I went on a walk or tour of our town tonight. I wish that everyone would look around at not only their home, but their neighborhood, their city, and their state and ask themselves “Is there something that I can do to better this place.” Have you ever considered starting a neighborhood restoration program? A community restoration program? Have you ever thought about adopting a highway? Cleaning up around a historical point of interest that is important to you?
There are so many opportunities to make a huge impact in the places you care about the most. What is it that holds you back? Time, money, kids, the feeling that one person cant make a significant impact? Admit the obstacle to yourself. Then decide if that is really what is keeping you from volunteering a service once in awhile.
Let me help you decide what is truly and obstacle. So lets start with money. It doesn’t cost very much money if any money at all to volunteer your time and services. Join a group who cleans a highway. Some groups clean on a weekly basis (I like to call these the super hwy group.) some clean on a monthly, bi-monthly, 6 month basis. You can walk up and down a highway for little to no cost. I used to do this in 4-H and have recently decided that this is one of the simplest ways to get re-involved doing something for the state and earth. The people you pick up trash with are usually in great spirits and will motivate you every step of the way.
Time… when Kirt and I recruited people into ACACIA we used to tell kids who said “I cant join because I don’t have the time.” that it only takes as much time as you want it to take. If you only have a few seconds to make and impact - consider not tossing your trash out of the window. Consider writing a check to an organization that you hold close to your heart. If you have more than a few seconds then you should begin brainstorming some ways that you could volunteer your services. Again! Time is only a factor if you allow it to be! Pick a service that only takes what you can offer. Getting in too deep will make you feel as if you are unsuccessful. Volunteering for something small and manageable is a great start. Once you get a good feel for the organization you will be able to decide if you may have a little more time to set aside. Really, the truth is - making a difference is contagious so you WILL begin to find more time. Promise!
Got Kids? Lots of organizations will reply “Great!” Several organizations love your kids to be involved. Relay for Life is an event that kids are welcomed with open arms! I love having a kid on my team. Why? Well because one person from your team must be walking at all times. So, when its 3:30 am and I am considering taping my eyelids open … I opt for sending a young one out to walk the track. Give them mountain dew, candy, and glow sticks and those kids can walk for hours!
A little bit goes a long ways - so you should never think that a small act is going to be “too little.” You can really talk yourself out of doing things because you don’t think that your idea is going to be enough for the cause you want to help out. I have found out, in these last couple months that a little bit goes a long ways!
Ok so I understand that completely seems vague, let me give you some great examples! :D The simplest act you can do is to donate a little money, sometimes we don’t have money. Consider going to an elderly care facility at Christmas time with your friends. Sing Christmas carols to the residents. The ideas are endless and always remember that simple is sometimes sweetest. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of love that mean the most.
Your neighborhood, community, and state are all in need of your services. Whether you bag your neighbors leaves in the fall, raise money to start a safe hang out for teens, or begin the task of restoring one of your favorite historical landmarks your services will not go unnoticed.
Make a difference. You can do it!!
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