Volunteering your effective... how effective is that?
My answer:
Very effective.
Ask yourself how many community service events have you attended. Think of those events that you attended that you were NOT required to attend. If there is at least one, how did it make you feel? How does it feel to see a kid thank you when you teach him math or how to read? Or set up a Halloween carnival party? The feeling is great and the message is one:
You show these less fortunate people that strangers care. And this in turn - if it really shows that strangers care - then they too should care for others.
Volunteering your time is actually inspiring...
One of my most memorable times when I shaved my head completely to raise money to kids with cancer. I raised almost 200 dollars and it was one of the best things I've ever done with my hair (not that I have much anyway). Can you imagine? TWO HUNDRED dollars (Which is not a lot) for my hair? That's the most expensive hair cut I've ever received!
Realize that giving back to your community will only take a few hours of your time. Don't make up excuses - you're NOT too busy. Do it.
Warren Buffer, one of the wealthiest in the planet, quoted once something extraordinary (keep in mind this comes from one of the richest): "Everyone who benefits from free enterprise and capitalism has the responsibility to give back to those who don't. Consider yourself fortunate if you have an education, food, housing, etc.". Buffet lives true to his word. He donates most of his billions away, recently to the Gates Foundation (Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda).
Here are some ideas for you to do community service:
1. St Balricks.
The organization that does public fund raising by shaving heads and getting the shavees to raise money for their shaved heads. If you have a somewhat good looking hair, then hustle your friends to get you some money for it. Check out
their site, maybe you can join an event or gather your organization to fund raise money for them.
2. Your local library
What a better place to both: contribute and get familiar with. Libraries have tutoring programs, reading programs, etc. They also have the need of help when it comes to cleaning, stacking, organizing books, etc. Hey, you can read in your spare time. Isn't that nice?
3. Public Speaking
If you love a particular field, then offer your speaking abilities to teach someone something. I have spoken in several places, from my former High School to other High Schools and Middle Schools, to speak to them about university and teach them several things incoming students generally don't know. Can you imagine the joy of going back to your old High School - the place that raised you - and give a contribution? I have mentored in churches and the like. On June 13, I'll be addressing kids from 13-17 years of age on the topic of entrepreneurship, free of cost. And I can't wait.
It's not only a great time to touch someone with your personality; it's also a bit of self-promotion and a chance to polish your public speaking skills. And guess what? People are HUNGRY for speakers.
4. After School Programs
I was amazed at the statistics. More than half of schools across the nation that have the highest percent of drop out students DO NOT have an after school program. Why? Funds don't allow it. And here is the thing - will your time allow it?
The mindset is this: "If it's easy for you to do it, then why not do it?". How hard is it to teach a four grader some math. Or spend time with a 8th grader just to show him that you care? If you think "Oh the school should take care of it", then you have the wrong mindset. Remember that YOU are privileged for what you have, others are not.
5. YMCA, Hospitals, and Senior Citizens Care Centers
These places are always hoping for people to show up and volunteer. They are everywhere, find them. All you're required to do is fill out some paper work.
6. Donating Blood
How hard is this to do? Not a lot. Can you save a life? Most definitely. Take conscience and check out the
Red Cross website and check out when will an blood donation event be taking place. It takes about 45 minutes and the rewards can last a lifetime.
7. Donations
Make a small donation every now and then. Invest, don't waste, your money into somebody's future. There are several charities out there. Choose one.
8. VolunteerMatch.org
If you can't find any of these, then visit
VolunteerMatch.org, then enter your Zip Code and within seconds you'll have plenty of places where you can volunteer your time.
I hope this excites you. Make a bit of extra contribution. Don't overwhelm yourself either. I'm not encouraging that, but whenever you find the time, go for it.
Volunteering
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