Autumn…
falling leaves, bountiful harvests, a nip in the air, and a thankful heart.
This
is the time of year we see the world with softer eyes, clearly noticing those
less fortunate than ourselves. As thanks for our own abundance, and persistently
tugging at us like a toddler on his mother’s skirt, is our need to do something
‘good’ for someone or something. It is part of the human condition that we are
drawn to helping one another. The Independent Sector reports, “according to the Corporation for
National and Community Service, about 63.4 million Americans, or 26.3 percent
of the adult population, gave 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth $173
billion in 2010.1 For the latest information, please
see www.volunteeringinamerica.gov.
“1
Wow!
Imagine if the percentage was a mere 10 percent greater or included the youth
of this country. That is incredible power from a renewable resource…with no
negative effect to the environment!
The
ROI (return on investment) from time volunteered is no longer an intangible. We
not only reap the psychological or spiritual reward, but the physiological reward
as well. For adults the Corporation
of National and Community Service issued a report in May of 2007 that
stated, “Volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower
rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.” 2
Tweens
(as my niece refers to herself!), or teens, are becoming a formidable volunteer
force in this country due in part to the service-learning educational method.
Studies show improved student performance in academic achievement, stronger
social and personal skills, and civic involvement. One study followed students
for 15 years following graduation from High School. Results showed that High
School students involved in service-learning were, on average, civically
involved in their communities and voted more than students who did not
participate in a service-learning program.
Great
news for everyone! Not only does volunteering, or selfless service, improve
your community, your world and your soul - but your mind, health and longevity as well! Wait…..did I say…selfless service. Now that
is an oxymoron for most teens and some adults, but herein lie the beauty of
volunteerism. As the former First Lady, Barbara Bush so eloquently put it, "Giving frees us
from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the
unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others." I
concur! Now get out there and volunteer for your own well being as well as the
well being of others.
Instead
of only allowing the philanthropic urge speak to us during the holiday
season, let’s make it a year round commitment. There are many deserving
charities in each corner of the world. Finding one that fits us is easier than
ever before. You can start with these:- VolunteerMatch.org
boasts having the largest online network of non-profits. They have an easy
to use search function to help prospective volunteers find the
organizational fit. There are even virtual volunteering options available
for those not able to get out and about, but have internet access.
- A
government resource for prospective volunteers is the Corporation for National and
Community Service website. This is one stop shopping for groups such
as; AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and the Learn and Serve programs.
- There
are tremendous websites dedicated to helping kids find a volunteer
organization. Inspiring sites such as KidsHealth.org
supported by the Nemours Foundation, speak to the teen, not at them,
explaining the benefits of volunteering.
- Non-profits
have compelling resources at their disposal on sites like Civic
Reflection that force an earnest look at civic life by utilizing
Literature as its catalyst. If you belong to an organization this is
definitely worth a peek!
