For some 50 years or so, generations of college students participated in psychological testing. It was easy money for goofy tasks: sort silverware, look at images with your left eye, then your right.
But then all that science, because that’s what it was, started to yield results. Here’s one of the experiments that stayed with me.
First, you go to the park by yourself and have an ice cream.
Second, you get a visit from someone who drops off a sandwich and stays to chat for a while.
Third, you make a bunch of sandwiches, drop them off at a senior center, and stick around to chat with the folks there.
After each of these, you are asked how you feel a half hour later, a day later, a week later, a month later.
Here’s the surprising finding. All of these things make you feel a little happier. But the third task, where you do something for someone else, had enduring results, up to six months later. Science has confirmed that it is literally better to give than to receive.
In a world where we are often overwhelmed by life’s every day challenges (making payments on a mortgage, raising children, dealing with traffic) and even more disturbed by the big challenges (climate change, inflation, war) it turns out that the best thing we can do for our mental health is to lend someone else a hand.
But how?
Well, across the US there are almost 2 million nonprofits. In Garfield County alone there are over 700. These organizations are driven not by profit but by purpose: the attempt to make things better for others. To celebrate their good work — and to maybe engage up some more volunteers — I’m pleased to announce the 2025 Nonprofit Volunteer Fair, from 2-6 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 815 Cooper Ave., on Wednesday, August 27. This is the fair’s third year, but its first time in Glenwood Springs.
What will you find? There will be a live radio broadcast, food trucks, free programming, and the chance to talk with many nonprofit organizations to find the right fit for your own contribution. These groups serve the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.
You can earn tickets as you make your way through the Fair, which can be redeemed for donuts, hot and iced coffee, mangoes on a stick, authentic Mexican street food, and complimentary water. There will also be items for sale.
There’s another way you can help. Bring any canned or non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of the Rockies and deliver them to one of the available food collection bins.
If that isn’t enough, enjoy a series of live DJs, starting at 2 p.m.
From 3-4 p.m., the Fair will offer an outdoor “studio” audience for a live radio broadcast exploring what it takes to build community, moderated by Aspen Public Radio Executive Director Breeze Richardson. Speakers include Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, of Colorado’s House District 57; Erica Snow (President & CEO of Aspen Community Foundation); and Amber Coté (Senior Director of Statewide Civic Engagement for Rocky Mountain Public Media).
Following the live broadcast attendees can catch a parade of adorable adoptables from Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.), and an open mic hosted by Cook Inclusive.
Throughout the afternoon you can also visit with staff from the Aspen Daily News, Aspen Journalism, Aspen Public Radio, The Aspen Times, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, KDNK Community Radio, La Tricolor, Sol del Valle and The Sopris Sun. Together, that’s kind of a news ecosystem.
Talking to your neighbors and fellow volunteers is not only a way to build friendships and make a difference. It’s a path to happiness. For more information, contact Aspen Public Radio at 970-920-9000 or go to aspenpublicradio.org.
But then all that science, because that’s what it was, started to yield results. Here’s one of the experiments that stayed with me.
First, you go to the park by yourself and have an ice cream.
Second, you get a visit from someone who drops off a sandwich and stays to chat for a while.
Third, you make a bunch of sandwiches, drop them off at a senior center, and stick around to chat with the folks there.
After each of these, you are asked how you feel a half hour later, a day later, a week later, a month later.
Here’s the surprising finding. All of these things make you feel a little happier. But the third task, where you do something for someone else, had enduring results, up to six months later. Science has confirmed that it is literally better to give than to receive.
In a world where we are often overwhelmed by life’s every day challenges (making payments on a mortgage, raising children, dealing with traffic) and even more disturbed by the big challenges (climate change, inflation, war) it turns out that the best thing we can do for our mental health is to lend someone else a hand.
But how?
Well, across the US there are almost 2 million nonprofits. In Garfield County alone there are over 700. These organizations are driven not by profit but by purpose: the attempt to make things better for others. To celebrate their good work — and to maybe engage up some more volunteers — I’m pleased to announce the 2025 Nonprofit Volunteer Fair, from 2-6 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 815 Cooper Ave., on Wednesday, August 27. This is the fair’s third year, but its first time in Glenwood Springs.
What will you find? There will be a live radio broadcast, food trucks, free programming, and the chance to talk with many nonprofit organizations to find the right fit for your own contribution. These groups serve the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.
You can earn tickets as you make your way through the Fair, which can be redeemed for donuts, hot and iced coffee, mangoes on a stick, authentic Mexican street food, and complimentary water. There will also be items for sale.
There’s another way you can help. Bring any canned or non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of the Rockies and deliver them to one of the available food collection bins.
If that isn’t enough, enjoy a series of live DJs, starting at 2 p.m.
From 3-4 p.m., the Fair will offer an outdoor “studio” audience for a live radio broadcast exploring what it takes to build community, moderated by Aspen Public Radio Executive Director Breeze Richardson. Speakers include Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, of Colorado’s House District 57; Erica Snow (President & CEO of Aspen Community Foundation); and Amber Coté (Senior Director of Statewide Civic Engagement for Rocky Mountain Public Media).
Following the live broadcast attendees can catch a parade of adorable adoptables from Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.), and an open mic hosted by Cook Inclusive.
Throughout the afternoon you can also visit with staff from the Aspen Daily News, Aspen Journalism, Aspen Public Radio, The Aspen Times, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, KDNK Community Radio, La Tricolor, Sol del Valle and The Sopris Sun. Together, that’s kind of a news ecosystem.
Talking to your neighbors and fellow volunteers is not only a way to build friendships and make a difference. It’s a path to happiness. For more information, contact Aspen Public Radio at 970-920-9000 or go to aspenpublicradio.org.
[This column first appeared in the August 22, 2025 edition of the Post Independent.]
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