 Answering the Call In Your Community
Whether you're just looking to create some yuletide cheer this holiday season or making a year-long commitment to bettering your community in 2013, the opportunities to volunteer are exponential. Here are ten ways you can volunteer your time in service: 1. Mentor a Youth. Every young person needs, and deserves, someone who will listen to them, provide advice and just be a friend. But many youth in our state do not have this kind of caring adult in their life. A mentor can be that person for a youth in need and help guide them to a successful future by giving just one hour a week. Find a mentoring program in your community by visiting www.mentormichigan.org. 2. Participate in a National Day of Service. Communities across the state, nation, and globe participate in National Days of Service by hosting service projects that focus on a multitude of needs. National Days of Service include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 21, 2013), Global Youth Service Days (April 26-28, 2013), and September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11, 2013), among others. Though each day has a different overarching theme, the ultimate purpose of the events are to bring people together in service. Most projects are completed in a single day and require a minimal commitment from volunteers. To find a National Day of Service Project in your community, check the MCSC online portal a few weeks prior to the service day. 3. Become an AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps is a national service program that requires an individual to dedicate a year of their life in service to a local community challenge. Members serve full or part time for one year and provide intensive, results-driven service to create a sustainable solution to core community issues such as illiteracy, homelessness, public safety, and more. Eligible AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years-old and will receive a modest living stipend as well as an education award in exchange for their service. Several options for AmeriCorps service exist, including AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC. To learn more about these programs, visit www.americorps.gov. 4. Give time at your child's school. Schools across the state are doing more with less and the gift of your time can help them to provide youth with quality educational experiences. A variety of volunteer opportunities exist with various time commitment levels. These can include reading to students, assisting with recess, organizing an event, and more. Check with your local school district to see how your time and talents can best benefit community youth. 5. Volunteer on a nonprofit board. Just like local schools, area nonprofits are struggling to provide the same services with limited funds. The guidance and leadership of experienced and dedicated professionals can help nonprofits to find innovative and creative solutions to their challenges. A position on a board of directors usually requires your attendance once a month but your continued support outside of those meetings is always helpful. See if your favorite local nonprofit has room on their board of directors and how you can get involved. 6. Conduct a food/clothing/personal item drive. The needs of your community can often be tangible and include items such as coats, shoes, food, formula, toothbrushes, diapers, and more. Remind people of the need for these products by organizing a donation drive at your place of employment, school, or church. After collecting the items, donate them to a local nonprofit, homeless shelter, food pantry, or other place that can properly dispense the items to people in need. 7. Support disaster relief. When tragedy strikes in the form of a hurricane or earthquake, it often makes national news and receives an outpouring of support. But local disasters, including fires, floods, tornadoes, and more, can also be devastating. Learn how you can be prepared to assist those effected by an emergency in your community by working with your local Red Cross. Find a chapter near you by visiting www.redcross.org. 8. Provide pro-bono services. Through our employment and education experiences, many of us develop highly valuable skills that can be useful to others outside of work. These include web development abilities, social media expertise, and Excel management knowledge, among many others. While corporations and businesses can afford your time and experience, most nonprofits do not have the same resources to justify this expense. However, by volunteering your expertise and time, you can greatly enhance their work and increase their capacity to serve. Ask your local nonprofit if your strength or talent could be useful to them. 9. Become a Senior Corps member. Similar to AmeriCorps, Senior Corps is another program in the national service family. Senior Corps members are 55 years of age or older and dedicate their time to addressing significant community challenges. Through programs such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparents, and the Senior Companion Program, Senior Corps members share their lifetime of experience and knowledge with organizations and people in need. In exchange for their service, some Senior Corps members receive a modest living stipend and insurance benefits. To find out more about Senior Corps opportunities, visit www.seniorcorps.gov. 10. Clean-Up the Community. Whether its adopting a highway, building a trail-way, or cleaning up a local park, there are plenty of ways that volunteers can help to keep Michigan pristine. From community block clubs to environmental agencies, people across the state are looking for volunteers to support their outdoor activities. Connect with one that interests you and give your time to beautify Michigan. Back to top |
