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Helping hands for healthy communities.
By: Barb
Keck
Where would cities and towns be without the support
of volunteers? Where would some people be without the help of
families, friends and neighbors? Volunteers are the backbone of
many events, organizations and causes that develop the personality
of the communities we live in.
 When
you think about it, communities have come together to help one another
for thousands of years. In times of trouble or to enhance lifestyles,
volunteers make a difference. Barn raising is a common small community project
still carried on today. As a matter of fact, in cities, a newer version of this
is building homes for less fortunate families, giving them an opportunity to
live above the poverty line. Even more rewarding is what volunteers gain for
themselves, knowing they’ve made a difference along with the personal
growth they experience.
In
Our Store
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Today, small villages, towns and communities join together
for everything from raising funds for a neighbor that has suffered a set back
from unexpected events, to building a skating rink where children and families
can enjoy outdoor fun.
Cities thrive from volunteers on an even larger
scale in everything from keeping their cultural activities alive through festivals
and sports, to health and education in hospitals and schools.
At a global level, world disaster due to mankind in war or
weather induced “acts of god” require volunteers on a grand scale
to survive the aftermath. What would our world be today without the help of
others?
Volunteering promotes healthy minds and spirits,
which fosters happier people and families. Volunteering is the backbone of healthy,
strong communities.
Are your ready to volunteer?
You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Make sure
the role you volunteer for is one you enjoy, not because they
need
your help. Volunteering is at it’s best when people have
a positive experience.
| Volunteering is excellent for those
who are … |
- Divorced or separated; to get out
and meet people
- Empty Nesters; to be involved in
community events
- Retirees; to find opportunities
to help younger generations
- People replacing addictive
habits; to find rewarding involvement through replacing
destructive habits
with constructive ones.
- Students; to learn from experience
and find out what interests them.
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| Through volunteering you will discover… |
- Personal growth and satisfaction
- Build
self-esteem
- Gain skills in leadership
- Improve
and acquire skills
- Open doors to more opportunity
- Develop
friendships, meet interesting people
- Know you’ve
made a difference in someone’s life.
- Feel fulfilled
in your day
- Develop confidence.
- Learn from experience
- Know your community
- Expand your horizons
through opportunities
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Thinking
about it? Here
are some suggestions…
Disaster relief efforts. Many
people have been aching to help as emergency volunteers. Register
yourself at your local community
aid services or on a national level at www.volunteer.ca.
Don’t have time but want to offer
money? Find out what and who you want to support. The
gift of giving to help build something that grows a healthy community
is also rewarding. Every community has foundations supporting
good causes.
Ask at the workplace. Many employers help their employees to take
part in volunteer activities by allowing them flexible work hours
Every community seeks energetic committed individuals.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
| Education |
- Schools, Colleges
- Neighborhood watch
- Heritage Schools
- English as a second language
- Literacy
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| Health |
- Foundations Cancer, Heart and other health societies
- Hospitals, halfway houses
- Retirement Centers
- Substance abuse groups
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| Community Services and Business |
- Fire fighters, police
- Emergencies – disaster relief, environmental
clean ups
- Youth Organizations
- Shelters
- Political Parties
- Churches
- Soup Kitchens
- Service Clubs – Rotary, Lion’s Club
- Business clubs – Chamber of Commerce
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| Community Events and Culture |
- Historical Restorations, Battlefields and National
Parks
- Theatres, Museum
- Festivals
- Community Choirs, Bands and Orchestras
- Sports teams
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| Out of the ordinary |
- The blue bicycle
- Virtual volunteer – website work
- Start your own – Many have been started out of
crisis situations
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Volunteer
wisely and ask yourself…
What do I have a keen interest in?
What skills do I have to offer?
Would I like to learn something new?
How much time can I commit to?
Where to find more information:
Town or City Hall, libraries, newspapers, bulletin boards and websites.
Sites for more info:
www.volunteerinternational.org
www.volunteerabroad.com
Healthy
communities thrive from volunteers.
Other articles you may find interesting:
Be
Selfish and Save the World
Donate
and Support Cancer Patients and Research
Writing
Your Life Stories
Read Barb Keck's Biography |
