collaborates with Armanious to explore and develop learning organizations.
