This is a difficult time for the compassionate. The communal grief, anxiety, and fear weighs on our shoulders and reminds us that there is so much work to do. However, it’s vital to recognize the blessings in the pain; seeing the world for what it is gives us the motivation to fight for what it could be. If you’re looking for ways to give back to your community, you’re not alone. These resources can help you find ways to provide comfort and safety where it’s needed the most.
The Power of Volunteering
Giving back to your community empowers you to be your best self:
● According to Vice, volunteering improves mental health.
● It also has a proven positive effect on your physical well-being.
● Connect with your community through service, which empowers you to drive change.
Recognizing Your Community’s Needs
Find ways to make a powerful impact:
● Look into ways to address homelessness in your city.
● Local litter pick-up efforts improve morale and help the environment.
● Become a mentor to help empower the next generation.
Getting Children Involved
Children often need guidance to learn how to step outside of themselves:
● Teach your children about the impact volunteering can make.
● Help your children find a cause they can understand. For example, hunger is an intuitive issue any child can grasp.
● Find age-appropriate ways to answer serious questions they may ask along the way.
● Embrace their passions. If they adore animals, help them support local shelters.
● Encourage them to reflect after volunteering to reinforce what they’ve learned.
● If you enjoy teaching children and giving back to the community, consider earning a master’s degree to pursue a career as a teacher (which you can do online).
Many of us are privileged to have the ability and opportunity to serve our communities. If you’re feeling called this way, lean in and embrace it. When we follow our best instincts — especially the difficult ones — we find our life’s purpose.
Photo Credit: Andrews Mall
About the guest author: Meredith Jones believes that working together brings out the best in people — especially when they’re doing good for the world. She created FineTimes.org as a way to inspire folks near and far to give back to their communities and engage with others who want to help. The proud mom of two daughters, Meredith, and her family spend most of their free time exploring Alabama’s beautiful lakes, gulf shores, and other natural wonders.
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