There are a lot of reasons to be involved in your community. There’s the obvious one: to make an impact in the place you call home. It’s a good one, but there are many more you can consider.
Empowering Others
Your life is a rich one. You’ve had a multitude of experiences, a great deal of training, and an unrivaled education of what it’s like to live your life. Others can benefit in innumerable ways when you share what you know. Many volunteer opportunities allow you to pass your knowledge on. This allows what you know to help future generations make the best decisions possible.
A Cultural Bridge
Volunteering is a popular activity for high schoolers and college kids. When the older generation volunteers as well, it bridges the generation gap and allows both parties to learn from one another. Youths are able to take advantage of the experience, and the older generation is given an educational glimpse into the lives of the younger generation.
Health and Wellbeing
Most volunteer activities require a combination of physical activity and brain function. These activities help keep you active! Moving, talking, reading, and writing are great ways to continue learning and keep sharp. Not only will you be helping others within your particular volunteering activity, but you’ll be helping yourself as well.
Now that you have a few reasons why you should consider volunteering, how will you do it? There are several programs you can find that will help to keep you busy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Organize or take part in your local neighborhood watch
- Tutor and mentor the youth, from elementary schools to college age
- Organize community beautification network
For more opportunities in civic engagement, keep an eye on AARP’s Civic Engagement page.
Resources:
http://www.dogoodlivewell.org/