Let's say you're sitting there, reading this blog. You've started eating better, thinking greener, and want to do even more. How you can expend that energy that's just busting at the seams to do some good?
The first thing is to find a cause close to your heart. Let's call that Rule #1 - if it matters to you, it will matter to you.
My kids are so important to me, and I want to do whatever I can to help in their lives. So I volunteer to coach soccer and have been a baseball coach. I'm active in the PTA and other school causes. I raise money for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network because that's something I've personally been affected by.
You may think big - "Cancer is bad, so I'm going to work for the American Cancer Society". That's great, but also know you can work with smaller chapters, and groups like Gilda's Club to make your efforts more personal and regionalized. Often times, working with a small group has that much more impact and gets the good going faster.
It's also important to realize that you can't do everything. Even if you want to help, sometimes, because you've got enough on your plate, or the cause isn't just right for you, it's not going to work out. I was asked to serve on a committee at school that I wasn't altogether happy with. I did it because they really needed people, but in the end, my work was not as good as it should have been, because the "care" was not there. Remember, with giving, you can't fake it.
So, stick to what you know, start small, and see where it takes you!
Comments
So many of us get caught up in a generalization of a problem that we feel that in order to contribute to the overall solution we must tackle it head on. Like you said, there are smaller chapters of many causes that are often more accessible. The "smaller" efforts are often what can prepare you to eventually take on something "big" without stretching yourself too thin. Local charities often act as catalysts for volunteers to recognize their passion(s) about many other issues.
APRIL 19 2008 AT 1:01 PM
You hit it on the head, Ellen. I work in the offices for a national non-profit, Awake In America, which is focused on sleep, sleep-related issues, and sleep disorders.
One of the things we do is help people around the country establish local community education and support groups. Although each group is operated independently, we provide a lot of information, guidance, suggestions, etc. The one thing we can never emphasize enough, though, is that each group should look for people who are interested in doing certain things -- such as outreach, support (even if it's making a call to someone new to the group a day or two after the first meeting they attend, just to check in with them and see if they have questions) -- and help them focus on their strengths.
By focusing on their individual strengths, you help build a stronger team all around for a small group, which is one of the dynamics in small groups. Everyone comes to the table with their own history, knowledge, and knack for doing things. Every small team can benefit from someone who likes taking the time to write "Thank You" or "Missing You" notes, as well as benefitting from someone who's an organizer. What about the person who is creative? Or the artist? They can all have a unique role -- and in that role, they can shine.
When you find people who are interested, who are sincere, and who are willing to help, find out their exact interests -- not the general stuff, such as, "I like writing" -- and hone in on their talents, their skills, and let them excel. In the process, everyone wins, but people are happy. Happy volunteers stick around for the long-haul. But also by focusing in on their interests, you hopefully give them a level of satisfaction of being involved. Without being committed, without the feeling of belonging, people don't stick around.
APRIL 19 2008 AT 2:22 PM
I agree 100% that if something matters to you, you're more likely to do it. I feel a bit guilty sometimes for not getting involved in good causes, but I know that if I'm not behind them passionately, my interest will wane and it will quickly be out of my mind.
Local chapters of things you're interested in provide excellent opportunities to get yourself involved without feeling like it's the ONLY thing you are able to do. The support network is also great for helping you feel like you're helping other people make a difference, and can even provide you with an avenue to get your friends involved easily.
APRIL 19 2008 AT 10:47 PM