I think all volunteer work is essential to our communities, and if we had a volunteer strike for even a single day, our communities would be at risk. We couldn't police this country without volunteers. We wouldn't have minor league sports. We wouldn't have elected officials.
So in answer to your question, yes, I think that is one side of the coin. But I also think there are some unique issues with the level of risk that emergency services volunteers undertake that are significantly different from those of someone who does respite service. And you know, to that family, that is absolutely essential--and you're right, it does save the context of a family unit. But I think this is unique. Again, people are expected to drop everything at a moment's notice. They need to have articulated agreements with their employers regarding their ability to do that when they're on call. That involves the employers in their volunteer work, and I think that's critically important.
I could go on.